Album: To Pimp a Butterfly

Artist: Kendrick Lamar

Release date: March 15, 2015

If you’re looking for an album made of lyrics, this is for you. Kendrick Lamar’s newest album entails a lyrical masterpiece.

Now off the bat, I have to clarify that this is not my type of music. But after listening to it, I have heard of a lot of things that are good.

First off, the style of the rapper’s music has shifted to a bit of jazz, but still has his strong hip hop vibe.

Lamar used the album as a poetry outlet, which is apparent everywhere in the album. Take the title for example, which is a play on To Kill A Mockingbird. Kendrick wants this album to go down in history for black politics, and he strongly believes in its teachings years from now.

Though the controversial topic makes this a risky album, it’s bound to be a success. If it gets people thinking, it’s good material.

As for essential tracks, I’d throw songs like “u,” “i”, “How Much a Dollar Costs,” and “The Blacker the Berry” out.

I’d give this album a three out of five stars for music and a five out of five for lyrics, giving this album a solid four out of five stars.