The album was heavily inspired by Lamar’s trip to South Africa in 2014, where he visited historical sites such as Nelson Mandela’s jail cell, birthing recurring motifs like Apartheid, distinctions between African and American culture, or institutionalization, among many others. The leading singles from this album were the studio version of “i” and “The Blacker the Berry.” It was changed to ‘butterfly’ in order to symbolize Kendrick’s personal character growth and his overall resiliency following success within the music industry. In an interview with MTV, Kendrick explained that the working title for the album was ‘Tu Pimp a Caterpillar,’ which spells out ‘TuPAC’ when abbreviated. The poem is wrapped up on the final track, “Mortal Man,” where it is revealed that Kendrick was reading the poem to 2Pac all along. He’s been relatively quiet on the music scene since. Kendrick Lamar: That was probably the first rap album I remember them playing in the house from top to bottom. He’ll drop classic albums and just disappear for years outside of a steady stream of features. This album’s concept explores themes of self-love and hate, fame, depression, violence, race, and politics through a spoken-word poem that interweaves between songs, leading up to the climax. Kendrick Lamar has always been an enigma. Other noteworthy credits include vocals from Anna Wise, Bilal, George Clinton, James Fauntleroy, Rapsody, Ronald Isley of the The Isley Brothers, Snoop Dogg, and a posthumous appearance from 2Pac. In contrast to Lamar’s previous projects, TPAB took more heavily from jazz, soul, and funk influences, with such contributors as Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, and Flying Lotus providing instrumentation and production. The album was very well-received upon release, eventually earning nine Grammy nominations, and it has gone on to be hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It was released via Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope.
(2017), his three proper major-label albums, have displayed an unmatched mix of inventive wordplay and compelling. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), the Grammy-winning To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), and the Grammy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN. Top Dawg Entertainment CEO Anthony Tiffith teased. To Pimp a Butterfly is Kendrick Lamar’s second major label studio album, and third full-length project. After several years of development, Lamar hit his creative and chart-topping stride in the 2010s. It followed his critically-acclaimed 2012 debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city. Kendrick Lamar’s fourth and final major label studio album on Top Dawg Entertainment was presumed to release sometime between 20. It was released via Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. To Pimp a Butterfly is Kendrick Lamar’s second major label studio album, and third full-length project.