Opening track of Kendrick Lamar's album To Pimp A Butterfly.
Described as complex, multi-faceted in themes and sounds.
Personal favorite of the author from the album.
Sonic Elements
Sets the tone for the album with funk and energy.
Excellent usage of sampling.
Features George Clinton, emphasizing funk's importance in the album.
Highlights African American pride and individualism.
Connects to Dr. Dre's use of funk samples in The Chronic.
Themes
Pride: Interwoven in the track and the album (also seen in the track "i").
Caterpillar/Butterfly Metaphor:
Central theme of the album title.
Explored further in "Mortal Man."
Focuses on examining personal exploitation by the music industry.
Lyrics Analysis
Introduction:
George Clinton introduces the album with a metaphor about personal exploitation and survival.
Encourages self-examination to identify exploitation by the music industry.
First Verse:
Reflects on Kendrick's pre-fame life.
Dr. Dre provides a reality check on maintaining relevance.
Second Verse:
Features a line from "Uncle Sam" about financial pitfalls (reference to Wesley Snipes).
Highlights themes of poor education and harsh living conditions impacting African Americans.
Critiques the American Dream as unattainable for many.
Important Lines
"And when you hit the White House do you, but remember you ain't pass economics in school; And everything you buy, taxes will deny, I'll Wesley Snipes your ass before 35."