Lecture on Kendrick Lamar: "To Pimp A Butterfly"

Key Points

Kendrick Lamar's Career
- Known for his ambitious and lyrically unique style.
- Rise above gang culture in Compton to become a major figure in music.
To Pimp A Butterfly
- Described as the greatest album of all time by some.
- Explores themes beyond its era, with an eye to the future.
- Uses jazz-influenced rap, saxophones, bass guitars, and synth keys.
- Critically acclaimed for its unique sound and deep narratives.

Born June 17, 1987, in Compton, California
- Parents moved from Chicago to escape gang culture.
- Compton was also gang-infested: Pyros and Crips.
- Witnessed first murder at age 5.
- Introduced to poetry and writings of Martin Luther King in school.
- Emphasized early life in gang-dominated society of Compton.

Introduce to music and poetry
- High interest in writing and poetry.
- Dabbled in gang life but continued working on his craft.
High School
- Met Dave Free (future president of Top Dog Entertainment).
- Released first mixtape at 16.
- Joined Top Dog Entertainment due to persistence and talent.

Section 80 (2011)
- Themes: racial strife, high drug tolerance, poverty, effects of biblical scripture.
- Explored young themes with an adult perspective.
Good Kid M.A.A.D. City (2012)
- Themes: Effects of gang culture, trying to rise above Compton's lifestyle.
- Story of Kendricks' adolescence, multiple interpretations of M.A.A.D.
To Pimp A Butterfly (2015)
- Main theme: The exploitation of black artists by the industry.
- Extensive use of jazz elements.
- Tracks like "Wesley's Theory,"