The album cover is a visual of anger, much of it stemming from the oppressive nature of capitalism of black workers and youth.
They stand over a white judge with a gavel in his right hand (ironically) with X marks on his eyes. The cover art is of black men and children who have stormed the white house lawn holding bundles of cash. Like Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, To Pimp a Butterfly is seamless tapestry of songs and skits that makes it a classic concept album for this generation telling a story life and struggle. Asked about PTSD rates in inner city youth being 30 percent higher than in soldiers, Kendrick responded “that’s real.” Understanding the reality of a large segment of black America, the realness of his album begins with the visuals of his album cover. This dissection incorporates the anger of black youth placed within the context of the BLM Movement. Released over a year ago, To Pimp a Butterfly hearkens back to the legendary work of Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye, and Curtis Mayfield – the greats of 70s protest soul – flowing through Kendrick Lamar’s restless dissection of modern America. Allowing no emotion to be untouched, the importance of such connections reaches to the core of the working classes especially youth people of color, many of whom vibe for vibes sake or actually dig the message.Īmong one of the most visible on the scene is Kendrick Lamar. Such examples highlight the fusion of art and protest. Alternative mainstream hip-hop artists like, Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, and Killer Mike are among those making a case through some of their protest songs. During social movements of the past like the Civil Rights movement or Anti-Vietnam War movement, Black Lives Matter is now on the spotlight demanding to be heard utilizing the arts and songs within the movement to provide a message. This expressive nature has been steady throughout history to the current day. The horrors of capitalism and its oppressive nature always have forced the working class, poor, and youth to seek ways to vent their rage and seek liberation. The imaginative expression of art has always been a tool of the working class. His rise is revitalizing conscious rap and hip-hop in the midst of greater protest and struggle against neoliberal capitalism. Let’s examine the significance of To Pimp a Butterfly.
This official recognition from the Grammy’s is cementing Lamar’s cultural, artistic, social, and political influence on mainstream music. In the aftermath of the rebellions in Ferguson, Baltimore, Chicago and beyond, Lamar’s performance was an inspiration and immediately provoked widespread media debate. Lamar’s stunning performance at the Grammys was a powerful political statement against the racist criminal justice system, and a celebration of Black Lives and the new black freedom struggle. Lamar and his back-up performers entered the stage dressed as prisoners in chains, and ended his performance with a silhouette of Africa, with Lamar’s hometown of “Compton” inscribed on the image. He was nominated for more Grammys than any other artist, winning five including, including Rap Album of Year for his groundbreaking To Pimp a Butterfly. It’s something that people live by - your words.”Īt the 58th annual Grammy awards, Kendrick Lamar loomed larger than life. “When it’s outside of the concerts, then you know it’s a little bit more deep-rooted than just a song. “ I’d go in certain parts of the world, and they were singing it in the streets,” he said of “Alright,” which became an unofficial anthem for the movement.