With Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, To Pimp A Butterfly, having been available to the public for a little over two weeks now, discussions on whether or not the Compton, California rapper’s album is a classic have begun to surface.
During a newly-released interview with XXLMag.com, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill offered his thoughts on whether or not To Pimp A Butterfly is a classic. The journalist, professor, and activist dubbed the album “a classic” and went on to explain what constitutes a classic work, in his opinion.
He also revealed that K-Dot’s latest work “shows the gap” between the TDE lyricist and fellow artist, Drake.
“Yes, I think this is a classic,” Dr. Hill said. “Yeah, I’m not confused about this one. And classic doesn’t mean that it’s not above critique. Albums can be classic and not perfect…So I’m not saying that this album is flawless; there’s a moment where I might be like, ‘Yeah, I don’t need to hear Willie Lynch,’ you know? But I think this is as good as hip-hop gets right now. I think it shows the gap between him and Drake as well. And I like Drake a lot. I didn’t used to, but I like Drake. I think Drake can rap his ass off. I think Drake makes amazing music and I think Drake has bars. But I’m talking the level of depth. You know what I mean? Like, [Kendrick is] almost a combination of the best of Drake and J. Cole in that sense. Kendrick, he has bars, he has depth, he has the musical sensibility to him but he just does something else with his music.”
Dr. Hill was also asked about his initial reaction to the album upon hearing it for the first time. He recalled being overwhelmed by the project and says he initially expected to be disappointed.
While concluding his statements on his initial reaction to To Pimp A Butterfly, the professor referred to the album as “the gold standard of rap.”
“I was overwhelmed by it,” he said. “I was overwhelmed. Because, you know, sophomore albums are tough. And even my favorite artists sometimes struggle with sophomore albums; the third one might be dope again but the sophomore album can be tough. And I thought good kid, m.A.A.d city was probably the best solo debut album I heard in over a decade. For me it was up there with Get Rich or Die Tryin’. It was first like that. So for me, I was like, ‘The second one can’t be better than this,’ and I was preparing myself to be disappointed. And then I listened to it. He just did something different. He did something I didn’t expect…I thought he expanded his sound, but in some ways he made an album for Black people, and I think there’s something beautiful in that…Kendrick, to me, positioned himself in this album as the Gold Standard of rap for his generation.”
For additional Kendrick Lamar coverage, watch the following DX Daily:
NO ITS NOT
Overrated, too much dick riders, no real opinion. On 90% of the tracks, he sound like a drunk cat. Sorry, but i don’t dig that retarded flow and by retarded, i don’t mean dope.
And i like Kendrick Lamar, so go hop on his dick.
Fucking hipster. You went full retard, never go full retard.
You’re probably 12, cause that’s a typical bullshit comment by some stupid kid.
Don’t you want to post some meme, tag a buddy or lol at me?
The only one who’s 12 is your hipster ass.
overrated album 9/16 good tracks
^ Your opinion.
So i’m a hipster, cause i have an opinion different than yours? You’re an idiot.
The debate and persuasion skills of the retards in this thread is outstanding.
Well, the track “Mortal Man” >>> many rappers whole catalogue.
This album put me to sleep! So disappointing. I get the message. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to decipher his lyrics. This album is more funk/ jazz than Hip Hop IMO and GKMC is my favorite album of all time but TPAB has no replay value.
100% agree at last somebody with a brain
Funny becaue none of you have brains.
believe you me ive a brain
I knew you were a pure lame when you said “this album is more funk/jazz than hiphop IMO” and those music genres influenced HipHop and are embedded throughout it’s history. the album don’t resonate in yo’ ears because you don’t have an idea what truly is the basis of what you “claim” to like and you can’t cover that up now, you spoke before you thought.
Haven’t heard the album but when you’re talkin that jazz/funk shit you’re actually implying this is getting back to some real authentic hip hop shit!!
definitely a classic. Do you guys really listen to the music??? and im not even gonna start on the whole “Black Music” shit and the message. The beats, the lyrics, the rhythm, sooooo perfectly executed!!!
BRAVO Kendrick!
this album is indeed overrated. just because he is kendrick, used instrumental beats and has some ‘depth’ in it people wanna call it classic or best album or whatever. foh. i agree with ‘Anonymous’ and ‘makaveli’.
So, this nigga’s album has the legendary George Clinton, Ron Isley and Pete Rock on it? Even gives Rapsody some shine, who’s only known amongst underground heads? Has Flying Lotus contribute a beat? And has a heavy funk and jazz influence all over it, which most mainstream rappers wouldn’t dare to cross over? Hardly any radio friendly singles? And manages to outsell GKMC’s first week? Kendrick has officially solidified himself in the game. You don’t have to like this album, but at least give this man some credit and respect. Go ahead, call me a dickrider or some other childish insult.
Completely agree with you. It took courage to take this direction with his second album. Love it or hate it, he deserves respect for creating an uncompromising piece of art.
Anything can be done with a buzz and a budget. I GUARANTEE that none if those names contributed FREE work purely out of love or appreciation. Maybe Rapsody because she’s trying to get her weight up. You are right mostly, but who cares. I say it’s a real classic when you play it at your child’s birth or on your deathbed. If you see yourself doing that, then by all means please deem as you wish.
Let me add some intellectual perspective to this message board:
1st–This is a guy with a Phd who wrote this article and giving his opinion so as much as us blacks like to hate on the highly educated; his opinion matters more than yours! (see your current job situation if you don’t believe me)
2nd–Kendricks commentary is that of a seasoned poet. It is complex, ironic, and most importantly addresses issues that other artist at that level wouldn’t dare touch because it’s like playing Russian roulette with your career.
3rd–If you don’t like it musically it’s just your opinion. We like Bob Marley, they love the Beatles, who’s to say one or the other is better than the other. I say that to convey that only the majority matters when judging music. Overwhelmingly enough people have given this the ‘stamp’ so let it go.
Finally–Kendrick has arguably had the greatest beginning to his career of any rapper. Pac was hit and miss with his first two projects. Hov failed on his soph album. (Snoop too) Nas missed the mark for a lot of people on his follow to illmatic. He basically stands with Big now as far as quality-of-content out the gate.
You’ve been educated.
You are welcome.
Go read a book and get off the damn computer!!!!!!
two things-
1- the title says a mix between drake an Jcole – GFTOH
how about a mix between kendrick and shit that was in his heart -period
and two –
Some of you niggas cant see history when its blasting you right in the fucking ears
You dont have to like it – im actually glad that some of yall dont –
lets have this chat again in ten years
This album is definitely overrated and over hyped. Kendrick’s voice alone makes it difficult to sit through some songs. Plus his delivery is choppy and robotic as hell. He’s got great lyrics but I find a lot of the instrumentals on the album do not compliment are suit his vocals.
Where’s all this hype for Lupe’s album? I see a lot of people with common sense saying his album is better, but DX is not shoving 4 or 5 Lupe articles a day down our throat.
Negro, please. If DX was covering Lupe this much, then you would be complaining about that too.
Not at all. There are other artists and albums that deserve some recognition. There’s more to hip hop than Kendrick Lamar which you and this site clearly don’t see.
You do realize that Kendrick ain’t the only rapper to get a ton of coverage on this site everytime he puts out something. Same thing happens to Drake, Kanye, Eminem, Jay Z, Lil Wayne, etc.
@ blackula
You couldn’t say it better.
This album put much space and distance between Kendrick and Drake. The public is well aware of who the poet is and who the more materialistic person is. The question is, which artist will stand the test of time? Which artist will have documentaries made on their albums? Books written on them? Classes taught on the depth of their lyrics? That is the type of artist that I would want to be (If I was a rapper). Eventually, Drake’s business acumen (Like Jay’s) will overshadow the music and that’s not necessarily a good thing. TPAB is beautifully written and put together. An important album for Negus throughout the world and those who want to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a Negus in America. Shalom.
you couldn’t have said it any better my friend.
I’m glad some of you don’t like this album. This album is not for everybody. When you are ready to broaden your musical mind, and listen to something else other than poor impersonation of Drake or trap sound then give this album a listen, you will love it.