Did Denzel Curry Pimp a Butterfly? “Melt My Eyez, See Your Future” Review

[@TF-tn4ft]

I think you'll appreciate the title once you hear Denzel's reasoning for it. He discussed it in his interview with Fantano. Melting our eyes basically means lifting the veil or preconceived notions we had of society and ourselves. Instead of sugar-coating our existence and the world around us, we can gain a new perspective through learning. As a result, we finally sees things for what they are.

[@ToastUsername]

it gives that zatoichi video a lot of meaning, In order to face what is in front of denzel in the video, shown as a literal battle against someone who has lost their vision (Their veil has been lifted) he has to learn to look at it in a way he never has before by removing his own veil (Blindfolding himself), in turn getting a new perspective on what he is facing that he wouldn't have been able to see any other way

[@kianurobertson3858]

It’s worth a mention that Robert Glasper, one of the jazz geniuses behind the sound of TPAB is on the opening track, which instantly gives the album a sort of TPAB feel, but I think the doorway between hip hop and jazz has always been a very open one, even going back to Miles Davis in the 80’s, so I think it could be said that these elements are just a part of the ever deepening and ever flourishing relationship between both branches of music.

[@rubyrayne8]

Absolutely, there has been a strong jazz influence in hip hop. Off the top of the dome, Tribe Called Quest, Digital Planets, Gangstarr , guru and Jazzmataz, organize konfusion, De La, Common, roots … okay now I’m just making lists. But yes, it’s always been there. It’s just not always drawn on or in, probably depends on what music actual influences the specific artists.

[@30minorlessshortfilms4]

Something cool that I found out a few days ago: Robert Glasper went to high school 2 miles away from me. Also the same high school Travis Scott went to.

[@withnail-and-i]

I keep coming back to his amazing rendition of Rhinestone Cowboy with DOOM before he got bigger

[@kianurobertson3858]

@@30minorlessshortfilms4 Woa, that’s awesome!

[@kianurobertson3858]

@@withnail-and-i I didn’t know that existed! Thanks for the recommendation, it’s amazing

[@EWeis33]

great review, but HOW is this line in the last song not mentioned given your entire framing of the project? "Play the bad guy just to finish the race first 'Cause the last guy was nice, but he end up dying of thirst" this is a pretty clear reference to Kendrick imo fucking fantastic project

[@bigcheese9924]

Big K.R.I.T. pimped a butterfly with his 2017 masterpiece 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time

[@0Architectdude0]

my favorite album of all time

[@moeezmalik3666]

Yesssss

[@kyledamons4242]

That's a brilliant one. I could also name a couple other artist's I think have "pimped a butterfly". Namely: • Little Simz; • Quelle Chris; • McKinley Dixon; • Blu & Exile; • RTJ; • I think Ye has a couple times; • Cunnilynguists; • ATCQ; • Outkast; • Genesis Owusu too; • and Billy Woods. Just off the top. But that K.R.I.T album is up there for me personally...

[@ringer1324]

Such a great album. I don’t think Denzel Curry pimped a butterfly I think he pimped his eyes like he most of gotten paid a lot of money to melt his own eyes I don’t know why else he would do it.

[@jmasters7515]

It’s clear that Denzel was definitely inspired by TPAB. He stated that the cover for Imperial was paying Homage to the TPAB cover

[@lettersfromceejay.4]

id disagree

[@enriqueortiz5036]

@@lettersfromceejay.4 Now this, this is discourse

[@soundsystem4351]

King Geedorah was an alias of MF Doom. He released one album under that moniker in 2003 and it's pretty damn good. If you have a few minutes to spare I'd recommend the opening track Fazers.

[@withnail-and-i]

It's a good album, and a legitimate entry point into DOOM's discography, with a few great verses from him, and good to great verses from all the guests. Maybe that and Vaudeville Villain can be reviewed next year for their 20th anniversary!

[@binky8039]

it was also his alias when he was in the group Monsta Island Czars to fit the whole godzilla theme

[@adamditchey9394]

“Follow the light, the light is your guide”

[@shrimpscampin]

Strongly disagree that it's poorly titled. To each their own, but for me it piqued my interest cuz it's different then anything I'd heard, as far as Denzel's album titles go

[@slittywitty3498]

I didn't realize it was out, Your title made me immediately listen to it though and now I'm watching your review. I'm floored. I need time to digest it but hoo boy I got vibes of a masterwork. This year has been pretty great for music. Danny Brown is supposedly dropping soon as well too

[@Skewbs11]

I’d definitely recommend listening to Rapsody’s ‘Laila’s Wisdom’ if you want another great TPAB inspired album. A lot of the same creative minds and a very similar sonic palette makes it a great compliment to that movement in hip hop imo. Thanks again for the great analysis!

[@fromjahwluv]

Good album indeed

[@wiizxx]

She also topped that amazing album with Eve, Nina might be one of the greatest openers to a album I've heard

[@82499kdr]

Professor, your props are not useless. They are useful in gauging your level of love for something you care about and that’s awesome 😊

[@Pastorpresents]

Melt my (I’s) see Your future. Keep walking. 🙏🏾

[@ellingw1143]

I just went to his concert yesterday, I moshed my absolute brain out to an album which as you say, is slow but surprisingly hype. Absolutely loved it.

[@quadell8027]

As far as someone else making an album in a similar lane as TPAB, McKinley Dixon did do that last year with “For My Mama And Anyone Who Looks Like Her.” Granted, VERY underground artist (so I’m not expecting even those in the know hip-hop wise to know about it), but he did it and he did it very well.

[@mikhailborovkov4850]

Hell yes! Listened to this record like three times last year and then legit lost it and forgot about it lol. Thanks for the reminder haha, such a good album

[@poopymcpoop9945]

Eh it was a good album, but no "pimp a butterfly" . I would also say Denzel didn't "pimp a butterfly" either. Great album, and great transition.

[@seanjjpaul]

Love that album. It was all live instrumentals

[@soundsystem4351]

I first heard about that album from Dead End Hip Hop, it’s pretty good. However, I see more similarities with that sound and the Chicago scene of Noname, Saba, & Co. A lot of jazz influence but less on the funk side, I think- been a while since I listened to that one. Good mention though.

[@shayshayshayshayshayshayshay]

That album is INCREDIBLE I listened to it three times back to back the first day i heard it

[@maximilianhughes5219]

Personally, I would say there has been one other artists that "pimp a butterfly" and its little simz. 2021's "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" is one of my favourite projects ever and it reminds me a lot of TPAB.

[@Kenpachi4207]

Amazing album by Denzel. I think the best to date. And I’ve actually enjoyed everything he’s put out since imperial. Already my favorite of the year so far. And it gets better with more listens.

[@gobrien42]

Buzzy Lee also sings on a peggy song on all my heroes are cornballs

[@martinezjw1]

I used to listen to a lot of RVIDXR KLVN in the early 2010's....with which Denzel Curry originated Even though I'm from 716 and love my boom bap, love Griselda, I'm also a huge fan of early Memphis hip-hop (especially Triple Six Mafia), and Raider Klan filled that void.... The movement kinda split a bit and I went along with Schemaposse (JGRXXN, Lil Peep, Ghostemane and others) and Doom Shop (DJ Akoza, Freddie Dredd, etc.)...PHONK as SpaceGhostPurpp called it...but this direction was quite different to the direction that Denzel Curry, Chris Travis, Ethel Wulf, Bones went after the dissolution of Raider Klan....since Schema (and Doom Shop particularly) stayed true to that early Memphis horrorcore sound.... I didn't really pay attention to Denzel Curry again until maybe his Black Balloons song with Flying Lotus and then the more boom bap inspired stuff with Kenny Beats.... So I wasn't sure about this album, I skipped it when it came out on Friday but after watching Professor Skye's review on it, I listened to it.... Wow. Just wow....I've never quite heard anything like this in hip hop. It's like he took all the traditional and recent sounds of hip hop and elevated them and added his own twist to create something completely new. I'm going to listen to it again tonight, I'm certain this is one of those albums that is going to get greater and greater with each listen. Thanks again good Professor!!! Appreciate the recommendation and analysis as always!

[@McDudes]

Jazz is huge in Japanese hiphop you should check out any tracks produced by Nujabes, Uyama Hiroto, DJ Okawari and Nomak. Also in Sweden as well with Movits and Timbuktu

[@Chris-bh3xz]

Big fan of Nujabes. Wish he was better recognized

[@rubyrayne8]

I’ll have to check out Nujabes.

[@McDudes]

@@rubyrayne8 Nujabes music is greatness!

[@withnail-and-i]

Crazy that Nujabes and J Dilla were born on the exact same day

[@DustyGogoat]

We need a breakdown of the Star Wars Saga on May 4th!! Would love to hear your thoughts especially on the prequels and sequels

[@Aryeh487]

Gotta disagree with you on the title. Melt My Eyez See Your Future is an amazing title IMO. And the way it is used throughout the album is genius.

[@vincentbilodeau2467]

great review as always and thank u for not redoing the video, your banter with Toby at the end had me wheezing

[@FesNeedsNewShoes]

You know what the title of this album reminds me of, and only when I listened to "The IIIs" was I reminded of this, a track from "A Son Of The Sun," "Vision Eyes."

[@nicktudhope912]

I also think you need to redive into To Pimp A Butterfly, there are so many complex relationships between the songs themselves and the depth at which Kendrick address so many themes is unmatched. Nothing can really touch the level of perfection TPAB hit, I think it is easily the most introspective and self aware album in hip hop.

[@nochannelmusician769]

Yeah “it’s not the greatest hip hop album of all time” that’s fine. “There have been many albums that have matched or surpassed it in the last 6 years” that’s just insanity. I don’t want to take away from the great albums that have been released in the last 6 years but where among them is an album that surpasses TPAB?

[@achronos178]

I put Little Simz SIMBI in that TPAB lane. I think you would really enjoy Elzhi Zhigeist.

[@jordananderson9389]

Great review man. Wow

[@FesNeedsNewShoes]

second comment. Not technically a pimped a butterfly, but Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star is one of those albums that’s just unmatched imo.

[@alexhughesxz]

Great video. I always love your insight and Denzel Curry is one of my favourite contemporary artists.

[@joshuasites1008]

I don't think Denzel made an album on the scale and of the same depth as To Pimp a Butterfly even if it's a really good jazz-hop introspection and self portrait with aspects of the record containing profound universal truths. One point I will pretty strongly disagree with is Denzel coming to terms with his personal issues and in turn the wider array of social issues that fuel those problems. I think tracks like "u," "Momma," and "Blacker the Berry" deliver a much more potent and heavy emotional impact behind the dense rhythms and intricate lyricism that Kendrick puts behind these tracks. "u" is one of the most emotionally devastating and powerful hip-hop tracks of all time, where Kendrick displays his immense guilt and the suicidal/alcoholic tendencies behind him not being able to be there for those he claims he loves. This in turn ties into the entire theme of "survivor's guilt" laced throughout the entirety of the album which falls into the themes being institutionalized and systematic racism. In the track "Momma," Kendrick spits out his thoughts from the perspective of his newly famous self who hadn't been back to his neighborhood since his new found fame. He's incredibly honest with himself, shutting down his harmful verses towards the end of his verse and a second verse where he returns to where he was brought up. Which in turn ties back to Africa and even more survivor guilt alongside the endless cycle of becoming institutionalized. The Blacker the Berry rips apart systemic racism, white on black violence due to pure hatred and bigotry, and black on black violence due to gang warfare. He takes a nationwide issue and pushes it fully onto himself, calling himself a hypocrit even though he wants to solve all of these problems. Throughout the latter half of the record, we find that Kendrick eventually does come to small bits of conclusions about this, since he is just a Mortal Man. Personally I really enjoy this Denzel Curry album, but I don't think it's as focused, lyrically dense, or instrumentally interesting as TPAB if we're fully comparing these records. Even if I enjoy the new Denzel record, I'm not so sure if its comparable to such an all-encompassing record. Even if individual tracks intertwine and tie into one another pretty well. There are more tracks I could mention that tie into the overall concepts of greed, racism, guilt (survivor's guilt), and even more thoughts that explore the human experience even more. For example tracks like "These Walls" and "How Much a Dollar Cost?" weave dense metaphors into nuanced storytelling that presents a brilliant picture of Kendrick doing sincerely negative things but being totally honest and frank about it. He wrestles with these negative scenarios and comes to find himself at fault even if initially he thought he was in the right. I think TPAB is a record that allows for the listener to experience the growth and development of a black man or woman in a systematically racist world, as well as come to grips with the anger, guilt, and sorrow that may become of his/her experiences. I didn't find THAT level of depth and that level of lyrical self-acceptance on the new Denzel album, as good as it was. Maybe I'm missing something with this record since it's so new and I've only listened to it maybe 7 or 8 times, but I don't know. Also I'm not huge on comparisons, but I guess I felt strongly enough to compare these records haha! But this is still a great video Skye, keep up the good work!

[@devangshukla7037]

I agree, tbh. And no album really needs to be TPAB either, Melt my eyez is a banger

[@xfreaks8017]

You made some good points right there

[@lachlantula]

professor, i implore you to check out avantdale bowling club's self-titled record. there's a strong tpab influence on there but it's very much it's own thing - i think you'll love it.

[@NoOriginalNameXD]

+

[@rubyrayne8]

Regarding title, I like it. I read Melt My Eyez is a metaphor for one’s tendency to avoid looking/facing difficult topics and Se Your Future is putting your last behind you. Maybe: Melt My Future Eyes; Melt my Eyez, Melt My Future, See Your Future. I think he could have went with just: Melt My Eyez

[@veniceismine1]

Ah, I see what you mean. TPAB has a new meaning for me. I think there are a few different TPAB like moments. You should check out Danny Brown’s “Atrocity Exhibition”. I will also say billy woods Hiding Places. But more so Danny Brown.

[@progamer9856]

Zel just woke up one day with Lisa Simpson's hair and dropped another classic.

[@rubyowl1323]

Great review man, really enjoyed it!

[@zackselbeep]

Have you listened to Red Burns by Standing On The Corner? One of my all time favorites.

[@Jack-qv9wk]

that album is so fucking cool

[@aiden359]

This and Slauson Malones projects

[@zackselbeep]

​@@aiden359 YES. i hate when people say cheesy ass stuff like this but a quiet farwell is incredible and really doesnt sound like anything else ive ever experienced

[@fromjahwluv]

Sotc is so hard

[@ericgeneric135]

This album will definitely be my album of the year. Great review!

[@thaigo_tigas_tigo]

funny thing that I was listening to TPAB after I downladed the Denzel album for listen later, but I guess listening an album after Prof talks about it just make it better.

[@cipherlight7522]

"All John Waynes are bastards." This may be true. However, I'm fond of the rapper Jonwayne (different spelling, so it's okay!), and I encourage people to look up his last album, a frank, introspective record called Rap Album Two. That's also his most recent album… back in 2017… so maybe the professor will never have occasion to revisit this statement.

[@lettersfromceejay.4]

both this album and TPAB are similarlly robert glaspier influenced but they are both completely different albums

[@whereisawesomeness]

Unrelated, but Sweaty Record Review #59 is in the Hip-Hop/Rap Reviews playlist twice in a row, figured I should let you know

[@shotputndisc]

Love this album so much!!!

[@nullcase404]

Well...Lupe Fiasco's DROGAS Exists

[@TriA...]

There gon be a sequel of this w/ dat Peggy and Danny Brown album...

[@jaysanq1197]

Hi prof, is there a review for TPAB that I can’t find? If not I’m ready for a 3 hour banger

[@heavyforsmash7095]

Lupe Fiasco's Tetsuo and Youth definitely falls into your categories for "pimping a butterfly", I would recommend you give it a listen!

[@jlgrave2010]

Listen to Karriem Riggins' 2012 record, Alone Together. The sampling, looping, and musicianship is top notch. I highly recommend it!!!!!!!! 🙏🙏🙏 Who else has listened to Alone Together?

[@joshuasites1008]

I love that record so much, I'm glad someone else likes it as much as I do!

[@thevinyltruffle]

Upon first listen, I was disappointed. I guess just because I have been waiting for years for an album to drop. After a few more listens, it really grew on me.

[@DustyGogoat]

Melt my eyes, see what I’ve seen, See your future

[@0Architectdude0]

Sanjuro was also my favorite song. You gotta check out some of 454's work (late night and facetime especially)

[@jeffpereira4767]

If you think Stakes is High is jazzy, what are your thoughts on Bahloone Mindstate?

[@kida0023]

This album reminded me of Sach and Omid’s 5th Ave

[@turtlesand12]

You should check out 454's solo stuff, Late Night is one of the best songs from the past few years imo

[@zents1989]

I love your insite and overall way of reviewing this album but how can u keep bringing up TPAB comparison but not mentioning those lines on outro song where Zel is clearly hinting at Kendrick being silent for too long partly quoting lyrics from TPAB

[@thespearhole]

I personally think Boldy James & Sterling Toles come very close to that energy and feeling of TPAB on Manger On McNichols. If you haven’t heard it, please do.

[@rubyrayne8]

Oh I loved that album! I don’t get that same TPAB feel though. But ohhhh such a good album.

[@cmoss132]

I love this channel

[@BonesWasTaken11]

thoughts on the new batman movie?

[@firezera]

best batman movie ever

[@nicktudhope912]

I'd say there's a number of albums that achieve similar levels of cohesive "album like' feelings, rather than a collection of songs in rap, I'd throw some rap songs by Earl (ironically), which I also think is an essential album to understand the crossroads of underground and mainstream artistry in hip hop, considering earl's fame at the time of release and the perception of that album, I don't think this album is allowed the success it has without SRS. I think Drogas Wave by Lupe Fiasco, Veteran by JPEGMAFIA, and Black Up by Shabazz Places all fulfill this criteria too.

[@justinorozco8911]

Thanks dad

[@nimaxx]

great analysis, but i disagree on one small topic: i think the album title is great because its more an absurd sentence than a one-liner-title.

[@IndieMerchantSam]

I would recommend checking out Care for me by Saba. He "pimped a butterfly" on that album imo

[@Leelaisolomon]

While Denzel had some political comments on this album and its very common in the sub genre of rap, he did it very well and was very modern. He comments on social media, the government, and validation with many other comments. The best songs on this album however good they are never they never pushed the listener to the limit and just kept it very safe. However the album sounded good and well crafted so it not that much of an issue if it doesn’t push the limit. Overall this album was cool and would recommend.

[@ButterzPapi]

melt my eyez is what tbap is to kendrick fans

[@thevinyltruffle]

I guess by now, you know you need to gig into Taboo.

[@wiizxx]

Mental is top 3 on the album imo

[@trashweasel5124]

7:40

[@theblackjacobin3974]

Two albums you should check out that are heavily influenced by tpab are joey badass all amerikkkan badass and rapsody laila wisdom

[@damongarcia6499]

React to mozzy I ain’t perfect and straight to 4th he’s from Sacramento and he’s hella underrated 🔥🔥

[@Madio0]

What a title haha

[@redfission5536]

You should listen to kaycyys most recent project it’s short but is one of the most creative and unique projects I’ve heard in a long time.

[@jakmak94]

Idk I don understand the rules

[@gageminnows441]

I prefer this way more than to pimp a butterfly.

[@edenleeman5004]

Yeah, bro, I’m not even going to watch this album review if you have to put TPAB in the thumbnail.

[@firezera]

wdym by that

[@conron1830]

it's the title of the video, he has that in every thumbnail of his.

[@kale6232]

like your props

[@Frosk_Got_Scissors]

Jonwayne the rapper is very very good though, so there is at least one I’d say

[@AM-ec9qv]

Denzel did not pimp a butterfly. I see this album as a 7/10.

[@nonamenoface9487]

No but kinda

[@maxturner9205]

Great review for an amazing album! This and God Don't Make Mistakes are tied for my favorite album this year. This is kind of off-topic, but I have recently discovered your channel and I've been going through binging lots of your videos, and I am curious to know what you think of Nujabes? His album Modal Soul is definitely my favorite combination of jazz and hip hop influences.

[@omnp871]

r/hiphopcirclejerk

[@mesebasterisk]

This album aint that good tbh

[@leoansa536]

I’m unfollowing off the strength of this take c u later

[@Soul2spin]

I’m sure I’m on my own with this one.... but LOGIC knocked out his own “pimp a butterfly” in 2017 with his “Everybody” album. I heard a lot of Logic in this Denzel album actually.

[@AM-ec9qv]

You’re on your own with this one

[@phuncc]

where's the logic in this ratio

[@Steveanselm]

Ur videos are too long ... Plz try making them into 10-20 mins

[@ringer1324]

No