Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly - Full Explanation and Analysis

The full series is finally complete! To Pimp A Butterfly is one of the most intricately crafted, immaculate pieces of work i've ever experienced. The messages Kendrick touches on throughout the album are varied, deep, interesting and insightful. Despite the album initially appearing to be solely based on aspects revolved around the black community, there's also several other topics which get covered such as, self worth, addiction, fame, and religion. All of which I explain in this mammoth of a video, hope you enjoy!
Just an FYI: the random cut that's made at the start of for free is due to the copyright on the music video. Not much info is lost, I simply just give an introduction to the track and explain the role reversal of how women are typically the ones who are associated with being gold diggers and money focused, whereas in For Free? Kendrick looks at his own self worth, and puts a price on himself.
Wesley's Theory - 0:05
For Free? - 10:23
King Kunta - 18:20
Institutionalized - 28:58
These Walls - 37:00
u - 44:41
Alright - 53:02
For Sale? - 1:03:21
Momma - 1:12:35
Hood Politics - 1:26:51
How Much A Dollar Cost - 1:42:15
Complexion (A Zulu Love) - 1:57:30
The Blacker The Berry - 2:11:55
You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said) - 2:31:25
i - 2:48:22
Mortal Man - 3:13:19

[@MrZeeweee]

I think it tells how deep this album is that an analysis is 3 hours long with no filler.

[@lonesome3958]

Fr this analysis got not intro, no sponsor, no interlude nothin, just analyizing the album for what it is in a mere 3 hours 48 ninutes.

[@ripwednesdayadams]

I mean there’s literally college courses on Kendrick at multiple good schools on his impact on hip hop/rap and analysis of his music. He’s a genius for sure.

[@ybpriest]

@@lonesome3958i mean you could say that for a lot albums. Its a 16min album, you need to just talk 15min about one song to make it 4hours

[@lonesome3958]

@@ybpriest I think talking about a track for 15 minutes with as much... density (??) as this video is a lot harder than youd expect but idk Im no music critic

[@pow697]

0:05 Wesley's Theory 10:24 For Free? - Interlude 17:04 King Kunta 27:41 Institutionalized 35:43 These Walls 43:24 u 51:45 Alright 1:02:04 For Sale? - Interlude 1:11:18 Momma 1:25:33 Hood Politics 1:40:57 How Much A Dollar Costs 1:56:13 Complexion (A Zulu Love) 2:10:38 The Blacker The Berry 2:30:08 You Ain't Gotta Lie (Momma Said) 2:47:05 i 3:12:02 Mortal Man

[@Luna-ig2pl]

🐐

[@jeremiahklyde1327]

♥️

[@302manman6]

Thank you

[@jamesrob8552]

I wasn't a fan of kendrick or drake before this 2024 battle. I heard their music but i didn't listen to albums. This beef has made me start diving into Kendrick's catalog.

[@2ClutchCorey]

Enjoy & welcome to the big steppers (his fans + his closest ppl)

[@devenwaddell2273]

You gotta give Drakes catalog a try too. Don’t let the masses make you hate one or the other. They’re both great

[@Makaveli1038]

Drake is a great hit maker. That’s all.

[@djketchuponthebeat]

@@devenwaddell2273 THANK YOU

[@seanism2011]

@@devenwaddell2273fast food is temporary enjoyment. Nothing nutritious about Drakes music.

[@Itsorrvega]

I think the song “momma” is referring to Africa not Compton. “We been waiting for you” , “rap brought me back home”. Rap didn’t bring him back to Compton but gave him enough money to where he can finally see and go to “the motherland” hence the song being called momma.

[@kjornbensa3587]

i think it alternates / changes between both as there are lines he says that most likely refer to compton and others that most likely refer to africa

[@memeofyou0930]

I think it could be both because how could he magically go back to Compton from momma to hood politics

[@prod.youngsensai]

South Africa i think

[@averygotit0128]

At the of GKMC, Kendricks’s mom tells him when he becomes a famous rapper to visit and give back to his community(Compton)so, this song could be a continuation of him returning home

[@thePersonoyt]

Africa compton was a thing in the africa tour

[@gorila150]

I’m afraid for Kendrick now that the world is starting to realize how smart this dude really is .. he is different

[@michaelturley8222]

Yeah they’re definitely going to kill him for spreading the same message as mainstream media.

[@babyvroh365]

AFTER 2 WEEKS, I'VE FINALLY FINISHED THIS VIDEO. This album's story is a masterpiece made by an amazing artist, the deep messages, influence, topics, and the conclusion of the album is just absolutely stupendous; it's the first time I've ever heard an album like this and I swear we'll never see an album like this ever again. You've done a great job analyzing this piece of art and hope to see your Tyler the Creator content next 🙌

[@lukerman510]

Solid 8.8

[@morocuda2090]

@@lukerman510 Nah 10

[@cancelednmb]

😢😢😢😢😢

[@babyvroh365]

I'm a fucking nerd. In this one. I think it's a blessing that I read the explanation first before listening to the entire album because damn I wouldn't appreciate it if it wasn't for his explanation or what Kendrick does

[@SpeedyYG21]

@@morocuda2090

[@ElliotShulman]

Got a free trial of premium just so I can stream this in full all morning on my phone. Once again, the best Kendrick analysis on KZbin.

[@brysonwood1376]

kkkkkkokkkkkkookokkkkkkkkkokokkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkokkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[@tobyavila7069]

Genuinely one of the best, if not the best analysis I have ever seen on anything ever. MAJOR props to you dude. Keep it up the good work! ;)

[@urfatherty]

this is fantastic. you deserve sooo much more subs

[@Budgetgadgets2]

I'm actively sending people who're having the "big 3" debate this link. They can call me when Drake or J Cole have an album worth a 4 hour deep dive.

[@ItsNikolai]

No shit right?

[@cyclone6976]

The fact you can do this with his other albums too

[@lonesome3958]

​@@cyclone6976not with this density tho

[@niohhh]

@@lonesome3958 all his other albums still deeper than drake and cole's whole catalogue, his point stands

[@lonesome3958]

@@niohhh that wasnt what my comment was about. I simply stated that the rest of his catalouge isnt as complex as TPAB. I never mentioned Drake or Cole.

[@mosestih8634]

Amazing work man, you deserve your flowers. Still can't believe this album didn't win a Pulitzer but DAMN did...

[@Non-Legit]

He got it for damn cause they realized they should’ve given it for TPAB

[@imnotakingimnotagodiam..ab9455]

in my opinion DAMN has then same amount of depth as TPAB but TPAB is overall a better album

[@andrewilliams9699]

​@@Non-Legit.. That's what I was looking for ✌🏿✌🏿✌🏿

[@katharris1544]

I feel the same way. I think the album cover scared them… it was too black to explain😊 For me the Pulitzer was an apology for not being able to give it to him for TPAB!

[@FredTheSpider]

Damn is also a beautiful album, I don't think it was an apology

[@lenorahanna1543]

Correction: 40 Acres and a mule was PROMISED but never given to freed Slaves post Emancipation…

[@honestlydontknowwhatimdoin8405]

one note; the 40 acres and a mule were never actually enacted. like most things regarding reparations, it was a false promise

[@roxas_brook_skys_7063]

Those were actually given to the old slave owners instead of the enslaved.

[@nasyiahjohnson476]

Godammit bro

[@mej0berr]

might acually be the most informitive youtube video ever, near 4 hours of pure storytelling.

[@maytt7]

just got done lsitening to tpab for the 2nd time, and i am even more blown away the 2nd time than the first listen just the way the interview is done on mortal man is mindblowing and incredible i dont have any capacity or thoughtfulness to do that kdot the goat for me

[@TeethCollect]

I love how concise and to the point every part is lol you’re like “there’s no time for speculation we gotta get through this whole album 😤”

[@joshuafrye7680]

You truly are a genius man. I love your analysis vids. One of the best to do it out there on KZbin!!

[@thedotteboy8686]

You can never listen to this album the same after hearing this analysis, wonderfully done.🙌🏾

[@jeylike8988]

Thank you so much for your insightful analysis of this modern masterpiece. Was so captivated, finished it in one sit. Filled in quite a lot of gaps in my understanding, as the language barrier prevented me from fully grasping deeper levels of poetry, metaphors, wordplay and references. I really am grateful that I found your channel. Thank you again for your work

[@nate8415]

Kendrick is a genius and his work will be celebrated centuries after his death

[@ntandoshabangu201]

Thanks for all the hard work you've put into this. I can't wait for DAMN. explanation.

[@PetSymmetry]

Nah mate just finished the album for the first time and this view count is unacceptable, great video truly

[@IsaiahBerlanga]

I was watching a 30 minute video on the album then saw you're 3 hour video and knew I had to watch it. the first time I listened to it I knew I needed to go deeper more into the album what he means from it and what he wanted from it.

[@joaotgmendes]

you should have so many more likes bro. this is amazingly structured! i mean, i cant believe all this hard work and effort! what a masterpiece

[@mattatron5k]

This shit needs to get shared around asapp

[@ashlynstackhouse]

Your dedication for a video of this length is amazing, thank you

[@dr.melsupergrownsister]

As a result of the rap battle and Kendrick’s pop out concert, the KZbin algorithm sent your video my way and am I glad it did! Your deep dive of To Pimp A Butterfly was OUTSTANDING!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Thank you, I’m a subscriber now.👍🏽

[@TheGoodLifeStarterPack]

Same route for me!

[@sashaguy3722]

Really happy to see someone made a deep dive on this album. Nice work

[@quietmagic324]

Am I really about to sit here for 3 hours and watch this? Yes, yes I am

[@Itsjettondon05]

Every line has a meaning, that’s why he’s the best

[@BraydenSharp-kp5mm]

Ok I mind you, some people think drake is better than this.

[@219records]

Kendrick is being and keeping real. It’s unapologetically refreshing and honest. He offers not only a true story of his story, and for millions of others that connect with him, he offers a giant connection with others in the world whom, whether they knew or didn’t know, also connect with his message. It’s brilliant. It’s kind. It’s beautifully stunning and we thank him for it. Respect. ✌️

[@rx6399]

This lyrical analysis was amazing, seriously mad credits for putting this all together- but I can’t help but feel like you’ve done half of this album somewhat of a disservice by not picking up on some of the musical elements and motifs within this record. I feel like that side of the album deserves a lot more attention considering how beautifully produced the sound throughout this piece is. Not to take away from this absolute gem of an analysis though, just suggesting something. (Perhaps a musical analysis sometime in the future? Nah I’m kidding, you’ve already outdone yourself lol)

[@leandroabarca5645]

I have a friend who studies and is well versed in music theory and the intricacies of music. I am a writer and am very good at analyzing literature and things of the sort, so naturally we listened to the album together and explained each half of each song to each other to paint the full picture. Perhaps you know someone who could do the same? If not I'm sure there is a musical analysis somewhere on KZbin.

[@yallsold]

Its acc crazy how one line (52:50) can have so much meaning and links to the album

[@jonahspong9381]

bro holy shit. this is a work of art

[@SomeNorthProvKid]

This is amazingly put together. Great job!

[@marct2923]

That “sing about me” to “these wall” connection just blew my mind!!!

[@frozen566]

Literally my English hw 💀

[@ZiyadDyingtricycle]

No way💀

[@jay83]

5:50 i don't think you realise how heart warming it is to hear human errors in a world of AI voice-over youtube videos,, thanks for keeping it in and not editing it out

[@Mr.CoradoR]

Nice moment, “very real”

[@Richbarbie1]

How is this so relevant in 2024. Love this, thank you 🙏

[@azraeldeather9081]

Amazing job brother

[@brandonnicoletti8209]

24:24 god this aged well

[@a1axel738]

It really shows there is not competition for Kendrick. It actually makes me mad how other rappers are not willing to drop this amount of effort on any project. Makes Forrest Hill Drive sound so 2 dimensional

[@Kavycks]

This video is incredible and deserves so many more views holy shit

[@itumelengselolo126]

Can’t believe I am still learning new things about this album after 9 years

[@mashy2015]

this is an amazing video. this is my favorite album of all time.

[@bingobongo1932]

Nice video!

[@gardenview75mj7]

The brilliance of Kendrick Lamar.🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@adotechr]

Giving it more meaning than Kendrick ever wanted

[@qncyisdead]

(Old?) New Munt Chunk Check: ✔️ watching this beauty again with the second dose in lads, wish me luck

[@theplayerformerlyknownasmo3711]

This album means the world to me.

[@sadhvikkrishna2903]

This album paired with damn and mr morale gives this already deep album, a deeper meaning

[@rekishaprovost1243]

THANK YOU FOR THIS DEEP DIVE YOU HAVE DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB DIGGING INTO THE BLACK CULTURE IN EVERY WAY AKNOWELDGEABLE.AND IT MAKES KENDRICK EVEN MORE THEN KING OF HIPHOP BUT THE SPARKED BRAIN THAT 2PAC PREDICTED

[@BluEx22329]

I'm subbing just to respect the work

[@combodrop2058]

One day I’ll actually watch this video instead of waking up to it

[@tumeloseleke5307]

With no word spoken, I'm here for all 3 hours

[@pessimisticdiabetic717]

Why the hell does this only have 38k views 😭

[@drakecarlton]

Thank you, I learned a lot here! 👏

[@sabrinacamargo25]

amazing work!!!! congrats

[@gamakujira64e23]

2:17:59 I feel like the ‘button’ mentioned here could also be a euphemism for the trigger of a gun, which further symbolises the revolutionary/emancipatory violence he’s aiming at here

[@Domdex_D_20]

i’m not sure about this, and someone else has probably mentioned it but might be that 100 proof 48:11 also describes how he dually loves and hates himself and is in a state of mental distress because of his duality of feelings. My reasoning for this is that 100 proof is (50%) alcohol by volume or stated in another way 1/2, demonstrating his equally proportionate love and hate of his self; the the alcohol/ alcoholism reference inherently part of the “100 proof” line may be a way of expressing how this duality has caused him mental confusion alongside the extreme expression of many emotions while being mentally dull/ un-present like someone under the influence. But it may be instead be referring to a form of mental alcoholism, describing his unchanging detrimental and passive state of mind after attaining success or at-least how kendrick in the album views his character and his self at the time.

[@shayotijani]

If that part I king kunta where he said "screaming Annie are you okay?Annie, are you okay? " he was stating that he's a smooth criminal, slick, and all that getting away with crimes at 25 that sought of thing it has a deeper meaning tho

[@superslike]

cant believe this only have 400 views and you used 2 years on it. this should be illegal

[@bobgoutez]

This is gonna knock your socks off...

[@superslike]

@@bobgoutez dayummmm. video popped off

[@marthxd9514]

u deserve more views

[@mieszko4894]

great work man

[@olamideakinola7297]

Music schools should really study this album.

[@scraftyno1]

they do

[@olamideakinola7297]

@@scraftyno1Who if you mind me curiously asking? 🤔

[@scraftyno1]

@@olamideakinola7297 i dont know the name of the school but one of my friends is going to a music university in leeds and this album is in the curriculum or sumthin, id have to google what other schools study it but ive heard they do.

[@ofiryaffe8223]

Amazing video. I always wanted to get a better understanding of the lyrics, so as a thank you I'll donate a little more than dollar (now I know how much a dollar really cost).

[@lindacherry7242]

You are amazing….great interpretation 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥✊🏿💃🏿🍒

[@2gritty]

this is a masterpiece

[@EPMTUNES]

You are absolutely nuts.

[@annagardiner8351]

20:44 got to this part after the Drake beef and now we know what it’s about…

[@mauriciohermoza-suarez5166]

I think press means press not president. great video I listened to it at work it was smooth sailing all morning

[@BluEx22329]

Amazing

[@სერგია-თ9ი]

It’s good that you made one video out of many, but why did you take out parts when you made us listen to the lines? Copyright maybe? Anyways good job and thank you for breaking this down

[@MuntChunk]

I had copyright issues in the past with them taking down my king kunta video, meaning o had to reupload it. Wasn’t gonna risk it with this 4 hour beast hehe

[@სერგია-თ9ი]

@@MuntChunk oh that sucks, watching those 20 minute videos now, cuz you understand it better when you hear it. Great job tho! Looking forward to listening to DAMN’s full explanation

[@romeokoroma3341]

Can you please do 2pac’s 1995 classic album me against the world because he draws lyrical inspiration from his impending prison sentence, troubles with the police, and poverty then he intentionally tried to make the album more personal and reflective than his previous efforts.

[@camillaw-lk9gi]

Flowers to our supreme narrator 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@user-il6my9bq3d]

Wow this is beautiful

[@Kokolvlemon]

Got DAMN - yes, I’m back in literature class. 😇

[@neys2310]

best underatted video would let future son watch

[@legendinthemaking9861]

Momma refers to Africa, because in Verse 3 of that song, he speaks directly to an African child ("take a glimpse at your family's ancestor"). The following song "Hood Politics" starts with a phone call from someone in Compton who says Kendrick is on "some weirdo rap shit" with "skinny jeans and no socks", presumably poking fun at Kendrick's journey to and stay in Africa. This gets Kendrick (who's still in Africa) self-conscious, trying to justify his "A1 foundation" to this caller (and to himself), which plays out as the song Hood Politics itself. Once this interlude with this Compton caller is over, he resumes his main quest of self-discovery in Africa ("While my loved ones were fighting a continuous war back in the city, I was entering a new one"), which leads into "How Much A Dollar Cost".

[@jayks4977]

bad take

[@pavelkramer3470]

thank you brother

[@EvelynLogan-h2k]

Thanks for sharing this

[@Richbarbie1]

Please do an update on current/ recent rap beef. Please please please 🙏🏼

[@boat4205]

And people genuinely think drake is better💀

[@wara3422]

This is an amazing analysis good sht

[@LigmaBalls4]

Did he just use genius for the whole thing? Or did he actually analyze it?

[@kevintc-r7069]

1:01:08 I always had a feeling luci is a double entendre as it is lucifer but also Lucian from umg if kendrick met drake and talked about his experiance feeling jealousy at him then Lucian could've been trying to persuade him to sign to the label

[@Imsok._.]

I have a prediction The girl in "for free?" Is a grown up version of sherane from gkmc wanting Kendrick back after she finds out about his fame

[@wungus_]

you need more suns

[@andreal.salazar1660]

ROOTS by Alex Haley is not an 18th century novel. It was published in 1976. Great video though!

[@anshheta1411]

What an amazing explanation

[@Rryiac]

I’m convince that Lucy referred to Lucian Grainge as well Lucifer

[@anthonywillis3676]

Hold up I’m confused on line he say he talking about Uncle Sam but he clearly say Lucy as in Lucifer…

[@dennisbaning7358]

We want a "we don't trust you" break down

[@boomerthedingo2196]

"escaping jail" is a funny way of saying Not committing crimes

[@nadnaps1010]

Yo wtf. This some goated shit 🔥

[@dante224real1]

to butterfly a pimp tho.... now we're talking REMIX

[@rodrigoperez3955]

This album saved my life!

[@Velocity165]

best video on yt

[@JYYOUNGONE]

Even if the child thing wasn't true, i'm still proud of kendrick lamar regardless

[@YouCanCallMe-X]

Much appreciate it