Keywords
Social Justice
Document Type
Main Theme / Tema Central
Abstract
This paper explores and analyzes the extent to which Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album, To Pimp a Butterfly, is a profound examination of the contemporary socio-political scene within the United States of America. In the introduction, the topic of protest art is discussed, highlighting the album’s role in addressing America’s ongoing struggle with racial justice. A context surrounding Kendrick Lamar and the formation of the To Pimp a Butterfly album follows, which then sets the stage for a thorough analysis of the various lyrical, musical, and contextual elements that suggest this album is a deeper evaluation of socio-political issues in America. Following an analysis of these issues, this paper looks into how Lamar addresses these topics within America and the solutions he proposes through his music. Finally, this paper delves into the distinct poetry that is included in the album, serving not only as a means to encapsulate the content discussed in this paper, but also to review the album and its reflection of society as a whole.
Recommended Citation
Yee, Carson
(2026)
"Soundtrack of Struggle: Racial Injustice, Resistance, and Redemption in To Pimp a Butterfly,"
Culture, Society, and Praxis: Vol. 18:
No.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/csp/vol18/iss1/3