Kendrick Lamar’s Jazz Funk Masterpiece | TPAB Analysis

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
  • From the music, to the lyrics, to the overall story, let's break down Kendrick's "To Pimp a Butterfly"
    Watch the full extended edit that's 5 mins longer by becoming a DTG member at / diggingthegreats
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    __________________________________
    Topics Covered
    Kendrick Lamar
    To Pimp a Butterfly
    Analysis
    Breakdown
    Samples
    Lyrics
    Story
    Explained
    Wesley's Theory
    For Free
    King Kunta
    Institutionalized
    These Walls
    u
    Alright
    For Sale
    #kendricklamar #topimpabutterfly #hiphop

КОМЕНТАРІ • 465

  • @ColdDiva
    @ColdDiva 21 день тому +432

    When my mom was ailing, a couple of years before she passed she would request “Alright”, in the hospital to get her through….Love you Ma.🕊️

  • @zicon4
    @zicon4 21 день тому +436

    7 minutes in and we're still just in the first verse of the first song lmao, just shows how incredibly dense this album is

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  21 день тому +42

      It’s insane 🤯 just wait for the end, there’s more 😳

    • @billyalarie929
      @billyalarie929 21 день тому +19

      There’s a reason dude won a fucking Pulitzer

    • @chinortega3
      @chinortega3 21 день тому +5

      ​@@diggingthegreats damn bro I was watching the time run out and we still had so much more to go lmfao

    • @thelawsonman
      @thelawsonman 20 днів тому +4

      @@billyalarie929 and he won it with DAMN. lmao, not even his best album.

    • @phallanglesia3677
      @phallanglesia3677 20 днів тому

      Can't wait for mortal men❤😢

  • @aggghgaabk
    @aggghgaabk 21 день тому +592

    Hope this really shows the older generation how truly great Kendrick is

    • @pastense
      @pastense 21 день тому +67

      The older generation WOULD get this if heard. It’s Kendrick’s own generation and younger that overlook this album. I pray they’ll realize it’s gravity later down the years.

    • @doctorfrankenmuppet7435
      @doctorfrankenmuppet7435 21 день тому +41

      I'm an old 90s hip hop head that stepped away from rap the past couple decades, and realized I've slept on Kendrick for far too long

    • @Kanyewestbiggestfan123
      @Kanyewestbiggestfan123 21 день тому +33

      @@pastensea lot of people write off any music released after a certain time period no matter how good it is. That is happening with the older generation

    • @Dilla4life
      @Dilla4life 21 день тому +9

      Some of us get it…just how nice Kendrick is

    • @aggghgaabk
      @aggghgaabk 21 день тому +2

      @@pastense exactly

  • @leoaguilar8684
    @leoaguilar8684 21 день тому +112

    David Bowie loved this album and it inspired him while making his last album

  • @killer3544
    @killer3544 21 день тому +97

    this is an s tier music channel. your musicianship, dj skills , music and video editing makes your analyses unparalleled

  • @teoigi3247
    @teoigi3247 20 днів тому +18

    And that's why K-dot takes years to work on an album. A true musical artist.

  • @olamideakinola7297
    @olamideakinola7297 20 днів тому +61

    TPAB was the new landmark for jazz/funk hip-hop.

    • @TTMPLMKR
      @TTMPLMKR 15 днів тому

      I think civilia demo by Isaiah rashad really was it. You can tell that Kendrick borrowed a few things for tpab

    • @realstory5818
      @realstory5818 13 днів тому

      @@TTMPLMKR and the low end theory

  • @peggytheveteran4968
    @peggytheveteran4968 21 день тому +46

    The story of How Much A Dollar Cost is truly genius. I hope someone makes that into a movie

  • @johndotcue
    @johndotcue 21 день тому +105

    as a younger teen I always wondered if we were ever going to get a great Jazz Rap album, like what Tribe Called Quest did. then this album came out. I fucking loved it all.
    Can’t wait for part 2, dawg!

    • @edwardsanders4853
      @edwardsanders4853 21 день тому +7

      Another amazing jazz rap album I'd really recommend is Care For Me by Saba, the production and the story it tells is so good!
      PROM / KING in particular is the penultimate track on the album and it's definitely one of the best rap songs I've ever heard

    • @RideTheSkies
      @RideTheSkies 19 днів тому +4

      Nujabes as well. He was a mostly jazz producer and his albums put on underground MC's with a message. Sad he died in that car accident 😪

    • @anobodytrynatelleverybody7535
      @anobodytrynatelleverybody7535 17 днів тому +2

      ​@edwardsanders4853 thank you for mentioning this. I definitely found his album and this beautiful song years ago and was obsessed but had almost forgotten about it! Im glad someone recognizes!! Saba is so slept on .... he kinda is the Chicago kendrick 😍😍😍.

    • @mrm9570
      @mrm9570 16 днів тому

      ​@@anobodytrynatelleverybody7535 I can see that!

    • @johndotcue
      @johndotcue 16 днів тому

      @@RideTheSkiesoh I love Nujabes, legendary producer imo. Dude literally created a subgenre haha. also his music helps me get through anxiety.

  • @SilverSurfer752
    @SilverSurfer752 21 день тому +112

    please never stop making videos they make me love music again and again.

    • @teoigi3247
      @teoigi3247 20 днів тому +1

      Couldn't have said it better. Still waiting on that Interstellar 5555 album by Daft Punk

    • @everettttt
      @everettttt 14 днів тому

      @@teoigi3247 he already made a video about Discovery, which is the soundtrack for Interstella 5555!

  • @daveSoupy
    @daveSoupy 21 день тому +34

    It's amazing how often I hear the Pharrell tag and forget that's him because it just fits the song every time.

  • @pierobattelli
    @pierobattelli 21 день тому +58

    Easily a top 5 hip hop album of all time. Might not be Kendrick’s best even, I personally prefer GKMC, but this album has so many layers, the production is immaculate and every single word has a meaning to it. Amazing record front to back and one that will live on for decades to come.

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  21 день тому +7

      It's truly astounding

    • @johndotcue
      @johndotcue 21 день тому +10

      I think this album is his greatest. but you can argue for both good kid and damn as his best easily. Kendrick just has a really strong discography.

    • @pangolinh
      @pangolinh 20 днів тому +8

      my favorite kendrick album is literally a three-way tie between GKMC TPAB and MMTBS 😭

    • @zionnewkirk4838
      @zionnewkirk4838 18 днів тому

      How'd you feel about DAMN? His fourth album?​@@pangolinh

    • @pangolinh
      @pangolinh 18 днів тому +1

      @@zionnewkirk4838 i liked it but i thought it was his weakest project

  • @Raucey
    @Raucey 21 день тому +16

    You really need to do a whole video dedicated to diving into Thundercat. Would be cool to get your perspective as a base player yourself.

  • @jan_kulawa
    @jan_kulawa 21 день тому +75

    TPAB is truly great and definitely deserves a two-parter Digging The Greats. thank you so much and stay real

  • @c0mplex_Ale
    @c0mplex_Ale 20 днів тому +21

    Kendrick is actually unbelievable, I've never seen anyone do what he does with music

    • @MajorG13
      @MajorG13 18 днів тому +1

      Andre 3000, a tribe called quest, bone thugs, 2pac, Dr. Dre, Nas… lots of elements.

    • @c0mplex_Ale
      @c0mplex_Ale 18 днів тому

      @@MajorG13no, they might be just as good, but the way Kendrick does hip hop is very different than these guys
      and Dre is not a rapper

    • @thefirsttrillionaire2925
      @thefirsttrillionaire2925 17 днів тому

      @@c0mplex_AleAndre was pretty abstract too

    • @christopherpederson1021
      @christopherpederson1021 13 днів тому

      Nobody has a world class studio at their disposal

  • @lairdhercules4553
    @lairdhercules4553 20 днів тому +12

    This album always felt like a spike lee movie in an album form. Similar soundtrack style and political themes and expression of a relatable black experience. Masterpiece.

  • @nicolesherman8974
    @nicolesherman8974 21 день тому +85

    It’s Digging the Greats, he loves Kendrick and he’s doing a deep dive on TPAB on this Friday morning 🔥🔥🔥.
    This albums turns 10 next year 🤯

  • @prod_by_je
    @prod_by_je 21 день тому +68

    i knew you'd finally break down TPAB, i've been waiting since your GKMC breakdown

  • @Becauseimme
    @Becauseimme 21 день тому +11

    The bass line on Wesley’s Theory brings tears to my eyes.

  • @tricky2k
    @tricky2k 15 днів тому +3

    Wesley's Theory is, imho, one of the strongest intro songs of any album I can remember. Only another song this strong comes to mind, Lost at Birth by Public Enemy

  • @--REGULAR--REGULAR
    @--REGULAR--REGULAR 21 день тому +13

    To pimp a butterfly got me into music not just hip hop. My all time favorite artist and album ever.

  • @JackPressesButtons8221
    @JackPressesButtons8221 21 день тому +11

    The beat switch in Institutionalized brings me life.

  • @aaroncrilly2005
    @aaroncrilly2005 21 день тому +19

    For me the fight between the greatest hip hop album of the 2010s is between this and Tribes Thank You for Your Service

  • @rickster4627
    @rickster4627 16 днів тому +5

    I saw the timestamp and immediately thought “there’s no way he’s gonna go thru the entire album in depth in half an hour” lmao I’m rlly glad ur taking ur time with this

  • @gameboy3d943
    @gameboy3d943 16 днів тому +2

    Crazy to think next year is the album's 10th anniversary.

  • @jahbrae
    @jahbrae 16 днів тому +2

    Listening to “U” was such an incredible song

  • @gabrieldukicchuks2058
    @gabrieldukicchuks2058 21 день тому +15

    Kendrick's best album. Good kid maad city is a close second

  • @macbeatDugg
    @macbeatDugg 20 днів тому +6

    Enjoyed this Album, but never fully appreciated it until seeing this video! Great Work.

  • @SadeWatkins
    @SadeWatkins 21 день тому +8

    Im 29
    and I JUST LISTENED
    T.P.A.B
    for the first time EVER about a week ago.
    So your Analysis
    is RESOUNDINGLY
    Right on Time !!!
    The Edits and Accreditations
    you did were also AMAZING !!!
    I Love Deep Dives into Music History like this.
    Thank You,
    and I'm Looking Forward to The Next Installment of this Video.

  • @gnarwhal7562
    @gnarwhal7562 21 день тому +9

    To this day, this is my favourite album of all time. The themes, lyrics, production, everything just hits with this record. I found the building of the poem throughout each track especially mind-blowing as well upon first listen. Just an all around masterpiece

  • @pastense
    @pastense 21 день тому +5

    Still remember the day I heard this album. The day it was released. I was driving and had to pull over after about the 3rd track because I really couldn’t believe what I was hearing!
    I was a classically trained pianist since age 7. Became a deep hip hop head throughout high school and got into the turntablism/battle DJ circuit. Then got back on the keys and now a full working musician. So when it comes to hip hop and music, my ears are keen af. Hearing TPAB for the first time was as if the a new messiah presented itself to me in music form! lol
    And what happens at the very end of the last track, Mortal Man gave me the biggest of chills! I wish there were a way to listen to this album with fresh ears all over again.

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  21 день тому +1

      Man the conclusion of this album is insane

    • @pastense
      @pastense 21 день тому +1

      @@diggingthegreats I was sitting in my car that day saying “BUT HOW?!??” lol

  • @MatjekaChaole
    @MatjekaChaole 18 днів тому +3

    No better channel than this in music schooling. The feel and narration is just amzing.

  • @MetalSonic420
    @MetalSonic420 21 день тому +7

    I knew a TPAB video would happen on this channel eventually. A perfect album, Kendrick Lamar's best, and the best album of the 2010s.

  • @trendingtrash1170
    @trendingtrash1170 20 днів тому +4

    Thank you for doing this album, i watched every video online regarding tpab, but you still added more information! Awesome breakdown!

  • @HugoAnton076
    @HugoAnton076 20 днів тому +4

    Have this album on vinyl and it never not gives me the same feeling I had when I first listened to it. Great video, loved it!

  • @BreadAccountant
    @BreadAccountant 21 день тому +8

    This is my favourite channel to see a new upload from

  • @olimar3426
    @olimar3426 21 день тому +5

    Just watched your GKMC analysis and now you suddenly upload this! 😂 Love the content!

  • @els1f
    @els1f 21 день тому +8

    One of the greatest works of art period 🙌🔥

  • @goldenazn2705
    @goldenazn2705 21 день тому +6

    Your video production, analysis, and just overall vibes are great! I love watching these videos! Been waiting for this video before watching any other analysis on TPAB, especially after watching your GKMC video

  • @KalebPeters99
    @KalebPeters99 20 днів тому +3

    Yess, I'm so glad you made this a two parter. About halfway through I was worried you were gonna have to speed through the rest of the album, but it really deserves to be given the time
    Still the best content on youtube, man, keep it up!! 🔥🔥🔥

  • @seanseresinhe921
    @seanseresinhe921 21 день тому +5

    Ive listened to this album probably 100 times, but this video has genuinely changed my perspective on this album, thank you so much for showing me this albim just gets better and better!

  • @clutchfilms7267
    @clutchfilms7267 20 днів тому +3

    so appreciative of how much effort you put into these videos! what a legend!

  • @giftcardoso2712
    @giftcardoso2712 21 день тому +3

    Man I love these series I can't wait for part 2. Keep up the good work man

  • @ULATAN.
    @ULATAN. 21 день тому +3

    Always start my Fridays with Diggin in the Greats 🙌🏽

  • @christianmopas4052
    @christianmopas4052 21 день тому +3

    for anyone wanting to go even deeper with this album, you gotta check out the Dissect podcast which spends like 12 hours over the course of 20-something episodes really picking it apart

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  21 день тому +2

      Yes! Cole breaks this down on an insane level 🔥 love Dissect

  • @HillelGuy
    @HillelGuy 20 днів тому +5

    Bro I want to tell you I have this project for school and I have to do a biography about a person I admire and admire his work and I chose Kendrick Lamar and your videos really really help me explain the complexity of the albums thank you so much you saved me fr❤

    • @HillelGuy
      @HillelGuy 20 днів тому +1

      I have watched the good kid maad city video about 100 times to analyze every song you really helped me a lot and now that this dropped I'm so thankful

  • @carsont4625
    @carsont4625 21 день тому +8

    Another banger from Digging the Greats

  • @VarianNash
    @VarianNash 21 день тому +6

    Man, you're making us wait til next week? 😂 This was a great analysis, though. I've listened to this album over and over again, and while I see a lot of what you say, there were some things I didn't before. And this is why I love watching your videos.

  • @VarianNash
    @VarianNash 21 день тому +5

    Man, this is my favorite album of his. All good, but a masterpiece is the only way to describe this.

  • @haveialigned
    @haveialigned 21 день тому +3

    So much has been said about this record over the years, but this breakdown is definitely worth the watch no matter how well you already know the story. Thanks for taking it on and explaining it so succinctly

  • @nic295i
    @nic295i 9 днів тому +1

    Your passion for music bleeds through these videos and are some of my favourite analytical pieces on this site! Keep up the great work 👊❤️

  • @fts1981
    @fts1981 17 днів тому +2

    Greatness tends to be born of simplicity. People feel like they have to explain everything Kendrick does. Take that as you will. Great breakdown as usual.

  • @AzureTheSky
    @AzureTheSky 7 днів тому

    God damn it, the butterfly wings with the song titles is some beautiful imagery. Just found the channel today and I have been binging all your content.
    Trully amazing.

  • @lukeyesudian6694
    @lukeyesudian6694 21 день тому +2

    love your videos and TPAB and Kendrick in general uses some fantastic sampling

  • @chrisfrancis7991
    @chrisfrancis7991 21 день тому +3

    Amazing video and I really appreciate you acknowledging g you don't have the necessary life experience to fully comment on the album... but from a musical standpoint, you are more than qualified to give your opinion and interpretation. Keep up the amazing work!

  • @yuppppooooiiiuyyy
    @yuppppooooiiiuyyy 20 днів тому +2

    Thanks for the amazing content Dig!!!

  • @jordyg6
    @jordyg6 13 днів тому

    I've been waiting for this breakdown analysis. Thank you, brotha. Thank you

  • @kclayhumble2146
    @kclayhumble2146 18 днів тому +2

    I remember many listeners of this album not being able to properly process how dope this album was. In my opinion it was like a West Coast OutKast album. Like if Andre 3000 and Big Boi were from the West Coast this is what it would’ve sounded like. Sonically a masterpiece. Lyrically you see why Kendrick is applauded as one of the 🐐 lyricist and artists of all-time!

  • @aaronencinas925
    @aaronencinas925 21 день тому +2

    Best channel ever. Will join your Patreon rn!!!!

  • @JohnM51982
    @JohnM51982 18 днів тому +2

    You give such deep thought to your videos and make listening to music a spiritual journey.

  • @oddwareect
    @oddwareect 21 день тому +4

    I commend you for the bravery of breaking down this masterpiece. It's something everybody wants to do but is too scared to do since the subject matter is so meaningful in different ways to each and every listener. Good job my friend, I'm sure your script must have gone through dozens of rewrites to get it as clear and concise as you got it.

  • @williamgeorge2580
    @williamgeorge2580 21 день тому +6

    It's definitely has one of the best pieces of album cover art of all time as well.

  • @Garrida
    @Garrida 21 день тому

    These videos always make my day. You’re the man

  • @DFRNT_Motorsports
    @DFRNT_Motorsports 21 день тому +1

    So many layers in the album. When the metaphors and themes have triple and quadruple entendres, you know it’ll be a classic worth replaying for many decades to come.

  • @skurgelockproductions
    @skurgelockproductions 18 днів тому +1

    Great channel!!! Keep up the great work

  • @inalesgwuuus5972
    @inalesgwuuus5972 17 днів тому +2

    “U” has to be my favorite song in the album.

  • @youngfrantz5109
    @youngfrantz5109 19 днів тому +1

    This is my favorite Kendrick album and highly underrated. When it came out, a lot of people were turned off by it because GKMC had a different vibe and then he came with this.
    People really slept on this album HARD!

  • @headhunter-minecraftedits8721
    @headhunter-minecraftedits8721 21 день тому +1

    Love this channel.

  • @distantcomets
    @distantcomets 17 днів тому +1

    This is an ambitious piece! Congrats! Looking forward to next week...

  • @waynesmiley2207
    @waynesmiley2207 20 днів тому +3

    Looking forward to the next installment!

  • @danwg3368
    @danwg3368 18 днів тому +2

    Another excellent video as always; I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for part 2.
    Side note, I'd never noticed until now that Kendrick mispronounces "gigantic" on "For Sale?". He switches up the G sounds, like "gijantic" lol

  • @leon_pp
    @leon_pp 21 день тому

    I've been waiting for this vid for years ♥

  • @malcolmbridges7304
    @malcolmbridges7304 День тому

    This is great you deserve more views!

  • @mayanikapepula6434
    @mayanikapepula6434 16 днів тому +1

    All kendricks albums are well crafted. Truly one of the best artists to ever do it

  • @oddwareect
    @oddwareect 21 день тому +2

    Part 2 Next week? you should have hit us Back to Back, I like that record

  • @user-kl2em2cx9w
    @user-kl2em2cx9w 15 днів тому +1

    The entire video i was thinking no way you can do justice in 30 mins 😂
    Great video btw !!

  • @bridgea44
    @bridgea44 18 днів тому +1

    Damn I love these breakdowns you’re doing. Can’t wait for DAMN. and Mr Morale

  • @despicableglowee5207
    @despicableglowee5207 21 день тому

    Really cool video. Looking forward for part 2

  • @juanbravo779
    @juanbravo779 7 днів тому

    Such a beautiful educational video! Thank you for the content

  • @robert_ravel
    @robert_ravel 21 день тому

    amazing video man! congrats and thank you!!!

  • @andremack1580
    @andremack1580 21 день тому +1

    I kind of find it coincidental that you made a video about Kendrick at this specific time 😂. Always love seeing these videos 👍🏽

    • @TheRatedOniChannel
      @TheRatedOniChannel 21 день тому

      Everyone that didn't listen to Kendrick is now going through his discography, even Mister Morale is getting attention and being studied, this is great for fans of the media.

  • @sheilernaranjoreyes2788
    @sheilernaranjoreyes2788 20 днів тому +3

    I liked it so I pressed liked and commented because youre awesome, hopefully i will be able to join patreon soon.

  • @fabian1587
    @fabian1587 20 днів тому +1

    Subcribed! great video. Thank you

  • @akiret3113
    @akiret3113 14 днів тому +1

    I always love to watch a master at his/her work. It's why I'm always down for KDot. You sir are also a master at your work. Kudos.

  • @ideac.
    @ideac. 21 день тому +1

    i know pretty much every word of this album yet i still find something new every time
    fantastic video

  • @jadiepie
    @jadiepie 20 днів тому

    Truly one of my favorite albums of all time! I remember listening to it for the first time back in 2015 and it INSTANTLY hit me right where I needed it. I think this is one of those albums that made me want to study and look into music on a deeper level, period. I’m glad so many people are going back and revisiting Kendrick’s albums recently and this video is a great place to start~Looking forward to the next installment 💕

  • @clstuff1
    @clstuff1 21 день тому

    Thanks for covering this album. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this album when it came out

  • @Somedroxy
    @Somedroxy 11 днів тому

    mortal man is one of my favorite closing tracks to an album ever, that interview bit with 2pac gave me a sense of motivation i haven’t had since freshman year, kendrick is an artist that transcends generational divides

  • @Specs3d__
    @Specs3d__ 21 день тому

    I love your videos. Thank you.

  • @adrianbyrne114
    @adrianbyrne114 19 днів тому

    fantastic vid, can't wait for part 2

  • @summertime_magic
    @summertime_magic 20 днів тому +2

    i love the video. tpab saved my life

  • @jedi5317
    @jedi5317 18 днів тому +1

    What a great video holy!!!

  • @michaelmahama
    @michaelmahama 2 дні тому

    As someone who tries to find more reason, ideas and explanation from this album after all these years i must admit, you are brought a lot more to the light especially Kendrick referencing the greats and Uncle Sam.
    Great stuff

  • @mrnd01
    @mrnd01 21 день тому

    Yes!!!! I’ve been hoping this would happen!!! Let’s GO

  • @ShawnWhiteMusic
    @ShawnWhiteMusic 17 днів тому +1

    One of my Favs

  • @BlumeBen
    @BlumeBen 21 день тому

    Can't wait 4 part #2, this was fantastic!

  • @theherbiebrown
    @theherbiebrown 20 днів тому +1

    I love this channel. I love this record. I have played this record A LOT since 2015. And I’m not done yet.

  • @Asura-pw6vo
    @Asura-pw6vo 19 днів тому

    I'll be waiting for the part 2. Amazing

  • @Boat_.
    @Boat_. 21 день тому

    These breakdowns are amazing

  • @markosclark
    @markosclark 21 день тому

    I’m not watching the Patreon version of this for sure! Cannot wait!