i've seen people discuss these tracks as throwaways and i don't agree with that. to me, throwaways implies that these weren't meant for general consumption, but it's obvious that they are. i've seen people say that these are b-sides and i think that's pretty much it (kendrick's said that they are himself) but still slightly off. basically what i'm saying is that i don't think that the songs are directly connected to to pimp a butterfly's narrative, but are other songs existing in its environment. people were saying that they could easily trade in tracks from this project and put them on the album and that's ridiculous simply due to how the poem/spoken word piece is; it would have to be re-written for it to work. (now, these people may be thinking the same thing as me but not elaborating on their ideas but who knows.)

but on to the actual music of this collection of songs: we're getting straight artistry. there's more jazz and hip hop fusion, more catchphrases, more flows. the features he brings in are in sync with his mood, cee-lo being the standout one for me. i love how a simple chant of pimp pimp, hooray can unite otherwise distant tracks.

even in it's unmastered form, it's still more quality than most rappers' finished products. kendrick makes me excited when he speaks.

best tracks: 5, 6, 7, 8

score: 91

i've been A1 since day one, you niggas boo boo - hood politics

to pimp a butterfly is a hearty selection of cold cuts slapped with a generous helping of a groovy marinade cooked medium well, served on a black platter with a side of black eyed peas (for the soul). it's a dish best served, no modifier needed. from the appetizing beginning to the dessert prepared by 2pac himself, there's no way you could leave feeling like you were under fed. you might even feel bloated, almost sick to your stomach due to how rich it was and how quickly you devoured it. every punchline and bassline alike more delectable than the last. the garnish at the end of each track only prepared you for the next dish, fork and knife at attention ready to consume. it's effortless.

conventionally speaking, there's a lot to take in with this album, and it's up to you how you want to experience it. it is lyrically intriguing; there are times where you will laugh, wince, and feel inspired. it is musically rewarding; there's just something about the compositions that feel right at home but conversely from some far away planet, only accessible via mothership. certain things may click from the jump, others might kick in at halftime. it's all about who you are and what you've experienced combined with how you choose to experience the butterfly.

top 3 + bottom none: hood politics, alright, king kunta

score: 91

score: 93