#lamare you genius

[m1dori-eyes]

ok what the fuck this is cool as hell, I know nothing about music and I never would have realized this, Not Like Us is doing some incredible music theory magic beyond my comprehension

[ramshacklerumble]

there’s something about floyd casually but purposefully name dropping that gets to me. like no it wasn’t on accident. also don’t question it because he’s not gonna give you an answer. (i like to imagine this happens literally the day before the original sophomore class’ graduation.) (i should figure out how to show how gia gets his earring at some point.)

BONUS:

(guest appearance from @tixdixl’s rené lamar)

BONUS BONUS:

(it’s funnier when you find out gia’s the one who often forgets text back and misses calls. that’s what you get for long distance dating a fucking part-evil genius, floyd.)

taglist:

@cyanide-latte @inmateofthemind @winterweary @thehollowwriter @jovieinramshackle @theleechyskrunkly

@skriblee-ksk @boopshoops @the-trinket-witch @twistedwonderlandshenanigans @kimikitti @felix-cant-ski

@nightwingshero @water-writings @beneathsakurashade @welcometomypersonalhell098 (dm to be added)

[juniperandroses]

TRANS FLAG AT THE HALFTIME SHOW TRANS FLAG AT THE HALFTIME SHOW GOD BLESS YOU KENDRICK LAMAR YOU BRILLIANT MOTHERFUCKER!! THAT WAS GENIUS CHOREOGRAPHY!!!

[sexygaywizard]

ok you have no obligation to explain this but if you’re willing to wtf is happening with drake and Kendrick Lamar??????? I’m so confused help

Kind of a lot to cover it's been one of the nastiest weeks in hip hop. Essentially Drake and Kendrick have been lowkey beefing for years, and when Drake & J. Cole dropped the track "First Person Shooter" where J Cole referred to the two of them + Kendrick as the big 3, Kendrick hopped on a track with Future & Metro Boomin called "Like That" and said "fuck the big 3, it's just big me" essentially that they're not on his level (which is true imo).

From there Drake released the diss "Push Ups" and an AI track using the voices of Tupac and Snoop called "Tailor Made Freestyle," Kendrick responded with "euphoria" a week later and "6:16 in LA," 4 days later (yesterday). Drake responded with "Family Matters" later that day and Kendrick dropped "meet the grahams" less than an hour later in response. Then Kendrick released another diss track this morning "Not Like Us."

Lot of music but the best way to catch up is listen to the tracks and follow along with the lyrics on Genius. Kendrick is burying Drake alive.

[centaur-dreaming]

A public execution

You know that the diss is fire when it trends on tumblr of all places

[firealder2005]

I honestly don’t post about any sports all that often. But this Super Bowl compelled me to write this.

Now, right out the gate I will tell you I am a KC Chiefs fan. I was born one. I am a third-generation fan, going back to my grandpa who picked them at 19 when they were a godawful team and barely televised through my mom’s childhood, because only the good teams were televised then — so if they could watch them, it was to watch them get POUNDED.

I got to watch them win a Super Bowl after a 50 year drought. It was an exhilarating feeling, especially since I was constantly picked on at school by a classmate because of my team (he would go out of his way to harass me whenever his team — Ravens, btw — beat the Chiefs. And he was blissfully quiet the whole day after).

I got to see them win another one two years ago, in the affectionately nicknamed Kelce Bowl because of the Kelce brothers playing against each other. That was a fun year.

And another one after that.

Am I all that cut up about them losing this year?

No. I am not. Because I know it’s just a game. The dudebros need to chill out fr.

But I also know that this year…it wasn’t quite just a game, either. There’s other forces at play.

I honestly had no idea that some of the major Chiefs players supported trump until today. Just before I started writing this, in fact. I didn’t know trump wanted them to win either.

There was a bad taste in my mouth when I found that out.

I don’t consider myself to be a fanatic fan. But I am a proud fan. Someone once called me a bandwagon and I got offended.

But. But.

I am not a fan of this. Of the support and cozying up to of fascism, racism, queerphobia, you name it. It boggles my mind too because there are Black players on the Chiefs, there are Black players who CARRY the NFL’s legacy on their backs, and to support the trump administration is to take away their support.

You know what I am a fan of?

The political message of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show.

I have never listened to any of Kendrick’s discography. I’ve never really been all that into hip hop or rap (my whiteness is showing I know).

Honestly, while I was watching, a lot of what was going on flew over my head. And I also had a hard time hearing the lyrics 🫣 again, not used to this genre of music 😅

But that’s what I thank tumblr for. Tumblr always has a way of bringing the unknown into the spotlight, and expanding my own knowledge on it.

I am very much not knowledgeable on the Black history surrounding Kendrick’s performance. But looking back, with a fresh set of eyes, what I do know and have put in effort to learn starts to be clear.

And I think it was genius. I think Kendrick Lamar’s performance is what saved this Super Bowl for me because I am vastly disappointed in my team right now, and still would have been even if they won.

I do not begrudge the Eagles their win. After all, this was a rematch 😜 Only fair you have your time to shine.

But in all seriousness, I think I prefer a loss to a win simply because I would not be able to enjoy that win knowing what I do now.

Besides. if it comes with the bonus of trump’s night being ruined? having to live with spending TAXPAYER MONEY (my money!!) to go and watch the game only to leave halfway through because Kendrick called him out? good. I can handle the sidelong taunts about the Chiefs and their bad decisions. I am mature enough to see that.

I am mature enough to see that an Eagles win, packed with Kendrick Lamar ripping the right a new one, is a win for us all — Chiefs fans included.

The next four years will be tough. But with such a spectacular performance? The trans flag? The Palestine and Sudan flag? Everything?

I think we have what we need to keep fighting. Kendrick, Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, all of these artists lending their voices to support those who will be grievously impacted by what comes next is so important, especially at events like the Grammies and the Super Bowl. It shows that people care.

It shows that we can always care.

It’s just a game, yeah. But now it’s so much more.

[teaspoontarot]

Mini Playlist From Your Beloved 🎶

This is a mini playlist straight from your beloved! Open up a see what’s inside. While focused on love there’s a little something for everyone.

These messages are meant to sweeten your day and be a teaspoon of fun! You will always know yourself and your situation the best, therefore everything written here is just to give you a little nudge!

💖 Teaspoon

Pile 1 ✨

You 🔮

Four of Cups - “Wanting anything except the nice thing you have”

Oracle Message

Now is the time to be straightforward with your desires. What is that you want? You desire? This applies to love and romance but to other aspects of your life. You may be a “go with the flow” type of person and mainly wish for things rather than ask. It seems like someone is waiting on you to address the elephant in the room? Will you? Conversations are always scary but this one at least could lead to a path that you could only ever dream. Open yourself up and be seen.

Them 💫

The Hermit - “Beware of self-inflicted loneliness: reach out”

Oracle Message -

They are in waiting/hiding. Hoping for someone to connect with or pull them away, a dreamer and someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. They’ve been vulnerable and fear what the consequences have done. There’s an energy of being left out in the cold, a grand gesture or a heartfelt one has been made and they are waiting. They see two paths ahead and hope you can join them for one.

Mini Playlist #1🎶

Perfume Genius - On The Floor

“Out the door

I pace, I run my mouth

I pray to change

I cross out his name on the page”

Remi Wolf- Wave

“You said you miss me but I swear I miss you more

My baby's gonna buy me a big boat for my birthday (My baby's gonna buy me)

But all I really wish that he would do is keep me company

(Keep me company)

Oh, God, I forgot, long distance, what a bitch

Listening to Timberlake without you, it doesn't scratch the same itch

My baby's gonna buy me a big boat for my birthday (My baby's gonna buy me)

But all I really wish he that would do is keep me company”

Caroline Polacheck - Doors

“You open the door

To another door, to another door

To another door, to another door

And I'm running through to you”

“Back in the city

I'm just another girl in a sweater

Back in the city

Everything's different when we're not together”

Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA - Luther 

“I can't lie

I trust you, I love you, I won't waste your time

I turn it off just so I can turn you on

I'ma make you say it loud

I'm not even trippin', I won't stress you out

I might even settle down for you, I'ma show you I'm a pro

I'ma take my time and turn it off”

Note: If you liked it feel free to leave a tip ✨

Pile 2 ✨

You 🔮

The Star, Five of Shells (Cups), Three of Candles (Wands), The Hanged One

“Is it so crazy to hope that your wish comes true? The trick is to recognize and appreciate when it does. Spread and share your love”

“There is no point in dwelling on previous actions as mistakes. See them as a turning point towards a new route”

“Stay determined to remain adventurous. Take your ideas for a walk.”

“Beware of an uncomfortable limbo. Of being stuck in a role”

Oracle Message -

Be bold and bright! A shining sun on the horizon bringing warmth from the coolness of night! Don’t shudder yourself away due to what somebody else has said. Even when you tone yourself down, you can’t help but shimmer. Those who see you for what you are will embrace the warmth, and those who can’t will simply be blinded. Take care of yourself and your magnificent joy.

Them 💫

Five of Feather (Swords) - “You can learn humbly from this again…Don’t bite off more than you can chew”

Oracle Message

Sweet and gentle and looking for their own truth. Something bubbling up that they can no longer contain. A smile and a jokester that wants to give you more. Not very good at vulnerability but wants to grow and build with you. They may not know exactly who they are yet but they do want to be with you. An open door and arms.

Mini Playlist #2 🎶

Robin McNamara- Lay A Little Lovin On Me

“Ever since we kissed that night

Ever since I held you tight

I just don't want nobody else

So put your lips on mine

Leave them there 'til the morning time

Lord don't leave me by myself”

Floweroflove - Breaking News

“It's such a headache how you got me in knots

How you're up in my thoughts

Sound like, "Bla-bla-bla-bla" (Bla, bla)

It's so dramatic how you're all that I've got

How you love me non-stop

And your hair is so hot”

Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen - “Like I Used To”

“Lighting one up like I used to

Dancing all alone like I used to

Giving it up like I used to

Falling in love like I used to

Open my heart like I used to

Making out long like I used to

Holding hands openly, rights to

Taking what's mine like I used to”

Remi Wolf -Toro

“We're waking up the people down the hall

You're a bull, and I can't help but saying, "Toro, toro"

And when they buzz me for the lobby call

I don't show 'cause I'm too busy saying, "Toro, toro"

The things we do are so deplorable, horrible

Yeah, I'm too busy saying, "Toro, toro"”

Note: If you liked it feel free to leave a tip ✨

Pile 3 ✨

You 🔮

Eight of Roses (Pentacles) - “A regular and reliable arrangement or resource: sometimes we just want someone who can comfortably deliver”

Oracle Message -

Bearing the weight of everyone’s pain on your shoulders. The ever mature and sturdy one. Locked into a position of authority that is unwanted. Looking for somewhere to rest and lay easy. Hard-working and talented but often overlooked for the more glamorous. As difficult as it is, take the time for you. However that shows up, ignore that text message, take that day off, go on that date. Your life is for you. You can only provide so much before you burn yourself alive.

Them 💫

Two of Shells (Cups), The Devil

“Mutuality, merging and a precious meeting of hearts. To the exclusion of others”

“Play! Does it feel good?Does that mean it’s good? Tailor your preferences to the perfect fit; find your own way”

Oracle Message -

Emotional and always open, nearly a complete opposite, but always on your side. Teary eyes and talking about their feelings but their house is always warm. They like things you can’t conceive but they love that it makes you laugh. Unwittingly glamorous and needy but still kind. My struggle with the practical of life but seem to have figured out how to enjoy it.

Mini Playlist #3 🎶

Elton John- Candle In The Wind

“And it seems to me you lived your life

Like a candle in the wind

Never knowing who to cling to

When the rain set in”

“Your candle burned out long before

Your legend ever did”

Steven universe - I Need A Little Change

“And it's a full-time job admiring

All the ways that you're inspiring

If I had my way, I'd do it all day

The only problem is it doesn't pay”

SZA - Ghost in the Machine

“I just wanna fuck, eat, sleep, love happy

Can you make me happy? Can you keep me happy?”

“Everybody wanna be beautiful, scared of the unusual

Scared of givin' mutual respect, all that you hate

You reflect all that godlike, you forget how to love somebody”

Beyonce- Bodyguard

Sometimes I hold you closer

Just to know you're real (Ah)

Tell me your problems (I got you)

I take how you feel (Mm, huh)

I show you an exit (Ah)

When you're restless I take the wheel”

“I could be your bodyguard

Please let me be your Kevlar (Huh)

Baby, let me be your lifeguard

Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA - Luther

“In this world, concrete flowers grow

Heartache, she only doin' what she know

Weekends, get it poppin' on the low

Better days comin' for sure

If this world were—

If it was up to me

I wouldn't give these nobodies no sympathy

I'd take away the pain, I'd give you everything

I just wanna see you win, wanna see

Note: If you liked it feel free to leave a tip ✨

Pile 4 ✨

You 🔮

The World, King of Roses (Pentacles), Three of Roses (Pentacles)

“What have you learned from your experience? Are you ready to start a new adventure?

“Feel satisfied with what you’ve achieved thus far, but hopefully it’s only the beginning”

“Being grounded is a good thing, but give yourself permission every now and then to break free and do something different” - Biddy Tarot

Oracle Message -

 A mind and a heart feeling conflicted. Feelings of a broken heart and a confused spirit. A path fought for and yet feeling like it hasn’t rewarded you. This is not the end but now is the time to let it be. Something has happened that feels like it can’t be walked back. Be honest and kind. This does not have to be a messy ending but a healing one.

Them 💫

The Empress, Knight of Roses (Pentacles), Eight of Feathers (Swords)

“Take time to allow the situation to develop”

“Don’t get so caught up in the routine that you lose sight of the adventure”

“Prior disappointments preventing present action…Unforeseen difficulties”

Oracle Message -

They are looking for a home. To be grounded and feel whole. They feel consumed by something or overwhelmed. Committed to a decision they didn’t realize would take so much. They want to provide and be honorable but they feel scared. Something isn’t clicking within them. There isn’t any malice involved but their actions still hurt. Miscommunication and missed opportunities.

Mini Playlist #4 🎶

Peter Brown - It’s True What They Say About Love

“Asking for more than they've given before in return

Growing as one is a lesson they promise to learn

And it's love that is found in the silent embrace

Close our eyes so the darkness will hold us in place

And they say love is lasting, time will never erase”

Kendrick Lamar & SZA - Gloria

“Said you gon' see other people if I didn't grow with you

Wasn't no more holdin' them pistols in front of stores with you

You want reality, not tragedy, for sure, I get you

To tell the truth, I been pretty used to what open-minded people do

In 2014, I went to Africa, baby, you was my passenger

My eyes and ears for all the years the neighborhood had baffled us

Of course I had to wrap it up, I didn't fully trust you

Fabrication, I disgust you, then you blocked me, I said, "Fuck you"”

Beach Bunny - Good Girls (Don’t Get Used)

“Say you miss me, say you wanna kiss me

I liked it better when you improvised the story we had

If you adore me, why do you ignore me?

I liked it better when you sent me "sorry" when I was sad

Stop saying, "It's my bad"

You're acting like your deadbeat dad

I know, you know you're better than that"

But you can't respond when you react”

Mitski - The Only Heartbreaker

“If you would just make one mistake

What a relief that would be

But I think for as long as we're together

I'll be the only heartbreaker”

“So I'll be the loser in this game

I'll be the bad guy in the play

I'll be the water main that's burst and flooding

You'll be by the window, only watch"

Note: If you liked it feel free to leave a tip ✨

[theinfinitedivides]

head in my hands Kendrick said he was going to double back like a deluxe. was scrolling through comments talking about how he might pull some 'in three days i will raise it up' shit and come back with a part two bc teaser song wasn't on the drop and there were two cars in said teaser video etc etc but i didn't get it until now................................ if he pulls that shit istfg i'm done. i'm doneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

A YEE NIGGA COULDN'T TRY ME IN THE TRI-STATE

[tvickiesims]

Orchard Trees Default Replacement

Yes, that's right! It's an orchard trees default replacement with separate bark and leaves textures for each tree, yay! 🌳

We teamed up with wonderful and genius @lamare-sims yet again and solved this puzzle. Thank you Lamare for finding a way to make my little dream come true 🥰

Apple tree comes in two versions (choose only one):

Compatible with Plantable orchard trees (you can already get compatible textures for growing trees in that post). My edit of Aysarth's crops goes well with it too.

Compressed, clearly labelled, picture included.

Download at SFS

[cleapallea]

𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪ASTRO OBSERVATION JOURNEY 𓆩ᥫ᭡𓆪

(Astrology list)

This is based on my own personal readings; if it doesn't align with your experiences, you are free to scroll. I just want to know and spread the message that we are not battling "this" fight alone. And I use astrology to understand my fellow human.

⊂⊃ Aside from being poor as an Aries moon child (and having strict, abandonment-relationship etc with my father or mother which doesn't even applied to me). It seems like being an Aries moon gals meant not to be close to other girls, or doesn't even have "close friends" like for example, Kendall Jenner.

⊂⊃ Most bad btch placements have their Lilith aspects in the big three. I don't want to feel proud, but I have to mention it since men see it as hot. LoL, these crzy guys.

⊂⊃ Those with Libra influence tend to be indecisive, like they are not sure about what they really want, whether they try to deal with it or avoid it.

⊂⊃ Speaking of air signs, I've noticed most of tthem takes picture in the sky or scenetic related.

⊂⊃ People born under heavy mercurial influence tend to speak faster than usual. Most of them r rappers for example Kendrick Lamar, Fetty, Wap, Doja Cat u can name them all!

⊂⊃ I've never seen a strong Aquarius influence that's not genius. They always think, and the way they think is often out of the box. Most people with strong Aquarius placement, especially if it's in their 1st, 3rd, or 5th house, are viewed as crazy or stupid. But dear, people are already aware of your intelligence; you don't have to worry about their thinking.

⊂⊃ Gemini rising or people with strong Gemini placements have the ability to charm others due to their cuteness, adaptability, and open-mindedness. It can be seen that they are somehow playboys or playgirls, but I swear most Geminis or air placements struggle to talk about feelings or emotions. That's why they can't blend with cancer rising, moon, or people with cancer placements in their natal chart (esp. if they are pure air signs in their birth chart).

NOTES: will correct all those misinterpretations without proper basis. 

I am also a Libra. And I hate the fact that most of so- called astrologists here saying that I/ (we, air signs) can't blend with others? That's a misconception about the signs. Saying we can't feel or something (when in fact, we were just struggling to talk about it.) Dear, we can't blend if the topic is feelings-related. You guys, if you're going to interpret and your interpretation r modern-astro basis then learn about psychology and literature first, because it has something to do with it. You all are just creating judgments with us.  We are air for Pete's sake.

Have you ever seen water without air? Earth without air? and fire without air? 

link (1) fire with air link

🍓𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗔 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲🍓

[ippipo]

l&ds boys as songs

xavier

snooze by sza

tip toe by hybs

are you bored yet? ft. clairo by wallows

stargazing by the neighbourhood

kingston by faye webster

melting by kali uchis

pretty boy by isabella larosa

luther by kendrick lamar, sza

moonlight by kali uchis

so high by doja cat

zayne

from the start by laufey

double take by dhruv

i don't understand but i luv u by seventeen

come back to me by rm

television / so far so good by rex orange county

snowman by sia

blue by yung kai

bad habit by steve lacy

boyfriend by ariana grande and social house

more than friends by aiden bisett

rafayel

art deco by lana del rey

lust for life by lana del rey and the weeknd

golden by jvke

love you like a love song by selena gomez and the scene

backyard boy by claire rosinkranz

remember when by wallows

babydoll by dominic fike

diet pepsi by addison rae

see you again by tyler, the creator and kali uchis

confident by justin bieber, chance the rapper

sylus

money power glory by lana del rey

earned it by the weeknd

knee socks by arctic monkeys

red lights by bang chan and hyunjin (skz)

genius by sia, diplo, labrinth, lsd

dangerous woman by ariana grande

million dollar man by lana del rey

die for you by the weeknd

bad girls like you by tobii

igloo by kiss of life

[incredibly-delirious-biznasty]

So now that I have an opportunity to scream about Kendrick Lamar’s Genius on Tumblr

Help yourself to this analytical essay I wrote in 2016 examining “To Pimp a Butterfly” and dissecting the stance that Kendrick is, by definition, a conscious rapper.

Shoutout to Drew Lindsay, the professor whose class I wrote this for. Also, please engage in lyrical analysis and music theory with me 🥺

Throughout his album To Pimp a Butterfly (TPaB), Kendrick Lamar is grappling with big issues of race and resentment. There are many layers to each song on the album and like any modern masterpiece, the true meaning lies below the surface and must be teased out. Many songs on TPaB come across as strictly fighting racism and helping along a powerful message in support of his roots. When digging deeper, we find that even the most overt black support anthems on the album have an argumentative element which questions Lamar’s roots and his thoughts on perceived racism. The conflict evident throughout the album is the incarnation of Kendrick’s personal struggle and reflects the conflict within the black community. TPaB’s message is not overtly positive or uplifting and is highly conflicted and therefore can not be classified as realist or conscious. At it’s core, To Pimp a Butterfly is not a conscious manifesto, telling the viewer exactly what to think, but a conversation about current racial issues that is not firmly positive or negative.

! “King Kunta” is the only track on the album that has a seemingly triumphant message all the way through; however this message takes on a sad note when put in the context of the rest of the album. When taken out of context, “King Kunta” comes across as a celebratory anthem, not only for Kendrick himself but for his homies and his people as well. The Lyrics, “Black man taking no losses” extends from his personal success to the triumph of a black art becoming the most popular music form in the mainstream. Even the title references the prolific slave “Kunta Kintae” who’s leg was

hacked for his “slights” against his white captors. Like a conscious track, it seems to have a clear surface meaning. However, as it happens over and over across the album, the traditional wholesome respectful themes of conscious rap are largely disregarded. The beat and production on this track are some of the most radio friendly and “trendy” on the album and the the first track to carry a piece of Kendrick’s Poem at the end. This seems to give “King Kunta” the high note before the gut punch of meaning. The message of “King Kunta” is predominantly “We made it guys,” but as the album progresses, we are made to beg the question “Made it where?”. As the next track on the record starts to deal with Kendrick’s old neighborhood and the clear negative points of contention start to reveal themselves, “King Kunta” becomes bleaker and more hollow in hindsight as the record progresses.

! “Institutionalized” compares Kendrick’s Compton neighborhood to a prison and starts to unpack conflicting feelings about the draw to his personal roots, and all the negatives that come with. As the preceding snippet of The Poem states “At fist you was conflicted,” it only makes sense that this theme rings throughout this song in many ways. There are many layers of conflict as well as many layers of persona in this track that should all be taken into account. Kendrick himself is “trapped in the ghetto” in more ways than one as he struggles to make a name for himself in the industry. Kendrick misses his home, but feels he can no longer relate to his old station after finding success; and yet he can never shake his ghetto roots and the baggage that comes with. There seem to be no positives left about Kendrick’s home and this displacement is furthered after he takes his homies to an award show and their first instinct is to steal from the celebrities around them. He so desperately wants to have a safe place in his

home when faced with the chaos and pressure of the music industry, but finds his home is now just as confining as the industry. As with most of the tracks on this record, Kendrick also acts as a surrogate for members of the black community to reflect common issues. The BET situation can easily be applied to any black kid who comes out of the ghetto and attempts to make something of themselves. The neighborhood and the attached stigmas follow any possible success and no matter how successful any one of these people gets, the inherent shame and conflict of their less successful or motivated peers and life station will always weigh on their minds. Throughout a predominantly conflicted and negative track, the chorus gives a single ray of hope through the mantra of “Shit don’t change unless you get up and wash your ass”.

! “Alright” uses a black stereotype to grapple with his personal struggle through life and compares it to the struggle of the black community as a whole. When we reach this track, the Poetic additions have reached “the evils of Lucy was all around me” and on the preceding track of “U” Kendrick and the album had hit their lowest point. As the track starts, a slew of new conflicts hits the table. Kendrick is facing his vices and the path he is headed down due to his fame and the influence of the music industry; comparing the game to “Lucy,” an incarnation of the devil in the form of a crafty woman. Again, he doubles as surrogate for the black community and the communal struggle, but fans out this connection to God. The “lawd lovin darkie” is a stereotype that Kendrick is playing on as a positive and embracing despite the pull against such topics in the mainstream rap industry. The voice of the track feels vastly positive; the bounce after the rock- bottom of “U”. However, “Alright” is nothing if not weighed down with struggle and sadness. The conflict of depression and hope clashes with every run of the chorus.

Lucy’s echo of Uncle Sam on “Wesley’s Theory” is a direct comparison of The Music Industry to Satan, a notion that Craig points out has been “a prominent, reoccurring theme [in music] for the past 30 years.”(Vigilant Citizen, 4). The bars have the same rhythm, but manage to hold their identity despite the change from 112 beats per minute(bpm) on “Wesley’s Theory” to the 56bpm of “Alright”. For a composition standpoint this is so impressive and Connor’s description of “...genius level record management in the tradition of Dr Dre”(Connor, 2) is not an exaggeration. The bpm change reflects Kendrick’s state in each song. “Wesley’s Theory” begins the album with a whirlwind ride to money and success with a fast beat and and a blasé attitude. By the echo, Kendrick has hit bottom and his life is crawling through the mud at a snails pace, prolonging his inner conflict and misery. “Alright” has the blurriest line between Kendrick as himself and Kendrick as the silhouette stand in for his people. Although the hook is positive and uplifting, the lyrics have weight and imply that Kendrick’s problems are also the problems of black individuals and the black community as a whole. The hook tells us that “We gon‘ be alright,” yet he describes his hope and his faith failing in times of deepest struggle, leaving the listener feeling (what a shock) conflicted.

! “The Blacker the Berry” is the summation of Kendrick’s struggle throughout the rest of the record; pitting racism against the existing problems perpetuated in the black community, resulting in an inconclusive conversation. This track is easily the most mind- bending and certainly the hard-hitting thesis of the record. Kendrick begins by claiming to be the “biggest hypocrite of 2015” in a mantra that gains weight as the song progresses. With the first verse confronting the white population and police brutality shattering the black community, the weight of the line “You made me a killer,” seems

obvious and, although striking, not extremely unique. As the track progresses, Kendrick accuses The Music Industry of making him a killer. Finally, Kendrick aims his accusations at his black brothers; gangbangers and thieves. If that wasn’t enough, the tracks introduction states “sometimes I get off watchin' you die in vain,” referring to his people. Although this could be the product of internalized racism, or Kendrick’s roots in the Blood/Crip war, nonetheless, it’s taking a stance that is not seen in conscious rap. Kendrick is facing that there is not one reason for violence or racism and therefore the problem can’t be fixed in any simple manner; certainly not one he holds the answer to. So who really made Kendrick a killer? Who made killers of any black man? As a representation, summation, and thesis of the rest of the album, Kendrick is having a conversation about where violence starts and presenting many possible options. They all repeat the same mantras, making them all equal and not singling any one out as more or less valid. In the end there is no clear resolution; just the statement of a problem and an intellectual presentation of thought. “The Blacker the Berry” states that many people and many groups are responsible for the perpetuation of racism, violence, and stereotypes, without attempting to “fix” the situation or even place blame as conscious rap is wont to do. When all of these things are called out, it is no longer about pointing a finger and starting a lynch mob. It becomes a critical reflection and the seed of a conversation. The running theme of the album persists as Kendrick becomes the echo of the black community and his inner conflicts become the conflicts within his community.

! As the album closes, Kendrick’s personal struggle is completely conveyed in a masterful comparison of himself to Tupac Shakur. His journey is not tied up in a neat

bow and the entirety of the album is left open-ended. We are not told explicitly “Kendrick will/will not meet the same end as Tupac,” but left to ponder and discuss. In the same way, we follow Kendrick’s reflection of the black community to its close without resolution. Many believe that “Underneath the tragedy and adversity, To Pimp a Butterfly is a celebration of the audacity to wake up each morning to try to be better, knowing it could all end in a second, for no reason at all,”(Jenkins, 3) and although that is a fair assessment of the album; trying to wrap up a record as complex and nuanced as To Pimp a Butterfly in a neat bow of optimism like that doesn’t do it any justice. TPaB would be nothing without its unending conflict and roller coaster of ups and downs. This blend of conflict and pain is our heart line direct to Kendrick’s soul as his confessional develops and our uniting point as a community under the problems he presents. As The World’s Busiest Music Nerd stated, “[Kendrick’s] not telling us what to think... [he’s] contradicting himself”(Fantano, 11:08). This inability to take a stand (among other explicit sexual and violent gangster themes) is ultimately what disqualifies To Pimp a Butterfly from the conscious spectrum. If the album was anything but what it is, we as the listener would not be able to discuss how we address the problems presented. The album would lose all intrigue and conversation if we were left with a solid resolution. To Pimp a Butterfly is a 78 minute conversation, to create a century’s conversation.

Sources Sited

Theneedledrop, and Anthony Fantano. "Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly ALBUM REVIEW." YouTube. YouTube, 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2016.

An in-depth analysis of the formal elements of “To Pimp a Butterfly”. A moment I found really compelling was just around 11:18 when Fantano talks about the conflicted nature of the album. Alludes to Kendrick making a conscious album, but pays very close attention to the music beneath the flows and how it compels the message. The rare 10/10.

Connor, Martin. "Kendrick Lamar: Rap Music Analysis." The Composer's Corner. Blogspot, 24 July 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2016.

Connor analyzes Lamar’s production unity despite multiple producers. He hails this foresight into record management as genius level: on par with Dr Dre’s production insight and Jay-Z’s ear for album unity. Connor goes on to compare the seeding of musical ideas across tracks to classical compositions. He uses the example of an echoing verse with identical musical rhythms; despite the bpm change across tracks (56bpm on “Alright” and 112bpm on “Wesley’s Theory”

Jenkins, Craig. "To Pimp a Butterfly." Kendrick Lamar: Album Review. Pitchfork Publications, 19 Mar. 2015. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.

“Underneath the tragedy and adversity, To Pimp a Butterfly is a celebration of the audacity to wake up each morning to try to be better, knowing it could all end in a second, for no reason at all.”

Business, Music. "Kendrick's Deeper Story." Vigilant Citizen. The Vigilant Citizen, 27 Nov. 2015. Web

[billiessillywife]

HI BABIES

since i’m really lovin this app and i have hella free time till i get back to university i wanna do a lil get to know me so that u guys can GET TO KNOW ME LMAO okay yeah!!! ENJOY MY LOVES

music

okay so first uppp i’m a huuuuuuuge music lover i love love music i literally have my airpods on 24/7

so my top artists

billie ofc my fav songs

male fantasy

halley’s comet

listen before i go

hostage ( js started listening to it)

literally all of hmhas cause it’s perfect

and everybody dies

YOU POWER and again all of happier than ever cause billie is a genius and js amazing

brent faiyaz / sonder

IM A HUUUGE RNB GIRLIE makes me feel like sexy masc ish😭

so my favs are

break you off sonder

one might only sonder

FAST SONDER ( this one is gold)

natural release brent ( so so good)

dsn brent ( this one too has this slow and backseat vibe pls listen to it )

poison brent

clouded brent

taylor swift

da queen i’ve grown to love her music i used to think it’s cringy but i acc love it

my favs are

lavender haze

gold rush

my tears ricochet

and all of folklore cause my heart is yearning💔

widest dreams and cruel summer ( they give me 2 teens in love romance movie i love it)

gracie abrams

my girl i love her sm

my favs

full machine ( been on repeat lately )

fault line

camden ( so good i cry everytime )

mess it up

us ft taylor

i miss you i’m sorry and i love you i’m sorry

stay

reneè rapp

our no media training queen

she’s so baby and i love her songs

my favs

in the kitchen

tattoos

dont tell my mum

i do

the wedding song

partynextdoor

again rnb masc vibe

my favs ( this a long one i love him)

west district

tbh

welcome to the party

sex on the beach

her way

east liberty

1942

joy

recognize ft drake

the news

savage anthem

many others literally i can’t name them all

now honorable mentions

2 am and miles sza so good

also her new album perfect

summer walker ( session 32 and playing games ft partynexdoor)

nobody but you ( jorja smith and sonder)

the zone and crew love ( drake and the weekend)

montreal , the party & the after party, wicked games ( the weekend)

let her go, prblms, pretty little fears ( 6lack)

kevin’s heart, she’s mine p1 and p2 ( best to listen together) , dejavu and wet dreamz ( jcole)

valentina , best part, loose, hold me down, death and taxes, get you , blessed and we find love daniel caesar

love you better, extra , puffin on zootiz ( future)

earned it ( the weeknd)

luther ( kendrick lamar and sza) also all the stars and pray for me

vibez, still got time , dusk till dawn, pillowtalk ( zayn)

mirror on the wall , my favorite part , the weekend

( mac miller)

onto movies

i’m a big rom com girly

i love interstellar ( watched it and couldn’t understand it then watched it again and i fell in love)

10 thing i hate about you

how to loose a guy 10 days

the wedding planner

i love horrors too

i love writing poems i try to do them sometimes i feel like my words dont make sense but i love it

i love reading too

i’m a psychology girl ( my major too)

i’m a huge introvert yet i yapp my ass off with the right people

i’m a soccer girl

OH and any adele song plus yebbas heart break ( drake) and TEMS ANY TEMS SONG ( found ft brent priceless)

AND YEAH GUYS

so this is my amazing get to know me

i love you guys

i might do a face reveal idk ( my overthinking gnna def eat my ass)

fine i’ll give it to u guys js cause i love you😏

[glossdebut]

hymns of yoongism

aqua's comprehensive playlist of worship music at the altar of min yoongi a.k.a. the dumbest thing i have ever posted maybe? inspired by conversations i had with @joonary about songs that remind me of yoongi for the most trivial reasons imaginable

01. suga suga | baby bash, frankie j

02. dogtooth | tyler, the creator

03. what's my name | rihanna ft. drake

04. genius | LSD

05. seduce | russ ft. capella grey & tamae

06. doves in the wind | sza ft. kendrick lamar

07. skin | mac miller

08. rah tah tah | tyler, the creator

09. too sweet | hozier

10. valentino | 24k goldn

11. bed chem | sabrina carpenter

12. guess | charli xcx ft. billie eilish

13. big poppa | the notorious B.I.G.

14. man of the year | ScHoolboy Q

15. sweet | brockhampton

16. she | tyler, the creator ft. frank ocean

17. like that | future, metro boomin, kendrick lamar

18. 死ぬのがいいわ | fujii kaze

19. summer bummer | lana del rey ft. a$ap rocky & playboi carti

20. tell your friends | the weeknd

21. starboy | the weeknd, daft punk

22. cherry | lana del rey

23. blue jeans | lana del rey

24. foldin clothes | j. cole

25. iv. sweatpants | childish gambino

26. alright | kendrick lamar

27. motley crew | post malone

28. gangsta | holly roze, j-sizzle

29. mamushi | megan thee stallion ft. yuki chiba

30. rules | doja cat

31. captain hook | megan thee stallion

32. sidewalks | the weeknd, kendrick lamar

33. love love love | epik high

34. so fresh, so clean | outkast

35. rapp snitch knishes | MF DOOM ft. mr. fantastik

36. sweet / i thought you wanted to dance | tyler, the creator ft. brent faiyaz & fana hues

37. love me | lil wayne, drake, future

38. mean | $NOT, flo milli

39. orange soda | baby keem

40. shoot my shot | IDK, offset

41. i know | big sean, jhené aiko

42. japanese denim | daniel caesar

43. ryd | steve lacy

44. all mine | brent faiyaz

45. groupie love | lana del rey ft. a$ap rocky

46. let me love you | ariana grande ft. lil wayne

47. crew | goldlink ft. brent faiyaz & shy glizzy

48. bodyguard | beyoncé

49. angostura | keshi

50. king's dead | jay rock, kendrick lamar, future, james blake

51. michael jordan | kendrick lamar, ScHoolboy Q

52. pose | yo gotti ft. lil uzi vert

53. balloon | tyler, the creator ft. doechii

54. thought i was dead | tyler, the creator ft. ScHoolboy Q & santigold

55. after midnight | chappell roan

56. ego | beyoncé

[tea-and-secrets]

i really want to enjoy rap music, but i feel almost incapable of it, or maybe like i need another ten years of deliberate research to do so properly. i like Kendrick Lamar - i watch a video of a bunch of people reacting to a new track and they LOVE it. they're pausing on lines i passed over entirely like they're top shelf bars and it makes me realize i actually have zero idea what they mean.

there was one that went "who you with? couple sergeants and lieutenants for the get-back" and this dude pauses on it and repeats it like it's heat and... is it? i have no idea. i have no clue what it means. like am i just plain dumb, is it a super clear reference to the drake beef? am i missing a mountain of rap context and black cultural context that would make sense of it? is every line a metaphor and I'm too autistic to get all but the surface-level ones? (it doesn't help that i also have audio processing issues and have to specifically focus on understanding all the words.)

i just looked on genius and that line doesn't have any annotations, so i still don't know what it means - not that relying on genius annotations is a good substitute for the immediate emotional connection that so many people have on a first listen. i don't want to be reading this stuff like shakespeare with footnotes when other people just get it immediately.

it's not ALL impenetrable - Kendrick has a fair few songs that i feel i understand all or most of, particularly stories like "how much a dollar cost" or "swimming pools". but it's at least 10% total mystery in every other song.

sorry if this seems whiny or something. i know it's not a huge deal but it's still a pain as far as I'm concerned.

[azems-familiar]

okay okay okay. fine. my interpretation of Ulic, obviously, which i personally think is pretty accurate if you get rid of some of the ridiculous shit that makes no sense the comics pulled, and extrapolated based on little things. anyway.

they're both gifted kids, you know. Ulic is given over to Arca when he's 11, this absolute powerhouse and prodigy. his mother believed herself incapable of training him, instead sending him to a master who scolded him for not developing the innate power of battle meditation; he resented her for it, and resented Arca, but never believed Arca was wrong. Revan, thirty years later, just as powerful in the Force, with the same martial bent as him, feared by Vrook Lamar and certain other masters she would resent for the rest of her life. picked up at twelve by Arren Kae, who only chose her because one day you will save the Republic, i've Seen it.

arrogant, both of them, even as the brightest of Jedi. Ulic knew his strength and believed he could handle anything - boasted about it, even. what were the Krath against his Jedi strength and righteousness? Revan had succeeded at everything she turned her mind to, and was certain she could outsmart Cassus Fett and win the war. what were the Mandalorians against her righteous anger and the Jedi's compassion?

(how long did a Jedi's compassion and righteousness last when loss came, when anger came, when a way to win that wasn't the right path presented itself?)

how often did Nomi Sunrider look at Alek and Qatya, Revan's most loyal friends, and see Cay? (see Tott, see herself?) Qatya, standing numb before the Jedi Council, a fresh scar across her face and her connection to the Force ripped away. Cay, bleeding out and crumpled on the ground, Ulic's lightsaber having carved through his chest.

a mask. an amulet. power, not of the mystic kind but of blade and charisma and tactical genius and an army loyal to the death. Ulic would have taken Coruscant had Aleema not betrayed him. thirty years later, Revan was six months out from conquering the Republic, Coruscant included, until Malak turned and shot her in the back.

Ulic was a prodigy. he proved it a hundred times over before the end. Revan saved the Republic, and then turned around and nearly destroyed it. both of them left shadows over the galaxy that would linger for generations. oh, they'll tell you Exar Kun masterminded the Great Sith War, and maybe they're right - from his hand was the dream of a new golden age birthed. but it was Ulic who led their armies, unmatched by any Republic tactician.

the same eyes in different people, time after time after time.

so yeah. sometimes i think about Ulic and Revan.