#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)

[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.

[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 ✨

[centaur-dreaming]

A public execution

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

[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🍓

[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

[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

[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

『 spotify link 』

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

[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.

[cinamun]

shuffle your favorite playlist and post the first five songs that come up. then copy/paste this ask to your favorite mutuals ♥️

So since the most epic rap battle of my lifetime began, I have dusted off TPAB and DAMN and was immediately reminded of the artistic genius/brilliance of these albums

So i'll give you my top 5 songs from DAMN and HIGHLY ENCOURAGE anyone who sees this to understand for yourselves why this deserved and won a pulitzer.

DAMN., by Kendrick Lamar Recording released on April 14, 2017, a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.

[inkher0]

I was so confused by that "MUSTARRRRD" post, but then I checked tiktok and remembered Kendrick Lamar dropped a new album. Listen ink you can't just say "he's a lyrical genius" and then the most popular clip from the album is him screaming mustard

NO YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT IS GENIUS. THERE'S LAYERS TO IT

Putting on my Music Nerd hat, a lot of the "random" sounds you hear rappers use have roots in beatboxing and old school, it's just a trend modern rappers are bringing back as they experiment with style and wordplay. Also Kenny just Be Like That, he's Weird

Like it's okay if you don't get it. But don't imply it's not "good" because you don't get it. If you reject something when you don't understand it, you'll never take the first step in learning. You should actually listen to the album instead of letting tiktok paint your impression of it.

[beautifulpersonpeach]

i remember you’re a Kendrick Lamar fan BPP. Are you following the beef with Drake? I have to confess i normally don’t listen to rap but i remember you love Kendrick and this beef has gotten even to my neck of the i-woods in a sense and it all seems a bit intense? Sorry if this is presumptuous but do you mind sharing your thoughts? Is Kendrick living up to your expectations or not?

p.s. I sent you another ask about the MHJ situation but I understand if you’d rather ignore it for now. Always hoping to read your thoughts.

***

Shit is getting kinda dark lol.

Usually, I’d be happy about this. I love Kendrick because if there’s one guy who will go there, it’s him. He’s one of the best rappers to ever walk this earth and that’s been my firm opinion since A.D.H.D on Section.80. His bars have triple and quadruple entendres layered in intervals in time with cadences not just in his own flow but also in the tracks he samples for the kill. In short, Kendrick is a genius. The problem is, he knows it, and his ego shows it. He’s a bit of a bully too tbh. By that I mean, he’s both cruel and efficient when he chooses a target. He’s hardly ever evenly matched and sometimes that makes him… careless.

Drake on the other hand, has a documented history of being just as egotistical, and while he’s dropped some solid bars too during this beef, it’s clear he’s a bit more… fragile. Reckless.

And that’s dangerous.

Kendrick’s carelessness paired with Drake’s recklessness is a match made in hell. It can only end badly unless by some divine intervention both men find a way to walk it all back and make peace. In this way, J.Cole appears to have escaped the worst of this by wisely bowing out of the fight early but things have gotten so dark that I don’t believe it’s clear that even he’s gone scott free, just yet.

Given I don’t want (and I hope nobody does) a repeat of Tupac and Biggie’s beef, things are progressing at a worrying rate. Speaking just in terms of skill however, I think it’s clear Kendrick completely bodies Drake but I’ve always felt he’d win every round anyway lol.

—

About your P.S., assuming your ask is anonymous I can’t possibly know what ask you’re referring to. Can you send it again or tell me what exactly you’re talking about? Much of the anxiety about the MHJ-HYBE sitch has kinda bundled up into one ‘thing’ in my inbox and it’s difficult to pick out specific questions.

Thank you.

[tactidoll]

Dollypop, got any rap recs?

so ive been planning on doing a series of playlists as a kinda introduction to rap, especially so after the dot vs drake beef has put rap back in the spotlight and made more people than ever actually aware of the lyrical content of these songs, its mostly been an issue of executive function beating my ass 5 ways to sunday lately, but suffice to say rap recommendations has been on my mind a lot lately

i could probably go on for a few hrs about hip hop and its place as the culmination of all music prior, but rap is a genre that more so than others rewards album listening so i will more often than not recommend albums over singles/tracks but ill try my best to isolate what i consider to be a well rounded list (no links cus i dont use spotify lmao)

theres a lotta ways to split up rap and hip hop as a whole into a thousand micro genres, especially when you take regions into consideration but i think im gonna go with just 15 tracks that cover as many bases as i can and give a little explanation for each track starting with

NY State of Mind - Nas: ny state of mind is THE classic in my books, dj premier provides the perfect boom bap beat for nas to make the final push to usher in a new generation of rap, literally sampling eric b and rakim in the chorus, the previous pair to bring the genre from the 80’s into the 90’s, furthering that push with more complex rhyme schemes and blending the street/gangsta rap of nwa and wu-tang with the jazzy introspection and philosophy of de la and tribe, a perfect set piece for the album of a desperate kid rapping and telling his stories like its his last day on earth because it just might be

Doomsday – MF DOOM: the manifesto of a super villain, a rulebook on rap, a re-emergence of a forgotten rapper, after the death of his brother and issues with the record label dropping KMD Zev Love X disappeared in ‘94 and then in ‘99 MF DOOM dropped operation: doomsday, the dizzying rhyme schemes and word play, the casual humor and pop culture and sampling referencing lends to a true statement of a song, that DOOM was here and was gonna change the world

4th Chamber – GZA: a dozen wu-tang tracks could’ve appeared on this list and all would be justified but 4th chamber is my favourite by far, starting with the now iconic samurai or kung fu film sample and then kicking into a crazy intro beat that calms slightly in time for ghostface killah to come in and pick it right back up with the first verse of this slick posse cut

Mathematics – Mos Def: Yasiin Bey Is a genius plain and simple, another track produced by preemo another masterpiece of a beat, Bey raps about the sociological statistics that work to keep the black population down in this mathematically driven guide through the politics of the late 90’s

You Got Me – The Roots: this track really shows just how good live instrumentation can be, black thought is one of the greatest of all time, simple as frankly I don’t have too much more to say its just a brilliant song

Wesley’s Theory – Kendrick Lamar: the opening to the greatest album of all time, opening with the mission statement of the album, the sample at the start before the james brown esque hit me pulls the tone back down to earth, part one of the track being a young kdots reactions to the money hes been looking for and part two kendrick plays the role of uncle sam the mascot of white supremacy looking to exploit over eager black artists and talents and lump them with a bill and lock them up when they cant pay it, the deep seeped politics, the groove of thundercat and george clinton of the parliments and funkadelic collectives and the dr dre break really helps sets the tone of the album

Jazz (We’ve Got) – A Tribe called Quest: the perfect jazz rap song, the beat was original made by pete rock before being remade by q-tip, a quintessential classic of the genre simple as

Shook Ones pt 2 – Mobb Deep: the greatest gangsta rap song of all time and frankly its not close its something spectacular, the hardest two 19 year olds ever sounded, over a dark almost evil beat produced by havoc this track is an absolute landmark for not just queensbridge but the entirety of the east coast

Introvert – Little Simz: this track is nothing short of spectacular, a powerful, cinematic, orchestral masterpiece, deep diving into her inner turmoil and her roots, the corruption of the british government, this song shook me to my core when I first listened to simbi, a rallying cry that calls for a war against the oppressing forces further tightening the chains if we ever are to be freed from the oppression

Don’t Cry – J Dilla: this song is gorgeous, chopping up I cant stand (to see you cry) by the escorts into a wonderful beat, made by jay dee in the final throws of his life, half worked on while hospital bound, frequent collaborator and fellow soulquarian questlove stated that this was a message to his mother as J dilla knew the end was near

Nuthin’ But A G Thang – Dr Dre ft Snoop Dogg: the quintessential G-funk banger the genre doesn’t get better than this

SORRY NOT SORRY – Tyler, The Creator: a weird choice for this list, I wasnt sure if I wanted to include it because its so tied to tylers discography but its honestly one of the best rap songs ever when you have the context, especially when you take into account the music video where tyler and all the various versions of himself stand before an audience of ex’s and other notable judgemental presences in his life, as he kills almost every version of himself barring the ‘ugliest’ sides of himself in igor and goblin era tyler potentially insinuating those parts of him still reside inside him

I Used to Love H.E.R – Common: this song is so very important, maybe the best use of metaphor in the whole genre, a fallen out of love story for that very same genre, fantastic storytelling and a great beat by no I.D. one of the most important producers and figures in hip hop out of chicago

Aquemini – Outkast: the title track from one the duos third album and really the record that put the dirty south on the radar on a nationwide level, a sign of their decision to stick together for as long as possible, andres verses really shows hes one of the all time greats and that big boi is not far behind at all

Hazard Duty Pay – JPEGMAFIA: this song was all I listened to for a few weeks after it release, an aggressive single verse track over a soulful beat what more could you want

[importantangeldefendor]

OC superhero team profile

impossible girl : Real name: Saturn

Height: 5'8

Gender: F

How they act: positive , excited, and often times eager to share any facet of being alive with others

Core traits: Genuinely loves everyone.

Strengths: loving, creative, patient,

Weaknesses - Conflict avoidant, naive, overly forgiving, self-loathing

Likes: Musicals, community service, superhero stories, stuffed animals

Dislikes: Difficult conversations, the Celestial shards, having to Hurt others, HATES being in pain .

Backstory: She lived with her abusive transphobic mother before "The Great Shine" caused her to gain telekinesis . She accidentally injured her mother before running away . She ended up playing as a homeless superhero for a bit before being found by the AHRA and eventually adopted by one of its directors, a friendly alien named Kalari.

While being a child in the agency, she meets Danera, aka the world's smartest teenager (at the time) who promptly takes her under their wing.

3 years pass more or less peacefully until the 2nd celestial shard appears and the plot kicks off

Favorite TV show: Sailor moon

Favorite food: Burtali, an alien fruit from her Alien mom Home world.

Animal woman real name: Danera stripes

Height: 5'6

Gender: F

How they act: Goofy, smug, smarter than you, Playful .

Core traits: utterly brilliant, still finds ways to overestimate herself, intensly curius and deeply loves her friends - ESPECIALLY Jupiter.

Strengths; Determined, brilliant, adaptative

Weaknesses: Prideful, holds important information, manipulative, kind of a dick sometimes .

Likes: Math, junk food, fighting games, Nature documentaries .

Dislikes: Cheaters, not knowing tf is going on, being bored, magic, just all of it.

Backstory: She was a child genius who was discovered by the science society at an orphanage after she successfully auto mated the whole thing. She met and bonded with Row Wilkins, a fellow brilliant scientist, and worked with them for a handful of years.

However encountering the celestial shard during the great flash, she not only gained the ability to turn into animals but soon came around to realizing the whole "protecting the world from the shadows' thing was never going to work out so she decided go Join AHRA . There she later and became incredibly close to Jupiter, considering her like a little sister.

Favorite TV show: Cosmos

Favorite food: Gulab Jamun

Glueman: Real name: John lamar

Height: 6,0

Gender: M

How they act: responsible, straight man, anxious, complainer

Core traits: Would do anything for the people he loves, Comically out his league, indomitable spirit

Strengths: Quick-witted, stubborn, responsible, hard-working

Weaknesses: Close-minded, just a pinch of sexism , over estimates himself, doesn't do self care

Likes: Family sitcoms, Schedules and people following them, chemistry, superhero comics.

Dislikes: Eldrich abominations, Progressive rock, Sexy men (they make him question himself)

Backstory: He grew up in a somewhat normal, abliet dysfunctional household and was forced to take care of his sister from a young age. He overcame these obstacles and eventually got a degree in chemistry.

On a seemingly ordinary day, he was driving his sister to school when the celestial shard crashed right into them, to which his sister grabbed and briefly absorbed the shard before disappearing in a giant flash,

As a result, he put his chemistry career on hold and dedicated himself to joining AHRA to find his lost sibling. 3 years of hard work (and successfully inventing an entirely new substance) have put him here . Let's hope he doesn't die along the way!

Favorite TV show: Malcom In the middle

Favorite food: Mac and cheese

Goliath real name: Ava Hope's

Height: 6'10

How they act: Gruff, Sarcastic, Prone to brooding

Core traits: Terrified of the world but just brave enough to keep going with the help of her friends.

Strengths: Accepting, self-aware, empathetic, strong sense of justice.

Weaknesses - Depressed, Internally terrified, Body dysphoria.

Likes: Gay pop music , superheroes writing horror fiction,

Dislikes: Emo music, board games, junk food,

Backstory: She was an ordinary (very pretty) college girl when the shard exploded in NYC, granting her mile super strength and furred arms . She played at being a hero for a bit before being captured by the COUNTER CONSPIRACY AGENCY and was expiermened on to harness her unique power .

This failed - but not before turning her from a 5'5 Woman into a towering furry giant with incredible strength that barely looks human . Naturally this wasn't exactly a pleasant expiernce!

She decided to quit any chance at a normal life when , attempting to attend her little sisters graduation had AHRA called on her . All this shaped her into being an callous and cynical person far from the idealistic girl she once was.

Still, she refuses to give into what was done to her and chooses to use her powers for the good of mankind .