The imaginative expression of art has always been a tool of the working class. His rise is revitalizing conscious rap and hip-hop in the midst of greater protest and struggle against neoliberal capitalism. Let’s examine the significance of To Pimp a Butterfly. This official recognition from the Grammy’s is cementing Lamar’s cultural, artistic, social, and political influence on mainstream music. In the aftermath of the rebellions in Ferguson, Baltimore, Chicago and beyond, Lamar’s performance was an inspiration and immediately provoked widespread media debate. Lamar’s stunning performance at the Grammys was a powerful political statement against the racist criminal justice system, and a celebration of Black Lives and the new black freedom struggle. Lamar and his back-up performers entered the stage dressed as prisoners in chains, and ended his performance with a silhouette of Africa, with Lamar’s hometown of “Compton” inscribed on the image. He was nominated for more Grammys than any other artist, winning five including, including Rap Album of Year for his groundbreaking To Pimp a Butterfly. It’s something that people live by - your words.”Īt the 58th annual Grammy awards, Kendrick Lamar loomed larger than life. “When it’s outside of the concerts, then you know it’s a little bit more deep-rooted than just a song. “ I’d go in certain parts of the world, and they were singing it in the streets,” he said of “Alright,” which became an unofficial anthem for the movement.

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