The poem is wrapped up on the final track, “Mortal Man,” where it is revealed that Kendrick was reading the poem to 2Pac all along. This album’s concept explores themes of self-love and hate, fame, depression, violence, race, and politics through a spoken-word poem that interweaves between songs, leading up to the climax.

Other noteworthy credits include vocals from Anna Wise, Bilal, George Clinton, James Fauntleroy, Rapsody, Ronald Isley of the The Isley Brothers, Snoop Dogg, and a posthumous appearance from 2Pac. In contrast to Lamar’s previous projects, TPAB took more heavily from jazz, soul, and funk influences, with such contributors as Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, and Flying Lotus providing instrumentation and production.

The album was very well-received upon release, eventually earning nine Grammy nominations, and it has gone on to be hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It followed his critically-acclaimed 2012 debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city. It was released via Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. To Pimp a Butterfly is Kendrick Lamar’s second major label studio album, and third full-length project.

Kendrick lamar albums tracklist