Kendrick Lamar’s to Pimp a Butterfly signalled the return of revolutionary, real talk, issue led, lyrical, provocative, spirited, meaningful, thoughtful, self-critical, Black and proud Hip Hop. Not only that, each one of the accompanying musickendrick quote videos or live performances, add the soul, innovation and vivid imagination that used to be at the heart of spirit of Hip Hop. Kendrick and J cole are bringing hip hop back to it’s roots with a modern day twist Kendrick’s album speaks on black issues, but it can be listened by anyone. It speaks of the universal struggles we all can face. J Cole’s album gives it’s own perspective on the same issues; through J Cole’s unique flow. Cole’s album is the more “sing along” than Kendrick’s. But the standout track out of the two is Kendrick’s Blacker The Berry.

The song not only speaks on the issues facing Black people but also the hypocrisy of not mentioning the issues that black people face from other black people. 
So don’t matter how much I say I like to preach with the Panthers Or tell Georgia State “Marcus Garvey got all the answers” 
Or try to celebrate February like it’s my B-Day Or eat watermelon, chicken, and Kool-Aid on weekdays, 
Or jump high enough to get Michael Jordan endorsements Or watch BET cause urban support is important, 
So why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was in the street?  When gang banging make me kill a n*gga blacker than me?
Hypocrite!“
Yes, Kendrick! Thank You! If you like this song check out my Message to my brothers! 
Why is this song and artistry important?
In a era, when Hip Hop went from “Hot N*gga” to “I’m in love the Coco”. It is an understatement to say real Hip Hop had been infested with a cancer that was killing its ability to be a medium for the powerful messages. People think they have been listening to Hip Hop. Nope! All you have been listening to is Hip Pop. Pop Music is like nutritional equivalent of sweets. Yeah it tastes nice but it does nothing for your body. Thus, over time the consumption of this musical artificial sweetener will only rot your mind!Black and Proud
Yes, I admit Hip Hop has evolved from the era when Public Enemy and NWA would dominate the charts with their political and social commentary. Lyrics about the struggle of the people who created the music form; us, black people. But, also the songs could be related to by anyone oppressed by the system and surviving by any means necessary.
Yes, this evolution in lyrical content is mainly due to Black Peoples and working class people’s struggles somewhat decreasing with progress in society and more upward mobility. The kind of progress that has afforded us with the desire to celebrate our achievements, express our aspirations, dreams and successes.  But did the struggle end? Are we free? Or are we just wage slaves to a system that still holds us down and even takes our lives. Yes #BlackLivesMatter and maybe the stagnation of commercial Hip Hop has polluted the air meaning #Icantbreathe. With only a handful of rappers like Kendrick and J Cole speaking up for those whose breath has been stolen.
Maybe, the celebrations, the successes and monetary gains; have blinded the current crop of mainstream artists from the real issues affecting every day regularly non Rapper, Basketball, NFL player and some how “ballin” Black people. Hip Hop forgot the people who made it, supported it and expected it to speak for them to the masses. The messengers forgot the message. How can debates about how #BlackLivesMatter be taken seriously with the tune of “Hot Nigga: Mitch  caught a body about a week ago” ringing in the background. But hey, people got to get paid; but the cost is the voice, spirit and integrity of Hip Hop has been sold out!
When did it all go wrong?
I say the pre- P Diddy era of Hip Hop had 20% of what I call club Hip Hop tracks and 80% of real talk and lyrical Hip Hop anthems. That 20% would include the likes of Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer. The kind of songs that are fun in the club, but aren’t going to uplift your spirit, open your mind, educate you, expand your knowledge or put that fire in your belly to attack the day as you sit in your room listening, contemplating and facing your own struggles from life. slave system house nigger picture gold platinum uncle tom
Sadly, in todays Hip Hop world the 20% has become the 90%. With 90% of rappers/hip hop artists scared to talk on real issues! With the 90% not representing the culture, the people or even themselves with any level of legitimacy and truth 
Hip Hop was revolutionary melodic poetry. With emotions fuelled by real issues in society and black culture. However, Hip Hop’s ability to resonate with non-black audiences was due to its universal message of speaking for those whose voices are not often allowed to be heard. Speaking out against oppression, speaking out about the struggles of life and trying to service in the underbelly of society. Speaking about dreams of fighting for a better day and achieving your dreams. Now it is the 90% of Hip Hop that only resonates with people on a shallow capitalistic and superficial level; Bling Bling Bitches!
Example: Iggy Azeala is Australian in interviews but American when she raps… Young Thug was asked his opinion on the death of Mike Brown and what needs to be changed on how Black Men are policed in America he responded by saying he is having fun and iced out and it’s not the artists place to speak on issues. Is that really Hip Hop? Are these the artists who we are expecting to free our minds? J Cole said it best in his interview on Hot 97. When you really listen to these lyrics, you realise they are a sickness that is infecting the minds of the impressionable. Real Hip Hop pioneers don’t own the record labels, the radio stations or the Televisions shows that are promoting this garbage. That’s why Kendrick’s lyrics most likely won’t be heard by the people who need to hear it!
The Revolution needs to be televised!positive black power empowerment panther malcolm x little quote

We need to support and promote real Hip Hop. We need to stop promoting club tracks all day long; Like I said in previous post: Listen to conscious music as well as club hits. The music that you dance to in the club shouldn’t be the same music you use to educate, motivate or inspire you in your home. Like it or not, commercial hip hop has been sold out for a long time. There’s more to life than fake gangsters, in Bugatti’s they can’t actually afford? 90% of hip hop is entertainment to distract you from real issues. That 10% is the real hip hop to educate and command you to pay attention to the real issues! The real issues that tell our stories for us. The real Hip Hop that challenge us to “Fight The Power”; with their lyrics that ask questions of society’s treatment of oppressed peoples and highlight the social issues of the day. Can we really expect Iggy Azalea to speak about police brutality with any kind of potency or knowledge? Hip Pop is fun to listen to; much like it is fun to watch Disney and Superhero movies. But we have to remember that we live in the real world. Most of us “aren’t about that life”. Most of us aren’t living a Disney fairy tale. So Thank you Kendrick Lamar for using Black History Month and the notoriety from your two Grammy Wins to release some Real Hip Hop! I personally can’t wait for the new album with J Cole. But in the meantime I would advise you to check the artistic, thought provoking and amazing music videos for each one of Kendrick Lamar’s album tracks.

What are your opinions of Kendrick Lamar and J Cole?
Are you looking forward to their album together?
Do you think Hip Hop has changed for the worse or the better?
As usual please leave your comments below.