Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album “To Pimp A Butterfly” turned 10 in 2025. How does it stand against the test of time? Are my favorite songs from 2015 still my favorites today?

When I think about my all time favorite albums, I think about To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar’s beautifully crafted 2015 album exploring his rise to fame, and how he grapples with a sense of survivors guilt. I was 13 years old when I first listened to this album, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t get it. I liked the songs “King Kunta” and “Alright”, but I spent more time dancing to the beats rather than listening to the lyrics, and I didn’t have an appreciation for some of the other tracks on the project.

The Test of Time

Now, as I am a 22 year old college graduate, I’ve begun to realize the lyrical excellence that is To Pimp A Butterfly. This is more than an album, its a reflection of self, highlighting the cost fame, and surviving systemic inequality. Songs like “How Much a Dollar Cost” tell a detailed story about judgement from God, and how wealth may cost you you’re humanity. “Momma” is a song with themes of returning back home and finding solace in those around you. Throughout the album, Lamar combines jazz-infused, funky beats with deep and thoughtful lyrics, ones that 13 year old me did not fully absorb. Every once in a while, an album forces me to sit and listen, to think about my place in the world, and feel. To Pimp A Butterfly does exactly that. 10 years later I’m still learning more and more every time I listen. A lot can change in a decade, and I’m a completely different individual. To Pimp A Butterfly means way more to me now.

Its clear that To Pimp A Butterfly has withstood the test of time. As we grow and experience life, albums begin to expand in their meaning. 13 year old me wanted to dance, 17 year old me listened but was still not grasping the deeper themes, 22 year old me understands the underlying messages Lamar is rapping about in this project. Perhaps 30 year old me will have a new perspective on this album seven years from now. I’ll let you know.

Old Favorites vs New

In short, my favorites are still my favorites, but for different reasons. My all time favorites Kendrick Lamar song is “King Kunta”, but what was once a fun song to dance to hit much harder now. Kendrick raps about success, Black excellence, power struggles, all while blending humbleness and cockiness; these are themes I missed 10 years ago.

“Alright” remains at the top of the list 10 years on. A songs thats about overcoming struggles in the face of systemic racism and police brutality is still painfully relevant today; it still encourages us to choose joy in the face of hardship and to keep fighting on.

A new favorite is “The Blacker the Berry”. This powerful, protest song is aggressive, rightfully and purposefully so. “The Blacker the Berry” is soaked in Black pride, it is angry, and directly calls out oppression, brutality, and racism. This is a song that is just as relevant now as it was in 2015.

“take a deep look inside, are you really who they idolize?”

To Pimp A Butterfly solidified Kendrick Lamar as one of the most prominent voices of the 21st century, and it continues to prove why. This is an album that forces you to listen and reflect — and confronts the way in which we treat each other and ourselves in this world. 10 years from now I will still be listening to this album, and most likely will be experiencing it in a different way as I am today. And I hope you are too.