Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly seems to be the new standard bearer for provocative Hip Hop music and its titillating subtext. Found in the underbelly of the Compton bred MC’s verses and choruses are messages varying from infuriating to inspirational - from seductive to scornful.
TPAB tracks of dissimilar sound all share one commonality. Lamar’s word wizardry has an ability to worm his messages way into the psyche of the listener, and in turn, creating catchy lines that can get stuck in your head all day.
What better way to exercise these lyrical demons that haunt us by re-appropriating them… into Facebook statuses (or twitter, or even Instagram, depending on your social platform of choice).
Here are lyrics from To Pimp a Butterfly that make the perfect social media posts.
Item #1
“Look both ways before you cross my mind.” - Wesley’s Theory
On a track that spans topics like just trying to get it in, all the way to maintaining one's success, Lamar slips in this gem of a line before it concludes. Perfect for proverbially posting caution tape up around your perimeter - forewarning friends, foes, and lovers alike of your wrath.
“This dick ain’t FREEEEEEE” - For Free? (Interlude)
“This dick ain’t FREEEEEEE” - For Free? (Interlude)
This, I admit, is the one I personally am repeating most frequently just because it’s so damn catchy. Or maybe it’s just because it stands out as an emphasized statement in a whirlwind of words that is “For Free?”
Ideal applications include but are not limited to: fending off thirsty women or men and asking for a raise if you’re a gigolo.
“Life aint shit but a fat vagina.” - King Kunta
“Life aint shit but a fat vagina.” - King Kunta
Feeling underappreciated? Whether it be at home, at work, or in your social life - on days that are going less than stellar - "King Kunta" is a must listen. Get on a treadmill or hit the weight room, put this banger on, and in between reps when you check your Facebook and see the query “What’s on your mind?”
Answer it: Life aint shit but a fat vagina.
“Instagram flicks, suck a dick, fuck is this?” - Institutionalized
“Instagram flicks, suck a dick, fuck is this?” - Institutionalized
Just trying to mind your damn business and check up on your Newsfeed and you trip up on some sketchy stuff going down between whoever? It happens to the best of us. Why take the high road when you can, instead, just get all passive aggressive and post this line as a status?
“Knock these walls down that’s my religion.” - These Walls
“Knock these walls down that’s my religion.” - These Walls
A poignant line off of a poignant track about the repercussions of turning your anger inward, let the world know that we’ve all got demons by sharing this lyric when you’re life is feeling a little too tumultuous.
“I’m fucked up, but I’m not as fucked up as you.” - u
“I’m fucked up, but I’m not as fucked up as you.” - u
When you’re scorned by some reckless behavior, want to lash out, but would also prefer to stay a realistic human being? This is the best lyric for you to drop on social media to stay level, but stay strong.
Item #7
“Everyday my logic, get another dollar just to keep you.” - Alright
This one goes out to everyones bae in the proper context, right? Or, maybe it’s another example of passive aggression and/or sarcasm. It’s so hard to read tone through text, nowadays.
“So I went runnin’ for answers until I came home.” For Sale (Interlude)
“So I went runnin’ for answers until I came home.” For Sale (Interlude)
The latest to Kendrick’s ongoing conversation that ripples through the album comes in the form of the above selection. Here Lamar explores a fleeting feeling we’ve all felt before, the need to up and leave only to find where we left is where we truly need to be.
“Thank God for Rap.” - Momma
“Thank God for Rap.” - Momma
It’s the reason we’re all on this site and have reacted so strongly to this release in the first place - rap rules our worlds. Lamar takes a moment to give credit where he thinks credit for rap is due.
“Ain’t nothin' new but a flow of new DemoCrips and ReBloodlicans.” - Hood Politics
“Ain’t nothin' new but a flow of new DemoCrips and ReBloodlicans.” - Hood Politics
Unfortunately, it seems that every day we have another scandal swirling around in the White House. If you’ve got half a brain, you know that both sides are to blame. Drop this line (my favorite from the record) next time you share a SMH worthy link about corruption from your favorite truth-telling website.
“Your potential is bittersweet.” - How Much a Dollar Cost?
“Your potential is bittersweet.” - How Much a Dollar Cost?
We all know that Facebook posts are all about context. So, even though the line here off of "How Much a Dollar Cost?" is actually God talking down onto Kendrick, you can most definitely get away with posting this the next time you’re disappointed in a friend or boo.
“Excuse me, on my 2pac.” - Complexion
“Excuse me, on my 2pac.” - Complexion
Maybe you want the world to know all eyes are on you. Perhaps you’re getting around and aren’t feeling shy about it. This lyric can be used as an AOL Instant Messenger away message equivalent on your favorite social media platform, or conversely as a boisterous humblebrag. Context, people. Context…
Item #6
“I’m the biggest hypocrite of 2015.” - The Blacker the Berry
In the second single off of To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar kicks off the track with a line that we probably resonate with at some point this year, if not already.
“Been allergic to talkin’, been aversion to bullshit.” - You Ain’t Gotta Lie
“Been allergic to talkin’, been aversion to bullshit.” - You Ain’t Gotta Lie
When you’re doing you and go all quiet on the social media front, sometimes you get questioned by your clique. Fortunately, K-dot’s got you’re back. Next time you’re tired of the incessant nature of social media, drop this line and let the people know what’s good.
“What do you want from me and my scars?”
“What do you want from me and my scars?”
Confront all the haters who’ve got you and your profile on blast. Be direct, to the point, and if they comment and you decide you’ve changed your mind - blame it on quoting Kendrick Lamar.
“When the shit hit the fan is you still a fan?”
“When the shit hit the fan is you still a fan?”
This one is probably the most obvious of the bunch and, perhaps, universally the most quoted lyric by the general listening population. I’ve personally seen this on my newsfeed being quoted, as well as in comments, reviews, and opinions on the album all over the web. It’s seemingly catching on as a badge of Kendrick loyalty.