Review Tales

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, better known as Kendrick Lamar, is no stranger to crafting compelling works of art. The Compton-born rapper garnered widespread attention for his clever lyricism and exceptional storytelling abilities following the release of his second studio album, good kid, m.A.A.d city, in 2013. This catapulted him to fame and established him as one of the most awarded rappers, with 17 Grammy wins. Lamar also made history in 2018 as the first non-classical musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

A Masterpiece in Music- To Pimp A Butterfly

Throughout his illustrious career, Lamar has released six studio albums, all highly acclaimed. Among them, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) stands out as a masterpiece. Widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, it swept the 2016 Grammys and was arguably snubbed for the “Album of the Year” award. To Pimp a Butterfly is a lyrically dense concept album that tells the story of Lamar, represented as a caterpillar, and how he is exploited by society and record labels. Despite the exploitation, Lamar emerges as a butterfly, using his platform to spread messages of self-awareness and social consciousness. Ultimately, the album emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself while shedding light on systemic issues.

The Complexity of To Pimp a Butterfly

To Pimp a Butterfly is not an easy listen. Its emotional depth and complex themes require several listens to fully grasp. The 11th track, “How Much A Dollar Cost,” exemplifies everything Lamar is praised for. In his quest for self-discovery, Lamar reflects on a journey to Rwanda, which he references in the 9th track, “Momma.” It is in this context that the events of “How Much A Dollar Cost” unfold.

A Story of Greed and Humility

The song tells a story of greed and humility. At a gas station, Lamar encounters a beggar who asks for spare change. Lamar repeatedly refuses, assuming the man will use the money for drugs. As Lamar prepares to leave, the beggar asks if he has read Exodus 14, urging him to be humble and give. Lamar stands firm, claiming he needs his money and dismissing the beggar as someone who reeks of “grandpa’s medicine.”

A Divine Revelation and Moral Accountability

The beggar then confronts Lamar, telling him his “potential is bittersweet” due to his selfishness. The plot twist comes when the beggar reveals his true identity: “the Messiah, the son of Jehovah, the higher power.” The beggar, revealed to be God, answers the song’s central question—how much does a dollar cost? The price, he says, is “a spot in Heaven,” urging Lamar to “embrace [his] loss.”

Faith in Action

The track concludes with an outro sung by Ronald Isley, expressing Lamar’s guilt: “I washed my hands, I said my grace, what more do you want from me?” This line conveys the tension between simply performing religious rituals and living by their principles. Lamar realizes that faith requires action, not just words.

This beautifully crafted yet somber tale of greed and humility is underscored by a jazzy instrumental, providing a rich, soulful backdrop. Kendrick Lamar’s storytelling shines brightest in this poignant exploration of moral accountability and compassion.