Compton, Calif., rapper Kendrick Lamar's ambitious new project, "To Pimp a Butterfly," is dense, political and at times painfully introspective while embracing sonic elements of funk, soul and free jazz. Lamar rose to mainstream prominence after the success of major-label debut, 2012's "good kid, m.A.A.d. city," a similarly themed album, but featuring narrower, less-developed production and a less-ambitious album narrative.
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