This thesis had the objective of providing a thorough analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly in order to understand the perpetuation of black toxic masculinity in contemporary rap, focusing on the album as an example of stereotype subversion. Black masculinity has developed after centuries of discrimination, institutionalized racism, and overall neglect of poorer minorities by society. Those segregated in crime-ridden and poor neighborhoods, controlled by gang activity, often adopted certain mannerisms to protect themselves, with many turning to music to find relief. Lamar’s upbringing amidst the “Decade of Death” in Compton, California, is reflected in his albums, drawing from his lived experiences and inspired by the artists he grew up listening to (especially the gangsta rappers of the 1980s and 1990s). To Pimp A Butterfly is a social commentary on the struggles of black people, especially artists, in a white-dominated society, drawing parallels to Kendrick Lamar’s personal journey from a naïve and inexperienced kid to a matured celebrity and role model. Lamar opens up to the public, admitting to suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, and, despite his flaws, accepts his role as a guide for his community, and starts advocating for them. The album is not only a confirmation of Lamar’s artistry and musical knowledge, but also a starting point for a wider discourse on the potential of rap to bring social change and promote healing to build a more inclusive space.

This thesis had the objective of providing a thorough analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly in order to understand the perpetuation of black toxic masculinity in contemporary rap, focusing on the album as an example of stereotype subversion. Black masculinity has developed after centuries of discrimination, institutionalized racism, and overall neglect of poorer minorities by society. Those segregated in crime-ridden and poor neighborhoods, controlled by gang activity, often adopted certain mannerisms to protect themselves, with many turning to music to find relief. Lamar’s upbringing amidst the “Decade of Death” in Compton, California, is reflected in his albums, drawing from his lived experiences and inspired by the artists he grew up listening to (especially the gangsta rappers of the 1980s and 1990s). To Pimp A Butterfly is a social commentary on the struggles of black people, especially artists, in a white-dominated society, drawing parallels to Kendrick Lamar’s personal journey from a naïve and inexperienced kid to a matured celebrity and role model. Lamar opens up to the public, admitting to suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, and, despite his flaws, accepts his role as a guide for his community, and starts advocating for them. The album is not only a confirmation of Lamar’s artistry and musical knowledge, but also a starting point for a wider discourse on the potential of rap to bring social change and promote healing to build a more inclusive space.

A journey towards healing: Kendrick Lamar's role in redefining rap culture from toxic masculinity

BOCCHESE, VITTORIA
2023/2024

Abstract

This thesis had the objective of providing a thorough analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly in order to understand the perpetuation of black toxic masculinity in contemporary rap, focusing on the album as an example of stereotype subversion. Black masculinity has developed after centuries of discrimination, institutionalized racism, and overall neglect of poorer minorities by society. Those segregated in crime-ridden and poor neighborhoods, controlled by gang activity, often adopted certain mannerisms to protect themselves, with many turning to music to find relief. Lamar’s upbringing amidst the “Decade of Death” in Compton, California, is reflected in his albums, drawing from his lived experiences and inspired by the artists he grew up listening to (especially the gangsta rappers of the 1980s and 1990s). To Pimp A Butterfly is a social commentary on the struggles of black people, especially artists, in a white-dominated society, drawing parallels to Kendrick Lamar’s personal journey from a naïve and inexperienced kid to a matured celebrity and role model. Lamar opens up to the public, admitting to suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, and, despite his flaws, accepts his role as a guide for his community, and starts advocating for them. The album is not only a confirmation of Lamar’s artistry and musical knowledge, but also a starting point for a wider discourse on the potential of rap to bring social change and promote healing to build a more inclusive space.
2023
A journey towards healing: Kendrick Lamar's role in redefining rap culture from toxic masculinity
This thesis had the objective of providing a thorough analysis of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly in order to understand the perpetuation of black toxic masculinity in contemporary rap, focusing on the album as an example of stereotype subversion. Black masculinity has developed after centuries of discrimination, institutionalized racism, and overall neglect of poorer minorities by society. Those segregated in crime-ridden and poor neighborhoods, controlled by gang activity, often adopted certain mannerisms to protect themselves, with many turning to music to find relief. Lamar’s upbringing amidst the “Decade of Death” in Compton, California, is reflected in his albums, drawing from his lived experiences and inspired by the artists he grew up listening to (especially the gangsta rappers of the 1980s and 1990s). To Pimp A Butterfly is a social commentary on the struggles of black people, especially artists, in a white-dominated society, drawing parallels to Kendrick Lamar’s personal journey from a naïve and inexperienced kid to a matured celebrity and role model. Lamar opens up to the public, admitting to suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, and, despite his flaws, accepts his role as a guide for his community, and starts advocating for them. The album is not only a confirmation of Lamar’s artistry and musical knowledge, but also a starting point for a wider discourse on the potential of rap to bring social change and promote healing to build a more inclusive space.
Toxic Masculinity
Rap
Kendrick Lamar
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/79071