The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America

Kendrick Lamar is one of my favorite artists ever. I have been anticipating the release of this book for several months now. So imagine my disappointment when I discovered that almost 10 pages of the introductory paragraph were dedicated to Macklemore and the whole Grammy situation. Additionally, I feel that this book takes too much time explaining to me the different mechanisms of oppression and prejudice when much of it is quite evident and apparent if you just open your eyes. I feel as though this book panders towards individuals that do not understand racial injustice, systematic oppression or at the very least have never heard of such things. This book takes too much time explaining these things and it takes away from the overall reading experience for me. I was not able to finish the book because of this.

This book is well written. Unlike what one reviewer stated, this book does NOT pander to Macklemore and the Grammy’s. That was legit two or three pages, TOPS. This book lays a well-organized timeline between Kendrick’s music and events happening within the Black community. It was great to learn more about Kendrick and his artistry but it was even greater to see how much his music has impacted the community. Overall, The Butterfly Effect is a great read for hip-hop heads and those who want to see how hip-hop influences.

This is such a well written book that links the subject (Kendrick Lamar) to America today and what is happening in the lives of Black peoples. Such a balanced and responsible review of the nexus between Lamar’s music and the issues still plaguing America today. BRAVO!!!

Given as a gift and enjoyed.

Other than Cole Cuchna’s Dissect, nobody has given as in-depth a spotlight on Kendrick Lamar’s career than The Butterfly Effect. Excellent read, well-researched and as thought-provoking as Kendrick himself

Got this as a gift for my GF at Christmas, she loved it and cried. Haven’t got to read it myself yet but if you have a Kendrick Lamar fan in your life I urge you to buy this book.

Great writing, great flow ! I am enjoying this book.

What Marcus has done with this book goes far beyond just recounting the high points of Kendrick's life and career and calling it a day. Instead, he focuses on the cultural impact, and the resonance his work has outside of simply being "great music." As a white reader, this book opened my eyes to things that I maybe knew in an abstract sense, but had never internalized—the chapter on Kendrick's song "Alright" hits hard. Highly recommended.