The sound is pretty good. There is occasional background noise but it is not frequent and it is not unbearable. It’s absolutely okay.

Side D has a pop sound during the last 30 seconds of Mortal Man. This annoys me because it is the climax of the record and I dared asking for a return that I even got. (I submitted a video of the defect.) But the new vinyl has the same issue. After googling around a bit I saw comments of people mentioning the same defect on another, earlier TPAB pressing.

Whatever the reason for this issue is and maybe it’s just me constantly being unlucky but I had quality issues with every Lamar pressing I got my hands on with the exception of one. (I got 6 Kendrick vinyls and 5 had issues resulting in returns that not always resolved the issue and resulting in me ultimately abandoning getting Untitled Unmastered altogether. Only good kid maad city had no issues that made me ask for a return.)

I am seriously done buying his vinyls which sucks because he is an amazing artist. Am I too picky? I don’t know - but enough other records that I get my hands on don’t have issues that make me ask for a return. I don’t have the energy and nerve to hope to be lucky every time I get one of his releases or deal with a return situation.

Excuse my rant.

Bit the bullet because this is a top 10 album all-time for me and my OG pressing has some wear on it after a decade of spins.

Variant is gorgeous but I haven't listed yet because record 1 came stupid warped so I'm having to put it through the Record Pi.

QC has been shit for 6 years so that isn't shocking but I felt the need to warn people since the price of ission is 40$ here.

The records look absolutely beautiful in metallic marble and the gatefold is high quality thick card with glossy butterfly image. The records play flat and silent with dynamic sound. A great reissue of a classic.

Do we know if this specific release is closer to a 140g or a 180g? Just curious.

Legendary album, even better on vinyl! Highly recommended for rap lovers

Generic gz but it actually hits. Bass is well rounded, volume is loud but not lacking dynamics. Truly surprised my how good this turned out.

The 2015 European (Netherlands) pressing is ubiquitous in the U.S… and this U.S. version is made in the Czech Republic? Interesting to say the least.

I don't know if I have yet another variant.
Side A: E1/C
Side B: E2/D
Side C: E3/C
Side D: E4/E

Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly is nothing short of a masterpiece. A sonic and lyrical journey, this album transcends the genre of hip-hop, blending jazz, funk, soul, and experimental sounds into something uniquely profound. From the very first track, Wesley’s Theory, it’s clear that Lamar has crafted a concept album that addresses issues of race, identity, and social injustice in a way that feels urgent and necessary.

Lamar’s storytelling prowess is on full display, intertwining personal reflection with a powerful critique of American culture. King Kunta stands out as an anthem of empowerment, while tracks like Alright have become rallying cries for resistance. Yet, it’s the subtlety and depth in songs like Complexion (A Zulu Love) and These Walls that reveal the true brilliance of the album. Each track offers layers of meaning that demand repeat listens, rewarding listeners with new insights each time.

The production is equally ambitious, with a team of musical innovators—Thundercat, Flying Lotus, and Kamasi Washington—helping Lamar push boundaries while keeping the heart of the album grounded in a rich tradition of Black music. The incorporation of live instrumentation, spoken word, and soundscapes creates a truly immersive experience.

Hilarious that they have just announced a 10th anniversary with an uninspired cover image, identical track list and probably flimsier and cheaper paper cover, which costs more than this 🙄 Love Kendrick’s music but his last two vinyl campaigns have been overpriced garbage while his record company still sells this!