The Blacker The Berry

by Cole Cuchna, Hannah Sellers

Kendrick Lamar is a rapper who is known for his socially conscious music about racial injustice in America. Some people completely miss his message because of the stereotypes surrounding rappers and hip hop, while other listeners are aware of his message and purpose, but find it too difficult to dive in and connect his songs to their historical and social contexts.

This book breaks down one song, “The Blacker The Berry,” from Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album To Pimp A Butterfly. Through factual analysis, this project uncovers social themes and provides historical and contemporary context to deepen understanding and empathy about racial injustice in America.

129 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you expect a book of purely musical analysis, you're wrong. Just like with the music of Kendrick Lamar, this book and the analysis within are a vessel for a story that needs to be heard. A story on the black experience, the black life, on racism.

The Dissect podcast has given me so much more insight into the story of Kendrick, of Kanye etc. This book has done the same, but specifically on The Blacker The Berry. This focus on a single song is amazing. The story is strengthened by the amazing design of the book. Great work!