Synopses & Reviews
This first cultural biography of rap superstar and "master of storytelling" (The New Yorker)
Kendrick Lamar explores his meteoric rise to fame and his profound
impact on a racially fraught America — perfect for fans of Zack O'Malley
Greenburg's Empire State of Mind.
Kendrick Lamar is at the top of his game.
The thirteen-time Grammy Award-winning rapper is just in his
early thirties, but he's already won the Pulitzer Prize for Music,
produced and curated the soundtrack of the megahit film
Black Panther, and has been named one of
Time's 100 Influential People. But what's even more striking
about the Compton-born lyricist and performer is how he's established
himself as a formidable adversary of oppression and force for change.
Through his confessional poetics, his politically charged anthems, and
his radical performances, Lamar has become a beacon of light for
countless people.
Written by veteran journalist and music critic Marcus J. Moore,
this is the first biography of Kendrick Lamar. It's the definitive
account of his coming-of-age as an artist, his resurrection of two
languishing genres (bebop and jazz), his profound impact on a racially
fraught America, and his emergence as the bona fide King of Rap.
The Butterfly Effect is the extraordinary, triumphant story of a
modern lyrical prophet and an American icon who has given hope to those
buckling under the weight of systemic oppression, reminding everyone
that through it all — "we gon' be alright."
Review
"The Butterfly Effect is much more than a biographical look at the
voice of hip-hop's new generation. It's an analytical deep dive into
the life of that good kid whose m.A.A.d city raised him, and how it
sparked a fire within Kendrick Lamar to change history. Through
thoughtful prose, strong investigative research, and a deep passion for
the subject matter, Marcus J. Moore paints a picture of Kendrick that
anyone can admire." Kathy Iandoli, author of God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop
Review
"Kendrick Lamar is the most
creatively captivating rapper of the past decade. This means inspecting
and placing into context his profound legacy is nothing short of a
gargantuan task. Fortunately for us, Marcus J. Moore exists. His writing
has never been sharper, never been more concise, never been more
insightful than it is here. This book is smart, confident, and
necessary." Shea Serrano, New York Times bestselling author of The Rap Year Book and Movies (And Other Things)
Review
"An effective biographical portrait that will serve well until Lamar writes his own retrospective." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Marcus J. Moore is an
award-winning music journalist, senior editor, curator, and pop culture
commentator, whose writing can be found in
Pitchfork,
The Washington Post,
Entertainment Weekly,
The Nation, NPR,
The Atlantic, BBC Music, and MTV, among others. He's created
nationally syndicated playlists for Google, discussed new music live on
FM radio, contributed to national podcasts, and guest-hosted live shows
on Red Bull Radio. In 2009, Moore launched his own site —
DMV Spectrum — which covered music and entertainment in
Washington, DC; Maryland; and Virginia. He was originally from the
Washington, DC, area, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
The Butterfly Effect is his first book.