unlike a clown like, say, Wale who fell flat on his first with his first record and had to be completely repackaged at his label's desperate insistence, Kendrick delivered arguably the greatest debut since Illmatic and in turn built the equity to do something like this.

Trouble is, a little guidance from an experienced voice would've helped. I mean there's no way Dre was involved. There's no way TDE brought Jimmy in for a weekend. Are those guys old and maybe a little jaded at this point? Sure, but between the two of them they've fostered the early careers of Bruce Springsteen, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Tom Petty to name a few.

Some critics and online voices will like this album, but commercially it will flounder. I mean they ALREADY can't figure out how to sell it logistically, much less even started attempting to spin it creatively. There aren't any stirring songs, much less a clear cut single.

The biggest shame is that his intentions were earnest and he really did try to deliver the record we need for these times. But it's just not focused. The messaging goes ten different directions, and that's sometimes ok if the soundscapes underneath are organized (for example, take Kweli's "Get By" - a case of a guy clumsily trying to be everything to everybody, but ultimately succeeding because of a great beat and hook.) In Kendrick's case, the beats just drift along, lost at sea and unable to buoy his ramblings.

In short, he meant well and missed. He was at least cognizant of the current climate and the immense spotlight on him, he just didn't deliver. Unfortunately there will be repercussions. He could've ascended to another level on an Eminem-like trajectory, instead he's now on pace to be Nas - a truly fine and respectable career, but not a rock star. Additionally, Drake just put out what is arguably his best record and, whether you like it or not, is now officially your new king.

But Drake is too deliberate and, let's be honest, chicken shit to ever take this risk. To Pimp a Butterfly isn't good, and Kendrick's star will lose luster because it isn't good. But he should at least be commended for trying to do something so bold.