An intimate, definitive celebration of the world's most successful and critically acclaimed musician
Kendrick Lamar understands and employs blues, jazz, and soul in his music, which makes it startling. His work is more than merely brilliant; it is magic. - Toni Morrison
Kendrick Lamar has been described as the Poet Laureate of hip-hop, perceptive, philosophical, unapologetic, fearless, and an innovative storyteller whose body of work has been compared to James Joyce and James Baldwin.
He is a visionary who will go down as history as one of the most important artists of all time.
Now, for the first time, we will be taken on a journey of Lamar's life. Told through his three albums, The Butterfly Effect gives unparalleled insight into his background, influences and the importance of his music. With exclusive interviews with his family, friends, and record producers, this book is the must-read for any fan.
About the Author
Marcus J. Moore is an award-winning music journalist, senior editor, curator, and pop culture commentator, whose writing can be found on Pitchfork, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, The Nation, NPR, The Atlantic, BBC Music, and MTV among other sites and publications. 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. He also interviews musicians of all genres on TV, Facebook Live, and other Web platforms. In 2009, Moore launched his own site - DMV Spectrum - which covered music and entertainment in D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia.
This is his first book.
Industry Reviews
'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)
'I have a great amount of gratitude for The Butterfly Effect and the triumph of chronicling one of our great artists while they're still here with us. Marcus J. Moore is thoughtful, incisive, and generous in this work, and The Butterfly Effect will hopefully set a blueprint for how we honor the brilliant and living.'
Hanif Abdurraqib, New York Times bestselling author of Go Ahead In The Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest
'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
'Marcus J. Moore's look at Kendrick Lamar beautifully illustrates the power of the word and the great value it holds in the community that birthed hip hop. Therein, we all better understand and appreciate why Black lives — and rhymes — matter.'
Sacha Jenkins, Emmy-nominated director of Showtime documentary Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics And Men
