Kendrick Lamar’s sophomore album To Pimp A Butterfly took the world by storm when it was released last year. It pushed the boundaries of popular music, commenting on the state of black people’s lives in America today. If you are politically aware, you may have understood the greatness of such an album, but perhaps felt a little unsure of how you felt about it, especially as a white listener. While it was listened to by the world, it spoke directly to black Americans.

Last night, the Grammy’s witnessed a highly controversial performance by the rapper performing The Blacker The Berry with his band locked inside jail cells. This was followed by his hit Alright performed with a raging bonfire behind him on stage.

To Pimp A Butterfly netted Lamar seven Grammy nominations this year (out of a total 11 nominations). Lamar took home four awards before the show began, and picked up another award for Best Rap Album at the beginning of the show. The project is up for Album of The Year, the last award of the night.

Obama was right when he said Kendrick’s lyrics are better than Drake’s.

Watch a better quality performance HERE.

[source: theverge]