That's what it boils down to for me. If you don't like the album fine, I get it. But saying it's "pretentious" is laughable to me...especially coming from people who literally only listen to trap (be it rap or r&b). How can I value your musical opinion on this subject when you stick your neck out like that, with no personal frame of reference.
It's a great album and its impact on music is undeniable at this point. That album single handidly revived jazz. The major players from that album (Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, Thundercat, etc) have found increased success since its release, jazz artists are getting booked at festivals more often, the live scene is more packed than ever, etc. It also ushered in the flurry of "pro black" or woke albums that came afterwards, as well as more (black) musicianship in mainstream music. Lemonade, A Seat At The Table, J Cole's last two albums, This Is America, etc.
I don't even understand the obsession with certain black people on this forum to hate on the album. Like I said, if you think it's trash that's fine. But jesus, brehs really out here trying to discredit the intentions and message of an album full of raps about...mass incarceration, colorism, mental health, black pride, black love...?
when I first heard it and didn't get it at all. Then I listened to "The Blacker the Berry" and I was like 
when I heard that. I've been a Kendrick fan ever since.
if any of those albums won the Pulitzer? Probably.
