Kendrick Lamar is well known for his unique style and approach to the hip-hop genre. With the release of “Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City” in 2012, Lamar made a name for himself in the popular music scene. His album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” released in 2015, switched his style up with a concept album that mingled bold social messages with edgy production.
Kendrick’s most recent release, “Untitled Unmastered,” falls somewhere between these previous two releases.
The album is edgy in the sense that none of the tracks have titles: the album consists of “untitled 01” through “untitled 08” with specific dates following each. The messages behind the untitled songs are left open to interpretation and, without titles to distract from the tracks, there are no preconceived notions on what the songs should be, or are trying to be, about.
Much of the album flows like thoughtful poetry — Lamar spitting socially-charged lyrics over an eclectic blend of beats. Sometimes the songs can sound like two or three different songs in one track due to changes in tone, lyrics and beat, but instead of being confusing and cacophonous, these changes in pace make for a listening experience that keeps the listener engaged with the songs.
One of the standouts from the album is “untitled 03 05.28.2013” with rapid-fire lyrics and heavy themes that will make you think.
Another is “untitled 08 09.06.2014,” which sounds a bit like Lamar on “Good Kid, M.A.D.D. City” with a consistent, groovy beat.
Overall, “Untitled Unmastered” boasts texture and inventiveness. Lamar adds another sure-to-be enduring work to his name. Old fans and those just discovering Lamar should be pleased with this newest release, mingling old and new into an album that stands out boldly from the mainstream monotony.
@Unchained116