Kendrick Lamar released a surprise album, untitled unmastered, on Thursday, March 3, and it didn’t disappoint.
The tracks are untitled and differentiated solely by dates that have a connection to To Pimp a Butterfly. It’s a follow up — in progress — to TPAB, which explains the familiar sound. Jazzy beats, song skits and references to the album make untitled unmastered a potential follow-up that Lamar hinted would be released sometime this year. Check out the Daily Wildcat‘s take on a few of the album’s tracks below.
“Untitled 05 | 09.21.2014.”
“Untitled 05” is the best track off untitled unmastered. The eerie, jazzy music and voice of Anna Wise, who was a huge part of TPAB, make “Untitled 05” sound similar to tracks off TPAB. Lamar’s songs are well-wrought works of art — he always has something new to offer in terms of originality, and the message he likes to give in his music and “Untitled 05” reflects that.
“Untitled 06 | 06.30.2014.”
For a more fun track with an easy-listening, R&B beat that makes you want to dance, look no further than “Untitled 06.” Lamar raps about being confident. His voice flows well with soft trumpets and flutes in the background, which makes you love him even more.
“Untitled 07 | 2014-2016.”
The unclear dates of the song suggest that the album was worked on throughout the year, as part of Lamar’s creative process. This song emulates today’s popular rap styles, which means this a turn-up song for sure. Looking for further validation? Swizz Beatz, who produced most of Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo, produced this track. The song shifts halfway through from hype-as-hell to introspective, though, thanks to a fervent beat change and skit.
“Untitled 08 | 09.06.2014”
Lamar ends the 34-minute-long album with a funky ’70s-style beat and a message, which actually prevail throughout untitled unmastered. This track contrasts finances in black America with his own personal monetary success. While the underlying circumstance of the song is upsetting, Lamar manages to take the troublesome theme and make the song enjoyable.
What’s your favorite track off Kendrick’s new album?
— Daily Wildcat (@dailywildcat) March 5, 2016
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