Kendrick Lamar returns and surprises with an unexpected album of unreleased tracks in ‘untitled unmastered.’.
With ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ setting the world alight, it seemed pretty hard for Lamar to top such a highly acclaimed album. For the eagled eyed, Kendrick’s been relaying the circuit of American chat shows, with performances named ‘untitled’. Fans rallied to receive a compilation of these tracks and thankfully, Lamar delivered.
The opening of the album is gripping, with Lamars standard production and flow opening the album. Lamar's standout ability to shape and adapt his voice track by track is formidable, showing a range most of his competitors simply can’t match which he reaffirms, ‘I can put a rapper on life support/Guarantee that's something none of you want’.
‘untitled 03 05.28.2013’ is a catchy, uplifting addition, whilst ‘untitled 06 06.30.2014’, featuring an appearance from Cee Lo Green, is definitely radio-worthy. ’untitled 7 2014 - 2016’ is a notable track, with production from Swiss Beatz & Alicia Key’s eight year old, Egypt. With the additions of in-studio conversations between Kendrick and the band working as little additions in later tracks, it really connects Lamar even more with the listener.
For fans of TPAB, this album works as a great refresher to remember the innovation and talent of such an artist. Lamar has nothing really to prove but ‘untitled unmastered.’ just works as a testament to why he is on the rise.
