★★★★★
Kendrick has been on a tear of late. From his album To Pimp a Butterfly all the way to his phenomenal Grammy performance and now this, Untitled Unmastered, he has been out of this world. Ever since his debut studio album in 2011 titled Section.80 Kendrick Lamar has been on of the premier rappers in the game and this new project that he released, just thrusts that top spot status on him yet again. Just keep this idea in your mind when listening to this project; these were all songs that didn’t make the cut to his studio album To Pimp a Butterfly. These songs have the ability to make a studio album themselves. Although all share a title “Untitled” each song is clearly unique and special. The album starts with “Untitled 01” which is Kendrick using this platform for what he always does and that was to highlight some of the issues and conflicts that are occurring in society today. It’s a respectable part of what Kendrick does with his music and this song exemplifies that. “Untitled 02” has to be my favorite track of the project with the insane use of his voice, Kendrick highlights how talented he is with not just what he says, but how he says it. The beats are strong and impactful which match the lyrics and emotion Kendrick is expressing. “Untitled 03” offers a looser and smoother beat and sound. Over that, Kendrick speeds up his vocal delivery, but doesn’t take away the message he wants to portray. “Untitled 04” has a feel of an interlude then an actual song. “Untitled 05” starts off with a well-done instrumental piece that is followed by a beautiful female voice that’s really sets a tone. Kendrick jumps in on the same instrumental background and delivers a gritty verse filled with emotion that has been a staple to all of his songs, especially To Pimp a Butterfly. “Untitled 05” picks up the pace with the beat, feel and lyrics. With another unknown artist featured on this track, it is a good combination with Kendrick Lamar and the message they are delivering about raising a child and the impact it has. “Untitled 07” is my second favorite song on this album and its for similar reasons as to “Untitled 02”. What Kendrick Lamar can do with his voice not just in the lyrics, but also the delivery, is sensational and is the real reason why I continue to listen to him. I want to see what else he can do. “Untitled 07” also offers an interlude that almost sounds like Kendrick working on the tracks. The final track on this project, “Untitled 08”, can be argued to be the best overall track on the album. It was actually one of the songs that was tweeted by NBA Star Lebron James. Its one of the only tracks with a clear verse/hook combination, and it’s an overall catchy and strong song that can highlight an album throughout the radio waves. Overall, the combination of lyrical dominance and delivery versatility is what sets Kendrick Lamar apart from other artist. Untitled Unmastered, is an incredible complement to the previously released To Pimp a Butterfly. With music like this, that is left unreleased, Kendrick can easily be on the road to becoming one of the best rappers of all time.