Similar to “i,” Kendrick is endlessly positive, claiming “My mama told me that I was different the moment I was invented/Estranged baby, no I’m not ashamed” and “Look at my flaws, look at my flaws/Look at my imperfections in awe.” Although Kendrick Lamar does a great job promoting social messages on other tracks, it’s nice to hear a more happy-go-lucky song for once. Unlike the previous tracks, which focus on broader topics like racism and religion, track six has a narrower message of optimism and empowerment. In track six, Kendrick pairs up with CeeLo Green on a soulful, flute-driven track. Kendrick whispers into the microphone, providing some hints to a narrator much like Eminem’s “Public Service Announcement.” Although it’s far from the strongest track, it provides more of the “demo” feel, which was promised by the album’s title. Track four is a quick, funk-laced interlude that adds a refreshing break to the album. The screed comes off as a bit forced compared to the rest of the album, but it has similar themes as “Fuck Your Ethnicity” and many of Kendrick’s earlier tracks. As the theme advances, it’s obvious that he’s attacking corporate America and the materialism of our country’s early history. On track three, Kendrick continues to broach issues of race and ethnicity, asking, “What did the black man say?” and “What did the white man say?” on various parts of the track. The 3 Best Political Songs of Trump’s Presidencyīy tracks three and four Kendrick has returned to the funk influence that dominated “To Pimp a Butterfly.” Both stand around two minutes in length, making them the shortest tracks on the album. It does a great job setting the tone and getting the message across immediately-this isn’t “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

Blial provides an unsettling monologue at the song’s beginning, acting out a sleazy sexual introduction. The album kicks off with (as you’d expect) “untitled 01,” which sets the tone right from the gate. Many of the production and instrumental techniques make this release feel improvisational, running with the jazz theme of “TPAB.” Even Kendrick Lamar’s flustered, anxious flow seems improvised, sounding like a long string of masterful freestyles rather than carefully planned lyrics. And unlike the title’s claims, this album is elaborately produced, featuring some of the most interesting beats in Lamar’s catalogue. City” but it’s a solid collection of songs.

It’s not the flawless narrative of “Good Kid, m.A.A.d. Although they’re mostly lost cuts from “To Pimp a Butterfly,” “untitled unmastered.” is surprisingly cohesive and experimental. Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ Feels Even More Relevant in 2020Īs you would expect from Kendrick Lamar, these are much more than your typical demos. Within just ten days of this simple Twitter request, the world was granted eight new untitled Kendrick Lamar demos. After urging one of hip-hop’s biggest stars to release a studio version of his Grammy performance, Lebron James proved why he’s still the King. Unlike “TLOP,” “untitled unmastered.” was released within one day of its announcement. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kanye makes weekly edits to the album, forcing listeners to regularly renew their TIDAL™ subscriptions, adding his own line of TIDAL™ shutter shades and an avant-garde coffee bean brand. In many ways, the rollout was almost the exact inverse of Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo,” which still isn’t technically finished. While similar releases from Future and 2Chainz, two of the biggest names in hip-hop, essentially flopped within the past month, Lamar’s compilation of unreleased demos(!) has become the most popular album in the United States. The surprise rollout of “untitled unmastered.” is incredibly telling of Kendrick Lamar’s position in hip-hop.

Kendrick lamar untitled unmastered wik