Three weeks after his powerful performance at the Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar surprised listeners by releasing a new project, Untitled Unmastered, at midnight on March 4. The project is an EP featuring several songs that never made his final album cut.
Untitled Unmastered begins with the fiery “Untitled 1.” Over a fast-paced instrumental that’s reminiscent of a ‘90s-era RZA track, Lamar tackles politics, religion and racism. He also embraces a ‘90s-era flow when rapping, “Preachers touching on boys run for cover the paranoid, rapists and murderers hurdle alleys, vanish in high places, turn into death facing screaming in agony.”
“Untitled 2” carries the blues and jazz feel that often dominates TPAB. Trumpets scream over a minimalist instrumental as Lamar raps about self-reflection and his TDE crew. “Untitled 3,” first performed on “The Colbert Report,” allows Lamar to tackle how unconscious racism can limit opportunities.
“What the white man say?… A piece of mines, that’s what the white man wanted when I rhyme. Telling me that he selling me just for $10.99. I go platinum for rapping, I do the company fine. What if I compromise? He said it don’t even matter. Make a million or more, you’re doing better than average. You losing your core following, gaining it all. Put a price on my talent, I hit the bank and withdraw,” he raps.
“Untitled 5” is another bluesy track where Lamar attacks the systemic oppression and its impact on the poor and minorities. With help from Cee Lo Green, “Untitled 6” stands out as the most polished offering on the project. Green’s soulful voice guides the majority of the song as Lamar confesses his imperfections. “Untitled 6” has the depth and overall range to become a hit single.
Lamar raps over a trap instrumental (produced by Alicia Keys’ and Swizz Beatz 5-year-old son, Egypt) on “Untitled 7” as he turns the concept of “getting high” inside out. “Love won’t get you high as this, drugs won’t get you high as this, fame won’t get you high as this, chains won’t get you high as this, juice won’t get you high as this, crew won’t get you high as this,” Lamar raps. The song is followed by an improvised session where Lamar freestyles as someone plays an acoustic guitar in the background.
Overall, Untitled Unmastered is an interesting look at how Lamar experimented with sounds and rap styles to create what became TPAB. The project won’t take away from or enhance his legend, but it allows Lamar’s fans to experience a studio session and get an idea of his thought process when creating music.
