Description

Lendrick Lamar – Untitled Unmastered – 180 Gram Vinyl Record

Released by surprise on March 4, 2016, untitled unmastered. is a collection of unreleased demos and unfinished tracks recorded during the sessions for Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). Despite its lack of official song titles, polished production, or a clear conceptual narrative, the album maintains the depth, complexity, and political consciousness of Kendrick’s best work, offering a raw and unfiltered look into his creative process.

With its blend of jazz, funk, soul, and experimental hip-hop, untitled unmastered. further proves Kendrick’s ability to push the boundaries of rap, cementing him as one of the most innovative and fearless artists of his generation.

Sonically, untitled unmastered. carries the same jazz, funk, and soul influences that made To Pimp a Butterfly a masterpiece. The production—handled by Thundercat, Terrace Martin, Cardo, Hit-Boy, and even Swizz Beatz’s young son Egypt—features live instrumentation, including lush saxophones, upright bass, and erratic drum patterns, evoking the spirit of Miles Davis and free jazz. Offbeat, unorthodox song structures, making the project feel like an experimental jam session rather than a traditional rap album. Dark, moody, and cinematic soundscapes, reflecting themes of spiritual conflict, systemic oppression, and personal introspection.

While the album lacks the polished, seamless flow of Kendrick’s studio albums, its raw, unfinished nature makes it feel more intimate and immediate, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his genius in motion.

Despite being a collection of unreleased tracks, the album feels thematically rich, proving that even Kendrick’s throwaway songs contain more depth than most rappers’ best work.

Key Tracks That Stand Out

untitled 02 | 06.23.2014 – A moody, jazz-infused track exploring Kendrick’s mental battles with success and survivor’s guilt.
untitled 03 | 05.28.2013 – A playful yet profound song dissecting race, power, and music industry politics, set over a funky, bouncy beat.
untitled 05 | 09.21.2014 – One of the most haunting, jazz-heavy tracks, featuring pained storytelling about violence, addiction, and despair.
untitled 07 | 2014 – 2016 – A three-part track showcasing Kendrick’s braggadocio (Levitate), artistic experimentation, and an outro that feels like a loose jam session.

Despite being a collection of demos, untitled unmastered. debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, proving Kendrick’s influence and artistic power. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its freeform jazz approach, powerful lyricism, and experimental sound.

Artists like J. Cole, Denzel Curry, and Noname have since drawn inspiration from Kendrick’s unpolished, improvisational approach, showing how this album pushed boundaries even in its unfinished state.

While untitled unmastered. may not be as conceptually tight or widely discussed as To Pimp a Butterfly, it remains an essential listen for anyone wanting a deeper dive into Kendrick Lamar’s creative brilliance. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, offering raw insight into the mind of a rap genius in his prime.

For fans of jazz-infused hip-hop, political lyricism, and boundary-pushing rap, untitled unmastered. is a must-listen—a rare and unfiltered glimpse into the creative process of one of the greatest artists of our time.

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed