download kendrick lamar untitled unmastered album

I understand that this is a really short review, but that’s emblematic of this release’s biggest issue – there’s really just not a lot to say about it. Kendrick’s flow isn’t particularly captivating, but it’s competent – and definitely better than most of what he’s doing on the rest of the album. Then it transitions into a cool little bass track. “untitled 07” has some spooky production – lots of reversed, modulated high pitches. untitled unmastered is definitely frontloaded with a lot of mediocre tracks, so don’t let that scare you off. Kendrick’s delivery is pretty decent, and a lot more worthwhile than what he does on the first half of this record. They make me feel like someone’s tickling my brain, however, and no thank you I do not like that one bit not one little bit and so I will be taking a pass on old number 04.īack to “untitled 05” – this might actually be one of my favorite tracks on the album. Hey, if Kendrick’s plosive whispers are your ASMR trigger, more power to you. “untitled 04” has a great outro that transitions well into “untitled 05.” Too bad you have to squirm through ‘Kendrick Lamar does ASMR’ on 04. There are some appealing moments on untitled unmastered, mainly having to do with the production. It’s not a good look, and the deadpan delivery only heightens how little this record works as a demo entry. It gives untitled unmastered a disingenuous feel, which is a large part of the reason I have trouble getting on board with it. This is the stuff he was initially saving for one-off, exclusive performances, so as to create ‘moments.’ This is a really, really cool idea that this album’s existence renders hollow. It is more precious and valuable than mint gold, a clean home, and a lover’s smile.Įach of these tracks, like the Colbert performance, comes from Kendrick’s ‘vault’ material. Hold onto that memory as tight as you can. Good, because none of that comes across on the recorded version. Remember that Colbert Report performance? Remember watching him tremble – stirring and gyrating up on that stage, moving like a man possessed? Remember how fast your heart started to beat when you heard him spit those bars? Remember how radical that was? You’d think that an unmastered track would bring out some raw emotion, but Kendrick’s rapping sounds bored – almost sluggish, at points. The problem isn’t the production – it’s the delivery. The 8 tracks make for a brisk, listenable 30 minutes, but most of the songs feel flat. I still somewhat enjoy listening to what Kendrick’s put into this record.

But it’s part of the reason that I’ve come away from Kendrick’s new EP, untitled unmastered, disappointed. They’re good! They’re cool! There’s something really appealing about listening to your favorite artist’s unreleased material.

Download kendrick lamar untitled unmastered album