Close your eyes and picture yourself sitting in a coffee shop for poetry night. You hear a smooth, jazz rhythm that intoxicates your senses. Kendrick Lamar is the poet and his words rain down to make your head sway side to side like a flower in the wind.

“Untitled Unmastered,” which was released on March 4, captures these sounds remarkably. Even though every song is untitled, Lamar keeps it simple and uses poetic lyrics and soulful instrumentals to produce an outstanding album.
This surprise compilation album is better than most anticipated commercial projects. Lamar takes a collection of songs that didn’t make the cut for his last album “To Pimp a Butterfly” and throws them on this 8 track, 34 minute EP.

“Untitled 03” is the only song that would’ve fit with his last album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” We can hear the lyrical message and feel from the song “King Kunta” off his last album but in a more soulful tone. The track is most likely a B-Side of “King Kunta”.

Hands down the best song on this album is “Untitled 02.” Lamar picks this song to reinstate his dominance as the best rapper in the game. He picks a crushing beat to deliver this message and silences anyone whoever doubted his greatness.

Sadly the masterpiece must come to a close with “Untitled 08.” Lamar ends the album with this catchy upbeat track. This song will have you dancing because of the incredible harmony tone and crying because you just don’t want this album to end.

“Untitled Unmastered” isn’t on the same level as his last album, but it’s a wonderful reminder of Lamar’s greatness. This album is for the true fans of his music who supported him since his first album “Section.80,”and sees his voice as their own.

If you don’t fit that mold then this album may not be for you. However, just know this project has all of the elements of hip-hop and soul. If you want a reminder of why you fell in love with hip-hop, then give his album a listen on Spotify.