Well, would you look at that. Fresh off snagging a few Grammy wins just days ago, Kendrick Lamar surprises fans with a mysterious new project titled “untitled unmastered.” Some might say the drop came entirely out of nowhere—but if you’ve seen the tweet from LeBron James from a few days ago, you might think otherwise…

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TOP 5

5. untitled 03 | 05.28.2013

What did this Nigerian say? That this is one of the most unique tracks I’ve heard in my life.

“untitled 03 | 05.28.2013” rides on a funky, off-kilter instrumental that feels like it belongs in one of those underground clubs serving mystery-label beers and Zimas. Over the groove, Kendrick Lamar delivers verses from the perspectives of various ethnic backgrounds — Asian, Indian, Black, White, and possibly Puerto Rican (though that one’s up for debate). Through these shifting viewpoints, he dives into themes of faith, money, temptation, and integrity. It’s one of those Kendrick cuts that rewards a closer listen — the kind where the real meaning lives between the lines.

4. untitled 08 | 09.06.2014.

Could you imagine if Kendrick Lamar tossed Mac Miller on this track?

This track could slide into any era — the 70s, 80s, 90s, even the funky-ass 2000s — and still sound right at home. Sure, it carries that unmistakable G-funk bounce that screams the 70s, but its themes make it timeless. Let’s be real: songs about money and alcohol never miss.

What makes this one stand out, though, is how Kendrick weaves consciousness into the groove. He’s dropping gems, but not in a textbook way — his delivery feels raw, free, and completely unfiltered. With his doubled-up vocals and unconventional flow, he turns a smooth party jam into a layered lesson about chasing money, handling success, and the pitfalls that come with both. It’s a groove and a guide — the kind of balance only Kendrick can pull off.

3. untitled 06 | 06.30.2014.

Is that who I think it is?

You know how some songs sound best through headphones, while others resonate more strongly through car speakers? Well, this one’s meant for an elevator in a luxury hotel.

“untitled 06 | 06.30.2014.” floats on a peaceful, serene instrumental — complete with soft keys, airy textures, and even birds chirping in the background.

CeeLo Green steals the show vocally, blessing the track with a pure, soulful hook, a gorgeous solo, and dreamy ad-libs that glide perfectly over the production. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar steps in sounding reflective and grateful, rapping about the lessons he’s learned from those around him.

The result is a warm, graceful listen that feels both intimate and uplifting.

2. untitled 07 | 2014 – 2016.

I love it when Kendrick gets ignorant on a track.

This track unfolds in three distinct phases, each serving a different purpose in Kendrick’s creative storytelling. The first phase is the closest thing to a club banger you’ll hear on the project — simple in content but ridiculously catchy. And yes, he brings back the iconic “YA BISH.”

The second phase feels like an outro — darker, sharper, and far more introspective. Here, the “Killer” side of Kendrick fully emerges, spitting venom and precision. (Rumor has it that the line, “I can’t end a career that hasn’t started,” takes a jab at Jay Electronica.)

By the end, Kendrick puts his Miguel from “Pussy Is Mine” hat on, singing about whores while stroking a guitar. He does a lot of laughing and playing around. Who knew Kendrick was a comedian?

1. untitled 02 | 06.23.2014

In this track, Kendrick Lamar sounds like an old black lady who hands out curses like free lunch.

We’ve heard Kendrick Lamar flex his singing chops before, but this might be the first time he’s sung through almost an entire track. It’s not a bad song by any means—just definitely one of his more experimental cuts. Depending on your taste, it could go either way. The vibe is mellow, a little offbeat, and definitely unexpected. The good news is this: He drops a long, hard-hitting rap verse towards the end that will certainly give you the fix you need.

Oh, and peep the 3:40 mark… is Kendrick borrowing Drake’s flow there? Hmmmm.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. untitled 01 | 08.19.2014. (4.5/5)

2. untitled 02 | 06.23.2014. (4/5)

3. untitled 03 | 05.28.2013. (4/5)

4. untitled 04 | 08.14.2014. (N/A)

5. untitled 05 | 09.21.2014. (4/5)

6. untitled 06 | 06.30.2014. (4.5/5)

7. untitled 07 | 2014 – 2016. (4/5)

8. untitled 08 | 09.06.2014. (4/5)

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RGM RATING

(81.4%)

I thought these untitled unmastered. cuts would be Kendrick just messing around, but nope — they’re right in line with the deep, introspective vibe of To Pimp a Butterfly. Hard to complain, though, considering that album won a Grammy.

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