untitled unmastered.

Every element of Kendrick Lamar’s <i>untitled unmastered.</i> tells you something about the Compton MC’s provocative, multi-layered genius. Take the contrast of the collection's ultra-generic title and its attention-grabbing, out-of-left-field release. Take the retro-futuristic, Funkadelic-inspired grooves that simmer under tracks like “untitled 02” and “untitled 06.” These are only the beginning of the album's hypnotic, nuanced nod to hip-hop’s deep roots and unstoppable political and expressive currency. Songs like “untitled 03” and “untitled 05”—with layered references, wild-eyed jazz solos and cutting insight—continue Lamar's winning streak.