Kendrick. Untitled Unmastered.
For someone who has faced so much adversity growing up in Compton being where he is now is just so admirable, and it continues…
First and foremost, being my absolute favorite rapper since he surfaced under the name of K. Dot, I’ve always admired his flow and how lyrically blessed he was. Overtime, the love only grew deeper for a fellow Gemini who not only wanted to express his feelings through music but also to utilize this source to educate the audiences especially the youth who are the future, which is what he focuses on throughout this album and To Pimp A Butterfly.
“untitled 01 | 08.19.2014.”
This covers all calamities in the world, which are only getting worse and becoming even more prominent. He refers to danger at every corner whether in alleyways or in the church. But he creates the change of tone towards the end with a positive outlook that faith and love are the only things that can save us from what we believe we are doomed to.
“untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.”
Kendrick talks about his new life of fame and fortune. But constantly mentions his “day ones” back home and his TDE team that supports him referring to them as the “mafia of the west”. On this track, he talks about Compton and waiting on God’s blessing for example: Getting God on the phone in which he replies “it won’t be long” therefore everyone’s blessing is coming just like theirs all did, but it’s important to be patient and keep working.
“untitled 03 | 05.28.2013.”
Although short, this track gave the audience a powerful message. When Kendrick asked for advice from different races, the Asian man said, “A peace of mind” the Indian man said, “a piece of land” and finally the Black man said, “a piece of pu**y”. However, when he asked the White man, he asked for “a piece of mines.” This shows the greed of the White man and the capitalistic mindset that he holds in order to take advantage of the minorities.
“untitled 04 | 08.14.2014.”
This encourages “head” not only in a sexual innuendo type of way, but more so to call attention to how important it is that people think for themselves. Knowledge is power.
“untitled 05 | 09.21.2014.”
Unfortunately, I couldn’t dissect this song as much as I wished to. I couldn’t understand if the chorus by Anna Wise originally called for police brutality and how they use certain ways to cover things up or (the side that I’m leaning more towards) that these may have been forms of suicidal thoughts whether due to the corruption of the world or simply the overindulgence of fame and success on artists. Nevertheless, this was an in depth vision for the uglier side of things that may occur in the minds of those we idolize, simply because we are unaware of what they may be going through.
“untitled 06 | 06.30.2014.”
This would have to be my favorite out of this entire album. Kendrick continuously mentions his Gemini traits and encourages everyone to embrace themselves and their flaws. Our individuality and originality are important. Self-love and acceptance are also key.
“untitled 07 | 2014-2016”
Since this doesn’t have a set date like the other tracks do, and seeing that it’s over eight minutes long, I’m guessing these were all unfinished ideas Kendrick had decided to put together over the past two years. This was a compilation of parts that helped to create many of songs on TPAB, especially at 4:30, it’s like a behind-the-scenes look on how Kendrick starts his projects. I used dread having to endure the four minutes of this, but it helps you appreciate this beautiful human being and his journey on perfecting his craft even more.
“untitled 08 | 09.06.2014.”
This track sums up the entire album perfectly, and focuses on how someone out there will have it worse than you. Our first world problems aren’t problems at all, and the moment that we complain about “a blessing that is taking too long to come is where we go wrong.” What a great way to end the album expressing that we should be patient and also grateful every. single. day.
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