"Untitled Unmastered" is a compilation album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released on March 4, 2016, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. This unique project consists of eight tracks that were previously unreleased demos from the recording sessions for Lamar's third album, "To Pimp a Butterfly". Despite being outtakes, they were collectivized into a cohesive unquestionably presentable work.
Musically, the project carries on the jazz/funk fusion and politically-charged themes of "To Pimp a Butterfly". The tracks, like the album's name itself, are untitled and are distinguished by the dates they were created. "Untitled Unmastered" covers a variety of topics such as racism, black empowerment, and social injustice. It adopted styles spanning aggressive boom-bap, spaced-out funk, and earthly, charismatic jazz.
Upon its unexpected release, the album garnered widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its scope and experimental style. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, and "untitled 07 | levitate" became a minor hit on the US Billboard Hot 100. Kendrick Lamar's creative expansion of his musical style and continued exploration of critical and acclaimed themes cemented his status as one of the most important figures in modern hip-hop with this project.
