Kendrick Lamar has released a surprise compilation album/EP (not sure) consisting of untitled tracks/outtakes from To Pimp a Butterfly. 1. "untitled 01 l 08.19.2014." 2. "untitled 02 l 06.23.2014." 3. "untitled 03 l 05.28.2013." (featuring Bilal, Anna Wise, Thundercat & Terrace Martin) 4. "untitled 04 l 08.14.2014." 5. "untitled 05 l 09.21.2014." (featuring Jay Rock, Punch & Anna Wise) 6. "untitled 06 l 06.30.2014." (featuring Cee-Lo Green) 7. "untitled 07 l 2014 - 2016" 8. "untitled 08 l 09.06.2014." *Untitled 3 was the song performed on The Colbert Report. *A mix of Untitled 2 and 8 was performed on The Tonight Show. (thanks Minus) *The 2nd half of untitled 7 was produced by Swizz Beatz' 5-year old son
I'd consider it a compilation, since 34 minutes is a bit long to be considered an EP. It's far from a complete work, but it's not really supposed to be. I can see why some of the tracks didn't make the cut, while others are FANTASTIC. The only track I truly dislike is untitled 07. It feels like a stiched together, directionless mess. However, I really, really love untitled 03, 05, and 06. Untitled 06 is probably my favorite. Having Cee Lo plus a flute line gives the song a very unique feel. My only gripe with untitled 03 is that it has a faster tempo than the Colbert performance, and doesn't have the fantastic ending that was on the broadcast. Still good though. I want to like untitled 08, but it feels very incomplete, especially considering the ending that was performed on Fallon is on untitled 2. Overally, I'd give it a 7/10. A decent collection, but a bit forgettable.
Even as a bunch of cut tracks, it's still better than all the hip-hop that has come out this year. Yeah Kanye, I'm looking at you. 8.5/10. Or rather, because I hate having decimals in my fractions, 17/20. EDIT: Also, correction on the original post. The track played on the Tonight Show is a mix of Untitled 2 and 8.
This project is my second favorite of the year so far. I finally got around to listening to it yesterday. Soli9d work Kendrick!