The latest offering from Kendrick Lamar, Untitled Unmastered, is an album that defies convention in more ways than one. The difference here, amongst the jazz, the Hip Hop, and the funk, is a mesmerising atmosphere, caked in soul, created by live instrumentation. As raw and uncut as the title suggests, this album is free from song titles (just the track number and date they were recorded is displayed), credits, and even a substantial piece of cover art - if you were wondering why yesterday morning your timeline looked like a dirty green woodland, you’ve now got your answer.

Free from the restraints of label pressures, creative interference and conforming to a trend, this eight-track masterpiece fuses together Hip Hop and jazz in a similar way the likes of De La Soul, Digable Planets and A Tribe Called Quest did when they helped usher in the native tongues movement in the late 80s/early 90s. With its loose, improvisational vibe and intricate instrumentation, Untitled Unmastered drops out of nowhere and sends the Hip Hop community into a frenzy.

The album's opening track, 'Untitled 01 | 08.14.2014.', sets the tone for what's to come - a sonic experiment that blends jazz harmonies with boom bap drums and introspective lyrics. The result is an album that is both nostalgic and futuristic, evoking the raw energy of early Hip Hop while pushing the boundaries of what we expect from the genre.

Throughout the album, Kendrick Lamar's signature storytelling ability shines through, as he weaves vivid narratives about love, loss, and self-discovery. His rhymes are dense with imagery, painting a picture of life in all its complexity. Meanwhile, his jazz-infused production is equally impressive, incorporating live instrumentation to create a unique sound that is both retro and modern.

Untitled Unmastered is an album that will resonate deeply with fans of Hip Hop and beyond. It's a testament to Kendrick Lamar's creative genius and his ability to push the boundaries of what we expect from music. With this album, he has given us a gift - a work of art that is both timeless and timely, an album that will be cherished for years to come.

In short, Untitled Unmastered is a masterpiece, adding yet another reason to kick off the K., the king of Hip Hop's throne.

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