Kendrick Lamar is currently riding the success of his critically acclaimed 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly” that spoke to the hearts and minds of Americans and won several Grammys last month. Lamar, like no other rapper today, has a presence in his lyricism and production that impacts the listener. He tackles a plethora of topics in his work ranging from social equality in the economic and political sense to morality, religion, and success.

The way that he presents these ideas shows his own vulnerability and the shortcomings of the world in his eyes. Lamar is breaking barriers with his music by shedding light on topics of which the world needs to have a better grasp. People, regardless of gender, race, or religion, have been and continue to be inspired by Lamar and his message of acceptance and change.

This past week, his new project “untitled unmastered” was released as a surprise to the world. This collection of B-sides, demos, and rarities from “To Pimp a Butterfly” have been molded together to form a cohesive and personal listening experience. The project, rather than having song titles, labels the tracks as “untitled” with a number and a date of recording. The songs feel like glimpses into the psyche and professional drive of Lamar and his accompanying band and the creative process behind “To Pimp a Butterfly.”

“Untitled 01”

The first track begins with a sensual monologue and faint drum and bassline that sets a strange tone. Immediately after the spoken word ends, Lamar explodes into verse taking the listener by storm as if he has just come out of the gates swinging. The track includes dark imagery about uprisings and anarchy and a warning to the world that judgement day is coming swiftly. In the song, Lamar has a confrontation with God at the gates of Heaven where it is revealed to him that this demise of humanity has been prompted by the actions of man and changes must be made to avoid this impending demise.

“Untitled 02”

This provides an interesting personal commentary by Kendrick about the music industry. He confesses to feeling trapped in the “belly of the beast,” but ultimately decides to stand firm in his convictions and not compromise to racial stereotypes in order to advance his career. He takes creative license and makes art out of love of the craft and the power it holds. In the closing seconds, a conversation is featured where Lamar complements the drummer on the track and tells him to play other songs that day (ones that were featured on “To Pimp a Butterfly”). This is one of many moments on the project where the listener feels as if they are in the room experiencing these songs with Lamar.

“Untitled 03”

The third track features a funky bassline with an interesting use of synths as a backdrop for Lamar to make sense of people giving him advice. The song chronicles his struggles in dealing with those around him that believe they know what is best for him and his career. In this song, racial commentary is featured when it is said that the white man is trying to take a piece of Lamar for profit. The record company only cares about sales and critical acclaim. Kendrick responds by vowing to “enjoy the fruits of [his] labor” and not allowing others to have a hand in what he feels is important artistically.

“Untitled 04”

“Untitled 04” is a brief track that was reportedly composed to be an interlude for “To Pimp a Butterfly.” This song, while bare-bones and stripped down, conveys an important message. It proclaims the importance of education and social perception. Lamar is stating that even just thinking and being self-confident is the best catalyst for change.

“Untitled 05”

Which is a powerful track that chronicles the odyssey of a man who feels as if he has been marginalized from his community, family, and faith and turns to violent retaliation as a result. The man is scoping out a place for robbery and has an inward reflection where his anger wells up because of his fear of inadequacy. Along with this powerful narrative, the track features a thrilling beat with a bouncing crash of high-hats, jazzy keyboard chords, and a galloping bassline.

“Untitled 06”

The sixth song contains elements of a prevalent Lamar motif of confidence and authenticity. It examines how everyone is a product of parental figures and how no one is free of flaws or imperfections. Lamar provides the challenge of surrounding oneself with those who appreciate and condone these traits.

“Untitled 07”

This track is the most interesting and unique song on the project. It is divided into three parts to mirror three parts of Lamar’s life. The first studies feelings of success and the rush of the material world with newfound fame and fortune. The second looks at finding a balance between overconfidence and control while also staying true to personal roots. The third and final part conveys feelings of contentment and a realization of influence. This part almost seems as if Lamar is being introspective and reflecting on his career and how he has lived his life.

“Untitled 08”

The final song “untitled 08” is another look into the private thoughts and feelings of Kendrick as he sympathizes with the plea of the black poor around the country. His heart extends to those who have not been as fortunate as him, and he uses these feelings to keep his success in check so that he can remember his blessings.

“Untitled unmastered”

“Untitled unmastered” is a fantastic musical journey that gives the listener a unique opportunity to visit the inner workings of the mind of Kendrick Lamar. While this collection of songs is not supposed to be an album per se, it is refreshing to hear a project of this sort that has artistic merit and is unique and inventive.

In the world of modern day hip-hop, more often than not, generic and formulaic albums that have little to say thematically or artistically are spewed only for monetary gain and the pursuit of fame. Lamar has further proven his status at the forefront of the industry with this collection of songs that exceed standards sonically and lyrically and are not governed by the conventions of the hip-hop world. Lamar has cemented himself as a man bearing a message of change who is steadfast in his belief system and is eager to make waves in modern society as well as the music industry. “Pimp pimp hooray!”

Edward Benner is a contributor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.