Untitled 07 | 2014 - 2016 cover

Released 10 years ago

Untitled 07 | 2014 - 2016

Kendrick Lamar · 2016

2 min · 1 track · funk

Ethereal production meets introspective lyricism, blending jazz influences with Kendrick's signature flow and raw emotion.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    untitled 07 l levitate — This track exemplifies Kendrick's ability to merge personal reflection with broader social commentary, featuring a hypnotic beat that complements his fluid delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The track showcases strong writing and production, blending genres while maintaining Kendrick's unique voice.

What we noticed

  • The track features a slow, steady groove with layered instrumentation that builds gradually, creating a rich soundscape.
  • Kendrick's vocal delivery shifts between spoken word and melodic phrasing, emphasizing emotional weight in the lyrics.
  • The song incorporates jazz elements through improvisational sections, allowing for moments of free expression amidst structured verses.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — An important artistic evolution, contributing to significant cultural conversations.
Themes
social commentary· California street life· personal reflection· jazz-infused introspection
Career context
By the time 'Untitled 07 | 2014 - 2016' was released in early 2016, Kendrick Lamar had already achieved significant acclaim with his previous album, 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' which had solidified his status as a leading voice in hip-hop. This release showcases an experimental phase for Lamar, characterized by its unorthodox structure and raw, unfinished quality, marking a departure from traditional album formats.
Stylistic neighbors
Isaiah Rashad· Anderson .Paak· Saba

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • untitled 07 l levitate

    Kendrick shifts from reflections on personal struggles to broader themes of resilience and hope.

    The transition in focus not only showcases his lyrical dexterity but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal and societal challenges.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 untitled 07 l levitate 2:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata