Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Kero Uno has been kicking for almost two decades, credited with reviving jazz sensibilities in hip-hop almost three decades since it, unfortunately, fell out of fashion around the turn of the century. K1 introduces city-pop and jazz-hop to two of Kdots biggest tracks, 'Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe' and 'Love', the former of which was put on SoundCloud almost a decade ago now and created nothing but buzz. K1 skyrocketed to fame, having his album crowdfunded by excited fans and catching the attention of Kendrick's own mix engineer Derek Ali. The 'Don't Kill My Vibes' mix flips the 2012 hit into a vibraphone-led synthy jazz slice of heaven, while the 'Love' flip, 'Vinyl Love', is a chill, wavey city-pop banger, with subtle brass and airtight percussion coming together in perfect matrimony.

Review: Kendrick Lamar aka. K Dot is hip-hop's all-time crown-bearer for the 2010s. Last time we checked, the same was true for the 2020s too. Bridging both decades came To Pimp A Butterfly, which saw mammoth success upon its 2015 release. Though perhaps prematurely slapped with the "classic" label all too soon (and though this wasn't wrong), one good index of an all-time great album is the prevalence of affectionate initialisms among diehard fans: in no time at all, it became known as "TPAB". The Compton rapper had had a firm social conscience ever since the release of Section 80 and Good Kid, Mad City, and TPAB would continue to restitute the many racial and consumeristic ills of American society; unforgettably, a White House mutiny is depicted on the original front cover. Songs like 'I', 'Sing For Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst', 'King Kunta' and 'Institutionalized' revolutionised rap through every motif from G-funk bounce to freeform jazz. Now, after a recent Super Bowl Halftime Show backed by vexingly ironic American flags and pyrotechnics, we hear a newly emerged butterfly: Kendrick's meliorative flows and butterfly-effect cogitations resound with the utmost clarity on this grey UMR edition.

Review: Celebrating the tentth anniversary of a release that redefined the possibilities of hip-hop both as music and message, UMR share a brand new edition of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly. Though a tanked camo butterfly now takes centre stage on the front cover, the tracklist remains unchanged; an unusual move for anniversary editions indeed, though perhaps the observation should be made that the sheer stylistic variety Kendrick offered us back in 2015 should keep us grateful well into the 21st Century. Besides, who'd want to tamper with the tracklist of a 10/10 record? They sure know how to keep the purists happy. From the explosive urgency of 'The Blacker the Berry' to the introspective poetry of 'u' and the cultural rallying cry of 'Alright', Lamar's vision remains as urgent and layered as ever.

Review: Perhaps the most striking moment on Kendrick Lamar's GNX comes early, with 'Squabble Up.' Opening on a sparse beat laced with an almost claustrophobic bassline, the track bursts into intricate lyricism, with Lamar delivering rapid-fire verses that bristle with urgency. It's an audacious statement that sets the tone for the album: introspection wrapped in cinematic production. Then there's 'Heart Pt. 6,' a deeply layered piece where ghostly synths and rolling drums frame Lamar's contemplations on legacy, loss, and identity. The interplay of Lamar's voice, alternately tender and defiant, with the productionicourtesy of Sounwave and Kamasi Washingtoniis nothing short of riveting. GNX doesn't provide easy answers; instead, it invites you to sit with its questions, its moments of chaos and its flashes of hard-won clarity.

Review: It is hard to believe this classic album from Kendrick Lamar is already a decade old. He has gone on to reach even higher heights since this one despite what an accomplishment it was. It marked his major label debut back in 2012 and was a deeply personal reflection by Compton, CA-born rapper about, well, life, has grown to command a much wider gravitas today than it did upon its first release. Back then, it had enough pop appeal to hype up the mass of its listeners, while also intelligently working enough ironic political commentary about the nature of American hood experience into the lyrics, to have the effect of wisely 'nudging' the average popular international music consumer to wake up and listen up. This is an album about deep and open psychic wounds gashed across the social fabric of the USA, told through the isolated perspective of just one kid.

Review: Kendrick Lamarr has always been one of hip-hop's most thoughtful and thought-provoking MCs, with a passion for utilising beats and backing tracks that often sidestep hackneyed rap tropes and lazy samples. Even so, Mr Morale & The Big Steppers, Lamarr's first solo album for five years, is an arresting listen from start to finish. Impeccably produced, with countless musical twists and turns, spellbinding instrumentation (including jazz pianos, orchestration, intriguing electronics, sparkling synths and punchy rhythms aplenty), it sees Lamarr lyrically signposting his own failings (something not enough rappers of his profile are comfortable doing) within a wider framework of accountability. It's brave but brilliant, with some of the topics covered including his relationship with money, white women and his father, gender and generational trauma. A genuinely landmark album all told.

Review: The king of west coast hip-hop is back better than ever, with a massive sounding album blending cinematic production with nostalgic nods to funk, slow jams and new jack swing, creating a rich tapestry of different styles. At its core is a narrative of resilience and responsibility, exploring themes of artistry, sacrifice, and the pressures of being a role model. Opening with sharp reflections on personal and public controversies, the record sets a tone of wisdom tempered by humor. Tracks like 'Heart Pt. 6' showcase vulnerability and growth, while others revel in pure bravado, bolstered by thunderous beats and infectious hooks. Collaborations with seasoned producers and emerging talent add depth, creating a sense of community and mentorship that underscores the artist's commitment to nurturing the next generation. Lyrically, the album examines fame, familial bonds and self-acceptance with a sense of duty and truth. It's a powerful statement of intention, offering both anthems for celebration and moments of introspection.

Review: Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly, the Compton-based rapper's first album since 2012's major label debut, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, has been receiving rave reviews. In truth, it's not hard to see why. Imaginative, soulful, and blessed with the looseness of live performance (a result of the use of jazz-minded live players as much as anything else), it sounds like the kind of album that may one day be hailed as a hip-hop classic. Sure, there are big name guests - Dre, Snoop, George Clinton and Thundercat included - but the focus remains on Lamar's distinctive flow and almost cinematic tales of life on L.A's streets. Given the quality of his lyrics, that's no bad thing.