If we’re just talking about how this thing sounds, nothing on the record is particularly innovative, but the project innovates in its ideation.
UNLOCKED sees Curry and Beats take a deep dive into hip-hop fundamentals through a concise, gritty and hard-hitting album.
Until Denzel finds the right balance between his lofty conceptual ambitions and his seemingly endless well of punky bangers, a surface level this fun is the best we can hope for.
UNLOCKED, his new project with Kenny Beats, is both the perfect solidification of existing fans’ devotion and thing to show to people who know of Curry but don’t know what all the fuss is about.
This is a playful project, not afraid to dabble with creativity but also showcasing both Denzel’s lyrical ability and Kenny’s creative dexterity, both artists’ visions.
Unlocked is essentially a glitch in the matrix in hip hop form, and that's a great thing.
Unlocked is a curveball; for the first time he completely upends his roots, with the help of Kenny Beats.
Although Unlocked concludes almost as soon as it starts, Curry and Kenny pack so much into this short release that repeat listens are a must and, indeed, a pleasure.
Some of Kenny Beats best work. Clearly a ton of Madlib influence. Denzel is such a good match with Kenny
But the video really escalated the project, and I would recommend everyone to listen to this album through the video on Denzels channel
The music is great. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Nothing on here is innovative but fuck that. Songs like Diet are fucking undeniably amazing.
Some of the hardest material I have heard Denzel on. Kenny clearly knew how to handle Denzel for ... read more
Shoutout to @ThePurpleIdiot for recommending another gem!
UNLOCKED the fire!! 🔥🔥
This EP by Denzel Curry & Kenny Beats was released in February 2020, accompanied with a short film that tells a story of the duo on a journey to recover the missing 'Unlocked' files after they got leaked.
I should say it now: Denzel is one my favourite rappers of all time, and this is absolutely no exception as to why he's a top-tier name for me. His aggressive delivery, the overall intense energy he ... read more
So I've been wanting one thing recently; Denzel Curry over boom-bap beats. And what can I say other than this provides just that. Before I begin this short review, I recommend everyone sees the YouTube visualizer/short film for this. It's seriously one of the most creative ways to roll out an album I've seen in a while. It was probably even better than the album.
On this album/EP or whatever, Denzel finds a great balance between his aggressive and his somewhat calmer flow over somewhat ... read more
Some of the best material Denzel ever made. Kenny and Denzel are just such a good combination.
1 | Track 01 1:24 | 77 |
2 | Take_it_Back_v2 2:49 | 89 |
3 | Lay_Up.m4a 1:45 | 84 |
4 | Pyro (leak 2019) 1:21 | 86 |
5 | DIET_ 2:23 | 90 |
6 | So.Incredible.pkg 3:16 | 87 |
7 | Track07 2:03 | 78 |
8 | ꞌCosmicꞌ.m4a 2:46 | 87 |
#9 | / | The Vinyl Factory |
#20 | / | The Young Folks |
#30 | / | Magnetic |
#38 | / | Complex |
#49 | / | Our Culture |
#49 | / | The Needle Drop |
#86 | / | Rough Trade |