FOR RELEASE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2025
Experience Kendrick Lamar Like Never Before: Unwrapped, Vol. 9 – The Songs of Kendrick Lamar Reimagined Transforms His Greatest Hits into Jazz Masterpieces
Tracklist
1.Not Like Us
2.i
3.All The Stars
4.LOYALTY
5.Money Trees
6.LOVE
7.Alright
8.King Kunta
9.euphoria
10.Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe
11.Swimming Pools (Drank)
12.LOVE (Naturally 7 Summer PCH Chill Mix)
13.HUMBLE
February 7, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA - Hidden Beach’s venerable hip-hop-turned-jazz innovators, Unwrapped, reveal their return with a powerful new album: Unwrapped, Vol. 9 - The Songs of Kendrick Lamar Reimagined. The record features some of Kendrick Lamar’s greatest hits in jazz-inspired format. Just in time for the cultural moment surrounding Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Super Bowl performance, Unwrapped, Vol. 9 – The Songs of Kendrick Lamar Reimagined arrives on February 7, offering a fresh and sophisticated take on the rap icon’s most celebrated tracks.
This latest installment in the acclaimed Unwrapped series blends the raw energy inspired by Lamar’s lyrical genius with the timeless allure of jazz, delivering a rich, instrumental experience that highlights the depth and musicality of his catalog. From the hypnotic rhythms of LOVE. to the introspective layers of Alright, this album transforms hip-hop classics into lush, jazz-infused soundscapes—perfect for longtime fans and new listeners alike. Produced by the head of House of Vibe, Anthony “Brew” Brewster, and featuring an all-star ensemble of genre-blending musicians such as Conrad Bauer, Karen Briggs, Leon Mobley, and Jesús Molina, the project breathes new perspectives to Lamar’s storytelling, infusing his hard-hitting beats with intricate melodies, warm brass, and most importantly, soulful improvisation which is the heart of the shared heritage between hip hop and jazz music.
“This project is a labor of love from true Kendrick fans, reimagining his music with the same passion and respect that has defined Unwrapped for years.” says Steve Mckeever, Founder of Hidden Beach Recordings, “We’re thrilled to share this with longtime fans and equally excited to introduce new listeners to his genius. But beyond the music, what drives us is Unwrapped’s ability to bring people together. Throughout the years, these projects have united listeners across genres and backgrounds, proving that music can be a bridge. In a time of great division, this album arrives as a timely reminder of the power of shared experience."
With each track, Unwrapped, Vol. 9 bridges the worlds of hip-hop and jazz, honoring Lamar’s legacy while pushing musical boundaries. Songs like Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe and King Kunta take on a new dimension with sultry saxophones and piano adding a layer of sophistication to the raw emotion of the originals. Produced by the visionary team behind the Unwrapped series, the latest album continues the tradition of reinterpreting hip-hop classics with a refined, instrumental approach. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, a hip-hop purist, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on Lamar’s most iconic anthems, this album offers something for everyone. As excitement builds for Lamar’s Super Bowl spotlight, Unwrapped, Vol. 9 serves as the perfect soundtrack to celebrate his groundbreaking artistry in an entirely new way.
About Unwrapped:
One day in 2001, iconic radio DJ and pioneer Frank Ski was so excited that he cracked the mic and announced to the airwaves: “finally, someone got it.” The subject of Frank’s on-air accolades was the debut volume of Hidden Beach Presents: Unwrapped, a compilation of esteemed jazz musicians playing new instrumental renditions of everybody’s favorite hip-hop cuts. The brainchild of Hidden Beach CEO and founder Steve McKeever and producers Tony Joseph and Darryl Ross, Unwrapped was formed to merge hip-hop and jazz into a beloved fusion of sound and style, setting the tone for the highly acclaimed Unwrapped series.
An instant hit, the first Unwrapped album filled its yearly national sales in Atlanta alone in just 3 days and gained the distinction of being the first new artist instrumental record to debut in the Top 200 Pop charts, and entered the Jazz chart at #1. Since then, Unwrapped has become a staple in night clubs, festivals, church gatherings, record stores, coffee shops, and barbecues alike, nurturing a common meeting ground between music lovers from all generations. In the span of 8 volumes, the series has touched the works of A Tribe Called Quest, Tupac Shakur, Outkast, Naughty By Nature, Lil’ Kim, Nelly, Common, Big Pun, and more, and has hosted a bevy of phenomenal talent, including Patrice Rushen, Jeff Lorber, Najee, Jeff Bradshaw, and Paul Jackson, Jr., with all parties involved bringing their A-game to this special collection of releases.
Volume 9 comes hot on the heels of Volume 8: The Chicago Sessions, led by proud Chicago native McKeever. The project was fully recorded in Chicago, and was made to shine positive light on the city’s rich legacy and immense foundry of creativity, especially in lieu of the controversial portrayals of the city’s hardships in recent years. Volume 8: The Chicago Sessions is produced by the late great Ivan Dupree and features inspired reworks of songs from Jay-Z, Kanye West, SZA, J.Cole, and more. Volume 9 is not only a fresh take on beloved Kendrick classics, but also a continuation of Unwrapped’s legacy of offering top-tier jazz renditions of the songs that have defined generations.