Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Feb 13, 2020
    90
    The Denzel Curry x Kenny Beats team up is a master-class of hip hop — few artists in today's landscape have the talent and longevity to consistently deliver good music. Thankfully, Denzel Curry is one of those few.
  2. 90
    Denzel and Kenny have proven that they’re able to consistently put out E.P.s, singles and albums that are exciting in a way no other artists could be.
  3. Feb 13, 2020
    82
    UNLOCKED's best features are its brevity and simplicity. Songs drop in, do what they need to and cycle to an end without melodrama.
  4. Mar 31, 2020
    80
    “Unlocked” is a blast. It is a highly-enjoyable snapshot of an otherworldly dimension traversed by the superbly-skilled rapper Denzel Curry and the fantastic Kenny Beats. This EP delivers loads of strong bars and beats alike and is most definitely worth the listen.
  5. The Wire
    Mar 11, 2020
    80
    Denzel’s flows are as hungry as ever, at times managing to channel the untamed spirit of DMX (see “Diet”) while Kenny’s production is the ideal mix of weighty drums and potent bass. It’s an energetic listen and one that can hopefully act as some sort of cure for Old Heads Syndrome – the belief that no one is making real hiphop anymore. [Apr 2020, p.68]
  6. Feb 18, 2020
    80
    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. It’s as if they created a glitch in the hip-hop matrix, and one that would be welcome again soon.
  7. Feb 18, 2020
    80
    Kenny Beats’ production is a weapon as blunt and beautiful as Curry’s verses.
  8. Feb 13, 2020
    72
    It’s good, sure. Curry is rapping his ass off. But Kenny Beats’ production isn’t anything new. There are no imperfections, no colors outside of the lines, and with that, it misses some of the heart that makes regional rap special.
  9. Feb 28, 2020
    70
    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.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 98 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 98
  2. Negative: 3 out of 98
  1. Feb 24, 2020
    8
    For an 18 minute, 9 track album/EP, this is pretty amazing. The blend between 90's style beats and futuristic synths perfectly blends withFor an 18 minute, 9 track album/EP, this is pretty amazing. The blend between 90's style beats and futuristic synths perfectly blends with Curry's range of flows, going from angry verses to more melodic ones. While many say this has DOOM influences because of the skits and the antihero theme, Denzel and Kenny Beats bring different instrumentals and flows than DOOM did in the past. Every single track is solid, but the hight points are clearly DIET_, Take it Back, and Cosmic. DIET features DMX like adlibs and flows from Denzel and a hard, bouncy beat. Take It Back reminds me of Denzel on the dark side of TA13OO as he delivers a hard and potent verse which kicks you right into the album. Finally, while most of cosmic is decent, the ending is where it really shines. I don't know who it is, or where it's from, but thee lush voice brings an end to the EP. I look forward to whatever this pair can bring in the future. Full Review »
  2. Dec 20, 2022
    10
    soupier good sexy bastard, Kenny really dug deep for these beats, denzel snapped btw xoxoxoxoxo
  3. May 20, 2020
    6
    Curry's commanding, energetic, and undeniably charismatic presence as a performer may be just enough for listeners to forgive Kenny Beats'Curry's commanding, energetic, and undeniably charismatic presence as a performer may be just enough for listeners to forgive Kenny Beats' shockingly limp, vapid production, which too often plays like a collection of B-side Madlib rejects without any passion or soul to them. Full Review »