Terrace Martin Unveils 17-Year-Old Unreleased Demos with Kendrick Lamar, Quincy Jones, and the Beastie Boys
Terrace Martin, one of the most sought-after musicians, producers, rappers, and singers in the industry, has surprised fans with a revelation that has left many in awe. On January 21, 2025, the multi-talented artist took to Twitter to share a remarkable find: a hard drive containing music spanning 17 years. Martin expressed his nonchalance toward the discovery, asking his followers if they’d be interested in hearing the demos, which feature some of the most iconic names in music.
The hard drive contains a treasure trove of unreleased collaborations, showcasing Martin’s extensive work with artists like Kendrick Lamar, James Fauntleroy, and the Beastie Boys. It also includes material from legendary figures such as Quincy Jones, whose contributions to jazz and music history are immeasurable. The rapper and producer stated, “It’s so many ideas and demos from some of my favorite artists I have worked with,” and noted that it was fascinating to reflect on his musical journey over nearly two decades.
“Alongside friends like James Fauntleroy, Kendrick Lamar, Beastie Boys, Quincy Jones & so many more,” Martin shared, giving fans a glimpse of the star-studded collaborations housed on the hard drive. He also revealed that listening to these old tracks was a unique experience. “I can tell by the texture of the music that I was completely confident yet completely uncomfortable,” he tweeted, offering insight into his creative process during those early years.
Terrace Martin’s role in shaping modern hip-hop is undeniable. He was instrumental in Kendrick Lamar’s groundbreaking albums To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) and untitled unmastered (2016), contributing his skills on strings, saxophone, vocals, and keyboards. The pair’s undeniable chemistry is evident in these collaborations, though it’s unclear when exactly the unreleased tracks were recorded. Regardless, the prospect of hearing more from this partnership is exciting.
Equally intriguing are the potential collaborations with the Beastie Boys and Quincy Jones. The legendary hip-hop group disbanded after the passing of MCA in 2012, and Jones, a trailblazer in jazz, passed away in 2024. Martin worked closely with Jones on the 2021 series Time Decorated, which explored the rich history of jazz in America. The opportunity to hear unreleased music featuring these icons, in addition to the other artists involved, is a rare and significant prospect for fans.
As for what’s next, Terrace Martin continues to produce new music. He recently dropped Nintindo Soul, his second album of 2024, and continues to be a driving force in the music world. Whether or not these unreleased demos will ever be shared with the public remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Terrace Martin’s legacy as a creative powerhouse is only growing stronger.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of these demos, hoping to get a rare glimpse into Martin’s long career and the countless collaborations that have shaped the sound of modern music. If the unreleased tracks are anything like the ones fans have already heard, they’re sure to be a valuable addition to the music catalog of some of the most celebrated artists in history.
