In a rare post on social media, Kendrick Lamar has revealed that he’s producing his final TDE album, prompting fans to question his plans for the future. The news comes via a post on a website called oklama, labelled “nu thoughts” in the style of a desktop folder, and promoted on the rapper’s Instagram.
“I spend most of my days with fleeting thoughts,” reads the message. “Writing. Listening. And collecting old Beach cruisers. The morning rides keep me on a hill of silence. I go months without a phone.”
“Love, loss, and grief have disturbed my comfort zone, but the glimmers of God speak through my music and family. While the world around me evolves, I reflect on what matters the most. The life in which my words will land next.”
Announcing that’s he’s producing his final album for Top Dawg Entertainment — the label that has released everything from his early mixtapes and mainstream debut, good kid, m.A.A.d city, to his latest album, DAMN. — Kendrick adds: “I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. The Struggles. The Success. And most importantly, the Brotherhood.”
“May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life’s calling. There’s beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown.”
It’s currently unclear what Lamar’s next steps will be after TDE, and whether they’ll involve pgLang, his “artist friendly” company with Dave Free that was launched in early 2020. Details about his follow-up to DAMN. — which bagged a Pulitzer Prize after its release in 2017 — are also being kept characteristically under wraps.
Since the rapper’s announcement of his departure from Top Dawg Entertainment, TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith has also expressed his support on social media (see the post below). “I know he will be successful in whatever it is he decides to do,” Tiffith writes, “and will have our FULL support.”
“It’s been an honor and a privilege for TDE to bless the world with the GOAT!”