Dear readers, the moment is upon us, the wait is soon over: Kendrick Lamar is returning with his fifth studio album, out this Friday, March 13th.
It's been a long, long wait during these past five years, but it has been worth the wait. Info has been tight, Kendrick keeps things close to the chest, but we've gathered up all the info and tight-lipped secrets for your convenience.
Read below, and keep yourself peeled as we update if any news arrives throughout the coming days.
This is Kendrick's final album with longtime label TDE:
Kendrick has been associated with Top Dawg Entertainment since 2003, and his history with Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, the label's president, stretches even further back (see DAMN.'s "DUCKWORTH.").
No one knows the details of his departure, whether it's necessarily on good or bad terms, but it isn't terribly surprising since Kendrick began his pgLang label in late 2019. Many speculated his retirement with this final album announcement, but instead, consider this a new, independent direction.
The album is titled Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers:
Any rumor about album titles or release dates have been widely disregarded, especially since 2017's NATION. debacle, but fans rejoiced in mid-April when Kendrick personally delivered a note on his site oklama.com stating the album's title and release date.
What does it mean? Who the fuck knows. It coincides with some of the dance moves Kendrick has premiered in various instances (the Super Bowl, his appearance in Baby Keem's "family ties", a live performance). But it also could be an homage to bands/artists like Sly & the Family Stone, Diana Ross & the Supremes, etc.
His latest single, "The Heart pt. 5" is not on the album:
If you've been living under a rock the past couple days, you missed Kendrick's triumphant return with the fifth installment of his "the Heart" series. Longtime fans know each of his new albums (besides To Pimp a Butterfly) were preceded by a "the Heart" single, since the O.verly D.edicated mixtape in 2010.
These songs are never included on the final tracklist, but often introduce themes or relevant ideas that will persist in the album. The video is NUTS. Go watch if you've been saving yourself for Friday.
The album could possibly be a double album:
As our own Brandon Slone reported in the most recent Friday Roundup, Kendrick posted a cryptic image on his official website under a new file. In the image is a hand (presumably his own) holding two burnt CDs (wow that made me feel old) and a book with the album title.
One CD is titled MORALE - Master Copy, the other STEPPERS - Master Copy. Does this mean a double album? Who knows, but that rug is quite nice.
Update - 5/11 3:00 PM
Target employees have noted that shipments of "Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers CDs" are set to arrive to stores tomorrow. It is possible the album might leak early because of a traditional, Friday physical release. Vinyl is not expected tomorrow.
Update - 5/11 3:20 PM
Tweet from Kendrick, possible album art:
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Further info can be found here at the blog as it comes in, of course, but Kendrick has promised that only official news will be released on oklama.com. Believe me when I say I'm constantly refreshing for updates.
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How excited on a scale of 1-"I'm pissing myself" are you for this album? Let us know in the comments below!
- Ritter
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