Kendrick Lamar is undoubtedly one of the greatest lyricists hip-hop has ever seen. Touting classics in To Pimp A Butterfly, good kid, m.A.A.d city and more, Lamar virtually appears on almost every “top-5 of all-time” list.
After partnering with Calvin Klein earlier this year for a series of music videos, Lamar’s next move surprised many — unexpectedly breaking his silence about his seventh studio album Friday. Writing a heartfelt message on a new website oklama.com, Kendrick stated that his upcoming album would be his last with Top Dawg Entertainment.
Four years removed from his Grammy award-winning LP, DAMN, Lamar’s inactivity seems to have been coupled by pgLang’s development — which boasts artists in Baby Keem and UK singer Jorja Smith. Lamar’s career is packed with storied runs, Billboard-topping hits as well as political, spiritual and social commentary. However, after he departs from TDE, he’ll have full creative control to make the music he wants to make as the head of his own label.
.@PGLang for Calvin Klein. pic.twitter.com/GHKwkXkBuu
— calvinklein (@CalvinKlein) January 13, 2021
In the letter, Lamar details that he spends most of his time “Writing. Listening. And collecting old beach cruisers.” Continuing to pursue his “life’s calling,” K-Dot showed his appreciation for TDE and spoke on the importance of spirituality in his life and in music. The website’s name, Oklama, also clues into a potential title for his upcoming work.
It’s been an honor and a privilege for TDE to bless the world with the GOAT! @ Calabasas, California https://t.co/P971GTBPnA
— TOP DAWG #TDE (@dangerookipawaa) August 20, 2021
While fans still wait for more concrete news, he seems to be putting more focus on pgLang and its star Baby Keem — who is set to drop his single “family ties” that is reported to feature the Compton-based icon. Similarly, Keem’s artwork mirrors the style of Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city, further alluding to a potential feature with his younger cousin.
While Kendrick strives to ride off into the sunset unnerved, fans can feel safe knowing that his presence in music will continue to last beyond TDE.
Baby Keem set to drop major single ‘family ties’ on Friday
