Kendrick Lamar Announces Final TDE Album

Kendrick Lamar is breaking his silence.

The Compton rapper returned to social media on Friday (Aug. 20) to share an update with fans. In a post on his newly-launched website oklama.com, he revealed what he’s been up to, including a new album.

“I spend most of my days with fleeting thoughts. Writing. Listening. And collecting old Beach cruisers. The morning rides keep me on a hill of silence,” wrote Kendrick, who goes without a phone for months. “Love, loss, and grief have disturbed my comfort zone, but the glimmers of God speak through my music and family.”

He also confirmed that his next album will be his final for TDE. “As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years,” he added. “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.”

Last year, there were reports that Top Dawg Entertainment’s flagship artist had left the label after he and his manager Dave Free launched their own company, pgLang. However, he later appeared alongside TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith to shut down the rumors.

Added Kendrick, “There’s beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown.”

He did not specify when he plans to drop new music, only writing, “See you soon enough.” The letter was signed “oklama.”

Kendrick hasn’t released an album since 2017’s DAMN. He is set to headline the Day N Vegas festival in November, but he will only perform tracks from past albums—from Section.80 to DAMN.

UPDATE: TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith has released a statement following the announcement that this will be Kendrick’s final album for the label.

“The whole goal when we started this thing was to make music, make money, and make history,” he wrote. “We did those things 10 times over and then some. TDE and its artists have provided a way to end generational curses that we were all personally born into over the last 17 years in this business.”

He also shared his support for Kendrick going forward. “With this being Dot’s last album on TDE, this is more of a VICTORY LAP, a celebration,” added Top. “I know he will be successful in whatever he decides to do and will have our FULL support.”