Report: Kendrick Lamar Exploring Rock Sound on New Album
Kendrick Lamar remained out of the spotlight for most of 2019, but he may be ready to release his next album.
Rumors are swirling that the Compton rapper is nearing completion on the highly-anticipated project. Music journalist Bill Werde reports that the album is in its final stages and may feature “more rock sounds.”
“Are you interested to know that I hear from several friends that recording on the new album may finally be done? And that he’s pulling in more rock sounds this time?” tweeted Werde.
He also noted that while the album may be done, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ready for release. “Also, just to be clear, just because recording had hit a point where folks believe it may be finished — albums go back to the studio all the time after this point, and for a million different reasons,” added Werde.
Did anyone not named Beyonce release better, more meaningful back-to-back albums last decade than Kendrick Lamar? Are you interested to know that I hear from several friends that recording on the new album may finally be done? And that he’s pulling in more rock sounds this time?
— Bill Werde (@bwerde) January 11, 2020
Also, just to be clear, just because recording had hit a point where folks believe it may be finished — albums go back to the studio all the time after this point, and for a million different reasons.
— Bill Werde (@bwerde) January 11, 2020
Wouldn’t be the first time a revered rapper turbocharged public focus on rock. Ie “Walk This Way.” For most rappers, if I heard “rock album” I’d run the other way. If anyone can make it work it’s Kendrick though. And I don’t at all doubt he will. https://t.co/P98cnvxxPr
— Bill Werde (@bwerde) January 11, 2020
Kendrick hasn’t released a solo album since the Grammy-winning DAMN in 2017, but he did produce and curate the soundtrack for Black Panther in 2018. He stayed out of the spotlight last year save for a couple festivals including Atlanta’s Tycoon Music Festival and Las Vegas’ Day N Vegas, but did not deliver any new material at either.
He is slated to perform at a series of festivals overseas this year including Lollapalooza Stockholm, Open’er Festival, and Bilbao BBK Live.
In July, he became a father when he and fiancée Whitney Alford welcomed their first child, a baby girl. The couple kept the pregnancy private and did not publicly announce it ahead of time.