This is really about to happen. I think. In the early morning of March 23, a cryptic message was posted on Instagram, leading many to believe that Kendrick Lamar is releasing a new album. And, although the post left no direct indication of the when the project is officially slated to drop, all signs point to its imminent arrival. The curious social media pic was simply of the Roman numeral IV, and it was shared after Kendrick's entire account was wiped clean of all prior postings. On top of that, it left no caption or other information in reference to its significance. So what does the number four actually mean, you ask?
Well, the new project will inevitably be Kendrick's fourth album, and the highly anticipated follow up to his critically acclaimed 2015 album, To Pimp A Butterfly. So the use of the numeral certainly makes total sense in that respect.
According to Vulture, K-Dot has dropped his last two projects, TPAB and Untitled Unmastered, in the month of March. So, if you factor that in, it looks like we could possibly get something from the Compton born rapper within the next week. Keep your fingers crossed, and try not to scream.
Without sharing too many obvious details, Kendrick spoke of his newest project earlier this month during an interview with New York Times' T Magazine, describing it as "very urgent." He also revealed that it will continue with the socially conscious theme of his previous works, saying,
“I think now, how wayward things have gone within the past few months, my focus is ultimately going back to my community and the other communities around the world where they’re doing the groundwork.”
However, he did go on to say that the focus would also be different in a sense. He explained,
“To Pimp a Butterfly was addressing the problem. I’m in a space now where I’m not addressing the problem anymore.”
As bit of added confirmation that an impending release is on the horizon, super producer Alchemist also posted a photo of the Roman number, perhaps indicating that he worked alongside the Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City artist on the forthcoming project. If this is true, you can bet that this new album is going to be absolute fire.
I mean, the timing would be perfect, given the events which are currently taking place in our country. And I certainly wouldn't be surprised if the Grammy Award winning emcee decided to drop the new LP while we're fast asleep one night during the next week or so.
