After rumors of his retirement circulated online, Kendrick Lamar is definitively saying he'll release a new album in May.
The Grammy award and Pulitzer Prize winning rapper shared a dedicated website for the new project, using a new moniker -- "oklama" -- and said the new album will be called "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers." It will arrive May 13, according to a press release.
"All factual information for this release will come directly from this source only,” reads the website.
The website has two folder icons on the home page, one containing the press release and another with personal letter from what appears to be Lamar writing as oklama, dated August 20, 2021, which reads as follows:
"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.
I go months without a phone.
Love, loss, and grief have disturbed my comfort zone, but the glimmers of God speak through my music and family.
While the world around me evolves, I reflect on what matters the most. The life in which my words will land next.
As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years. 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.
There’s beauty in completion. And always faith in the unknown.
Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. I’ve prayed for you all.
See you soon enough.
-oklama"
"Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" is the follow-up to 2017's DAMN and is the artist's fifth album to date.
