Is Kendrick Lamar dropping a new album in 2020? Fans say prospect of new music from rapper 'seems so surreal'
Kendrick Lamar might have new music coming out in 2020, and fans are conflicted about whether to get their hopes up or cautiously await further confirmation.
Lamar, who originally debuted in 2012 with 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City', has established himself as one of the most influential artistes and rappers of his generation. The rapper, songwriter, and producer has consistently put out quality music with raps that offer some hard-hitting commentary on sociopolitical issues, often backed by his own experiences. His last studio album, 2017's 'Damn', dropped to massive success and critical acclaim, including being named the best album of 2017 by multiple publications as well as becoming the first non-jazz or classical work to earn a Pulitzer Prize for Music.
'Damn' also won Best Rap Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards, and Lamar additionally earned nominations in six other categories that year including Album of the Year. Following the album, Lamar went on to produce and curate the highly-acclaimed soundtrack for 2018's 'Black Panther' and dropped the single 'All the Stars' featuring SZA, the latter earning him another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Original Song. The artiste then took a short detour, making his acting debut in the fifth season of 'Power', earning praise for his performance.
While many have patiently awaited a new album from Lamar, with some latching onto a few whispers here and there, the most recent assertion that a new album is on its way came from the All Love Hip Hop Twitter account which shared, "Whenever you feel down, just remember that Kendrick Lamar is almost definitely dropping an album in 2020." When queried on their source, the account simply responded stating, "Dude trust me." And while that doesn't necessarily confirm or deny that a new album is dropping soon, it appeared to be enough for some fans.
One user tweeted, "This tweet made me feel happy." Another shared, "I'll sleep peacefully this night cause of this tweet." And one user said, "Second half of 2020 looking pretty good." Others were a little more cynical, however, stating, "Yes like this year is going exactly as planned," as well as, "Not if this pandemic keep up and he can’t tour lol." And some users didn't think an album would come out soon, citing previous rumors and broken promises as their source. One user stated, "The album was delayed twice and it should be done," while another quipped, "So basically we’re getting the album in what 2025 then."
Others expressed their immense disappointment upon seeing 'Kendrick' trending but it not being about new music. One user tweeted, "Kendrick is trending but didn't drop an album... I hate this app," while another shared the same sentiment, adding, "Seeing Kendrick trending on Twitter but it's not new music is very 2020." Many fans countered these comments by sharing they were prepared to wait, stating, "Stop lying to yourself stop trynna rush perfection," while some were excited at the prospect of new music, sharing, "The thought of a new Kendrick album seems so surreal." One fan remained weary, stating, "I just pray its good, I mean it’s Kendrick so it probably will be but idk where he can go."
As more weighed in on the possibility of a new album from Lamar, others began suspecting there would be new Drake and J Cole albums dropping soon as well, and fans are now trying to decide which one they'd listen to first. And while the votes seemed evenly split between Lamar and J Cole for first place, one user pointed out that Lamar would win simply "because we haven't had a new Kendrick project in a minute." Here's hoping we get some new Kendrick to bring some pep to 2020's step.
