It’s official! Five years after his highly acclaimed studio album, DAMN., Compton’s finest, Kendrick Lamar, has finally solidified his return with the announcement of his upcoming fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. 

On Monday (April 18), Lamar took to social media to officially announce that his forthcoming project will be released next month on May 13. The beloved California emcee shared a memo to his Instagram account that read: 

“Los Angeles, California (April 18, 2022) - The following statement was released today by Oklama through his company pgLang at 11:00 am PT in Los Angeles, California: ‘Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Release date 5/13/2022. All factual information for this release will come directly from this source only.” 

It is apparent that Lamar has entered a new era as an artist. Last August, the wordsmith shared that the upcoming LP will be his last studio release with longtime recording label TDE, as he plans to focus on his own media imprint, pgLang. 

In a statement released last year, the rapper, now going by the moniker, Oklama, confirmed the news via his official website. 

“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. See you soon enough. Oklama."

Are you ready for Kendrick Lamar’s long-awaited fifth studio album?  Stay tuned for updates on this and other classic Hip-Hop news.