Kendrick Lamar shocked his diehard fans on Friday (August 20) when he announced his follow-up to 2017’s DAMN. would be his last album for Top Dawg Entertainment, the label he’s been with since his career was in its infancy. But it sounds like there’s no hard feelings coming from the TDE camp.
Shortly after K. Dot made his big reveal, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith addressed the split on Instagram with a lengthy post.
“The whole goal when we started this thing was to make music, make money, and make history,” he wrote. “We did those things 10 times over and then some. TDE and its artists have provided a way to end generational curses that we were all personally born into over the last 17 years in this business. With this being Dot’s last album on TDE, this is more of a VICTORY LAP, a celebration. I know he will be successful in whatever it is he decides to do and will have our FULL support.”
He added, “As for Top Dawg Entertainment, we will continue to grow, develop and give artists the platform to expand into whatever way they choose. Heart, Honor, Respect.”
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Tiffith added in the caption, “It’s been an honor and a privilege for TDE to bless the world with the GOAT!”
Kendrick Lamar made the announcement with a rare Instagram post that contained a link to a website. Once fans went to the website, they were met with a message from the Pulitzer Prize-winning MC that read, “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.”
Kendrick Lamar Announces Next Album Will End TDE Career: 'See You Soon Enough'
He continued, “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.”
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Lamar has dropped four albums with the label, beginning with 2011’s Section .80 and culminating with DAMN. He’s earned 13 Grammy Awards along the way as well as the aforementioned Pulitzer Prize.
