The good kid is back in the maad city. Kendrick Lamar returned this week with a hot new single, releasing “i” on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
The track is Lamar’s first solo song since the debut of his celebrated good kid, m.A.A.d city album. Released in 2012, the critically acclaimed sophomore studio album earned Lamar Grammy nominations for Album of the Year, Best Rap Album, and Best New Artist, among other awards.
“i” is the first taste of what’s in store for the rapper’s third album. The grooving song samples the Isley Brothers’ 1973 hit “That Lady,” and opens with audio praising Lamar as a man who “stands for something” and “believes.”
With production by Rahki, “i” has Lamar rapping, “You know the miserable do love company / What do you want from me and my scars? / Everybody lack confidence, everybody lack confidence / How many times our potential was anonymous? / How many times the city making me promises? / So I promise this,” before a repeated hook of the lyrics “I love myself.”
While Lamar’s next album is currently without a release date or title, the California-born performer has a vision for the project.
“If I can say anything about this record, it’s that it will connect again,” he told Rolling Stone this week, adding that the album will also convey tones of “aggression and emotion.”
Take a listen to “i” above and keep an eye out for more details on Lamar’s third studio album in the coming months.
