Kendrick Lamar has dished the world premiere of an untitled song on The Colbert Report.
The rapper (and writer) debuted a meditative, jazz-flecked new work Tuesday night, though the name of the piece remains a mystery. Expect the song to appear on Lamar’s next full-length album, which is expected to drop sometime in 2015.
In his chat with Colbert, Lamar talked about his decision to shun celebrity and the trappings of fame. “It’s not a bad thing but at the same time, I always want to stay true to who I am,” he said.
Lamar’s return to the fold comes as Colbert calls time on his long-running show to take David Letterman’s throne at The Late Show. Indeed, the host announced Lamar was the final musical guest booked in 10 years of The Colbert Report. “Honored to have you on,” Colbert said, “but keep in mind that Paul McCartney, R.E.M., Jack White and Nas were the opening acts.” No pressure, then.
Lamar dropped the new single “i” in September, almost two years after the release of his major label debut (and second studio album), Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. His new LP should feature production detail from the likes of Dr. Dre, Pharrell Williams, Rahki, Thundercat and Soundwave.
Watch the Colbert Report video below.