Rumors of Kendrick Lamar’s possible exit from TDE were making the rounds last year after Antixbound (a collective who have been credited with leaking information about TDE in the past) claimed during a Instagram live session that the ‘Damn’ rapper had left Top Dawg Entertainment for the recently launched PgLang, a media company that includes a record label, movie studio and publishing house.
Kendrick Lamar eventually denied the rumors, but now it turns out they weren’t entirely far from the truth.
K. Dot took to social media on Friday (Aug. 20) to announce his impending exit from Top Dawg Entertainment. In a statement released on a news site called oklama.com the Compton rapper said his next album will be his last on TDE.
“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,” the statement read. “May the Most High continue to use Top Dawg as a vessel for candid creators. As I continue to pursue my life’s calling.”
He continued “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.”
Top Dawg released a statement confirming his departure from the label after 17 years.
“With this being Dot’s last album on TDE, this is more of a victory lap, a celebration,” the statement read. I know he will be successful in whatever it is he decides to do and will have our full support.”
“As For Top Dawg Entertainment, we will continue to grow, develop and give artists the platform to expand into whatever way they choose.”
Kendrick Lamar’s last studio album, Damn was released in 2017. The project netted him a Pulitzer Prize for Music.
