Every now and then over the last few years, you’ll see people online share posts or comment underneath them about Kendrick Lamar’s absence and how his new work is long overdue. It’s sensical since his greatest peers — Drake and J. Cole, just to name a couple — have released multiple projects since Lamar’s last solo effort. On top of the constant new music being shared from other luminaries such as Lil Baby, Gunna, and Megan Thee Stallion, Lamar’s quietude has left his many fans unnerved, even though he was featured on his cousin’s Baby Keem’s dynamic “family ties”, where Lamar brashly proclaimed, “I am the Omega!”

The complaints and wails are understood since the Compton-native is a singular force that’s mastered the genre. The cool thing is he’s still curious to discover new flows, something that Tyler, The Creator can attest to. He’s like an abbott in Shaolin that’s mastered all 36 chambers and he’s looking for more chambers to go through.  I may be coming off as an exaggerating Kendrick stan, but this video that’s been making the rounds on Twitter showcases Lamar’s mastery in Pusha T’s “Nosetalgia”.

I’ve seen that video several times already, yet I feel it’ll take me several years to fully understand how Kendrick got to the point of conceiving this. The analysis is a great reminder as to why I’ve been patiently waiting for Kendrick Lamar’s new album Mr. Morale  & The Big Steppers that’s dropping on May 13th, and why I’ve never worried about Kendrick’s output. Look at the amount of time and thought he put into this verse that stretches a bit over 100 seconds. Just imagine what he can offer with 50 minutes.

I’ve been fine with Kendrick being away because he has a life to live before he has art to provide. His music is indicative of how incredibly introspective and thoughtful he is. With everything that’s transpired since his last solo effort came out (the American presidency, the pandemic, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor), it’ll be fascinating to see what he has to say, but also what type of style he’ll be interested in engaging with. Will he be paying homage to older aesthetics? Or will he be attempting to create something more futuristic? The energy behind this press release suggests he’s returning to take back his throne.

good kid, m.A.A.d city is one of the best major studio releases of the century that got robbed of the Grammy for Best Rap Album (still can’t believe they gave it to Macklemore), To Pimp A Butterfly is a bonafide masterpiece, and DAMN. was a critical and commercial hit. All that to say that Kendrick Lamar doesn’t miss, and more importantly, he doesn’t half-ass it when it comes to his craft. His work ethic is palpable, his passion is propulsive, and his creativity is potent.

He also pleaded with us in “family ties” to “Be patient, brother.” Leo Tolstoy once said that, “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” Kendrick’s had time, and we’ve been patient. Something powerful is bound to unfold.