​Kendrick Lamar set to play new music live for the first time this summer

Kendrick Lamar is set to play new music live for the first time in years at 2022’s Milano Summer Festival.

The tracks, according to the festival, are to be part of Kendrick’s “final” TDE album. “Dove suonerà i pezzi del nuovo album,” reads the festival’s website, which translates to: “where he will play pieces of the new album.”

Kendrick performed at this year’s annual Super Bowl over the weekend where fans were expecting the rapper to debut new material for the first time, but instead opted for his older tracks such as 2015’s ‘Alright’ from ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’.

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In August last year, Kendrick announced his final project with long-term label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), where he also said he needs time to reflect on “what matters the most”.

“As I produce my final TDE album, I feel joy to have been a part of such a cultural imprint after 17 years,” he shared in a statement via okloma.com. “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,” he said under a folder titled ‘nu thoughts’.

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Kendrick’s final album doesn’t appear to have a name or release date just yet, but the rapper has alluded to moving on to a new chapter. “Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts. I’ve prayed for you all. See you soon enough,” he said.

Now, it looks like Kendrick might be in line to play new material from that forthcoming album this coming summer. Milano Summer Festival, which is set to take place through June and July this year across hundreds of events, will be the first to soak in Kendrick’s newest music.

Though the rapper hasn’t released any new solo music since his contribution to the Black Panther soundtrack in 2018, Kendrick last month announced his new venture into film - announcing a new comedy is on its way this year written alongside the creators of South Park.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter