The independent record label Top Dawg Entertainment lives on in the memory of rap lovers everywhere. It is still technically operating, but the last two years have only seen one high-profile release from Isaiah Rashad. But as the label that broke Kendrick Lamar into world-class fame, TDE’s legacy cannot be overstated.
You may recognize the flagship artists of the label: Kendrick Lamar, of course, as well as Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. These four artists, who when signing to Top Dawg united as Black Hippy, have all made legendary music without ever releasing an album under their supergroup name. With all four members’ careers solidified, the name is just their term for their collaborative spirits, as each has guested on each other's solo albums whether credited or not. With a quiet last few years, let’s check in on these incredible rappers.
Ab-Soul is the most independent of the group, so he’s probably the one you would recognize the least of the Black Hippy members. He’s been working on a new album for six years now (the longest wait of any of the four members), but posted recently that a new record was almost completed.
For Jay Rock’s birthday, Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q joined him in the studio for an as of yet unreleased recording, collaborating with producer Cardo. This group, including Cardo, recorded the last Black Hippy recordings together, which included a remix of Schoolboy Q’s “That Part” and Jay Rock’s “Vice City.”
Kendrick Lamar has been out of the music game for a few years now. At one point, it was reported he would not release music for a long time. It’s only been five years since Damn., but that kind of feels like an eternity ago.
Last year, Kendrick posted he was leaving Top Dawg Entertainment officially, but would release one more record on the label. Details of this release have not been announced.
Schoolboy Q is finally returning with new music! Though no album has been officially announced, it’s been three years since his last studio album Crash Talk, and this new solo single seems like the perfect leading track for a new record.
Stream the music of these four great artists today!