Kendrick Lamar’s new album has been released a week ahead of schedule.
The 27-year-old rapper had intended to unveil his third full-length album – ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ – on March 23, but it appears to have been leaked early, against his wishes.
Kendrick tweeted last night (15.03.15): "Keep calm. All is well."
The platinum-selling star then tweeted the album’s name and a link to iTunes, where fans can buy it online.
By contrast, Anthony Tiffith, CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment – which represents the rapper – was noticeably less philosophical about the album’s early release, taking to Twitter to vent his frustration against the Interscope record label.
He said, sarcastically: "I would like to personally thank @Interscope for f***ing up our release… somebody gots 2 pay 4 this mistake !!!! (sic)"
The 16-track new album features performances from George Clinton, Thundercat, Bilal, Anna Wise and Snoop Dogg, among others.
And the much-anticipated release has already prompted an enthusiastic response from pop star Taylor Swift, who’s joked she doesn’t want to be disturbed while she listens to it.
She tweeted: "Kendrick put his album out early.
"No one touch me."
The artwork of the album, which is the follow-up to Kendrick’s 2012 release ‘Good kid, MAAD City’, depicts the aftermath of a black revolution on the White House lawn and was unveiled last week.
Kendrick’s first UK performance where he will debut his new album will be at New Look Wireless on Saturday July 4.
Tickets for New Look Wireless can be purchased online at WirelessFestival.co.uk.
Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly released ahead of schedule
