Kendrick Lamar Talks Album Release Date, Beyoncé, & Playing Prince in a Movie

Kendrick Lamar fans may just get what they want for Christmas after all. The “i” rapper says his highly-anticipated sophomore album could arrive before the new year.

While he is keeping a tight lid on the concept and title (He has already chosen the name), Kendrick revealed that the release may come sooner than you think.

When asked by Devi Dev on Houston’s 93.7 The Beat if the follow-up to his 2012 debut good kid, m.A.A.d city would be released in 2015, K-Dot responded, “It may be before that.”

He has been logging long hours in the studio with Dr. Dre, Pharrell, and his in-house producers Sounwave, Thundercat, Rahki, and Tae Beast.

But one thing he isn’t planning is a surprise release à la Beyoncé. “I can’t do a Beyoncé,” he said, adding, “Beyoncé killed that. Genius! I can’t compete with that.”

K-Dot said Queen Bey is not on his new album (“I definitely would wish”), but he has a lot of respect for her. “Beyoncé is love. I loved her from the jump.”

He has been inspired by her live performances. “I actually went to her show and that took my mind to a whole ‘nother place as far as performing,” he said. “We don’t do enough on that stage. She sings, she’s dancing, she’s great winded. That’s a whole form of lifestyle being on that stage and every artist should know that.”

During the 20-minute interview, he also revealed that he would like to play Prince in a movie. “I don’t care what nobody saying. Prince had the women!” said K-Dot. “It’s acting so you gotta step out your own element.”

Plus, hear what he had to say about battling depression and preaching self worth.