Top Dawg Entertainment, otherwise known as TDE, has been one of the hottest record labels in the music industry for the better part of a decade. With a roster that includes stars like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and ScHoolboy Q, it’s clear that TDE has a knack for finding and nurturing top talent. But what’s next for the label and its artists?
To answer that question, we first need to look back at TDE’s recent history. The label has had a phenomenal run over the past few years, with Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed albums DAMN. and To Pimp a Butterfly dominating the charts and earning numerous awards. The label has also seen success with SZA’s CTRL and ScHoolboy Q’s Blank Face LP.
Despite the label’s success, there has been some change at TDE in recent years. Longtime president Dave Free stepped down in 2018, and there’s been talk of the label possibly signing a distribution deal with a major record company. These moves suggest that TDE is gearing up for an even bigger future.
The biggest question mark currently surrounds Kendrick Lamar. The rapper has been relatively quiet since releasing his Pulitzer Prize-winning album DAMN. in 2017, and fans are eager to hear what’s next. Rumors have been swirling that he’s been working on new music, and TDE CEO Anthony Tiffith teased a possible project in a tweet earlier this year.
In addition to Kendrick, there are several other TDE artists who are likely working on new music and planning for their futures. SZA, for example, has been teasing her upcoming album on social media, and ScHoolboy Q recently released a new single, “CHopstix.”
One TDE artist who has been making waves outside of the label is Isaiah Rashad. The rapper hasn’t released an album since 2016’s The Sun’s Tirade, but he’s been teasing a new project for a while now. Rashad has been candid about his battles with addiction and mental health issues, and fans are eagerly anticipating what kind of music he’ll make next.
Another question for TDE’s future is whether the label will continue to sign new artists. The label has a fairly small roster compared to some other major labels, but that could change in the coming years. TDE has already signed a few new artists in recent years, like REASON and Zacari, so it’s possible that we’ll see more additions in the future.
So, what’s next for TDE? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing is certain: the label and its artists have always been forward-thinking and innovative. Whether it’s Kendrick Lamar pushing the boundaries of what a hip-hop album can be or SZA bringing a fresh perspective to R&B, TDE is a label that’s always looking to evolve and grow. That’s a recipe for continued success in the years to come.