By Tribune Staff
NASHVILLE, TN — Kendrick Lamar, the only Hip-Hop artist to win a Pulitzer, not only has a new album available, but will be heading back on tour this summer. The new LP is titled “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers,” so it’s no surprise that he will be on the road with the “Big Steppers Tour.” The North American leg gets underway July 19 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and continues through the summer.
A Nashville date has been announced. Lamar will appear at Bridgestone Arena July 31. The tour’s summer portion concludes with two shows at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Sept. 14 and 15. A U.K. and European run will follow in the fall, with dates in Australia and New Zealand scheduled for December.
Lamar’s cousin and frequent collaborator, Baby Keem, as well as Tanna Leone — who are featured on the new release track “Mr. Morale,” will provide support for the rapper on select dates. Tickets for the tour go on sale nationwide Friday. “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” was released last Friday. It is Lamar’s fifth studio album and his first in five years following his last, Pulitzer Prize-winning release. It’s also his final LP for his longtime label, Top Dawg Entertainment.
The 18-track double album features an array of collaborators, including Portishead’s Beth Gibbons, R&B singer Summer Walker, singer-songwriter Sampha, Baby Keem, Ghostface Killah, Kodak Black and Thundercat. It also features writing and production contributions from Pharrell, the Alchemist, Beach Noise, and Boi-1da.
