It’s arguably one of the best albums of the year, and with seven Grammy nominations agreeing on that, it seems like Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. is set to receive legend status, only eight months since it was released. However, not content to rest on his laurels, it looks like Kendrick is about to release a special collector’s edition of the record… but with a twist.
As Pitchfork reports, earlier today saw Microsoft’s online music marketplace prematurely announce the re-release of DAMN.. Within a matter of hours, the listing was taken offline, but fans were quick to notice a few of the details, namely that the new version has new artwork, runs for a little bit longer, and is in reverse.
Wait, what?
You might recall that back when the record was released on Good Friday in April, fans were adamant that the record was set to be followed another record on Easter Sunday called NATION.. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, but Kendrick did go on record to say that there’s a hidden aspect to his record that fans are missing – the fact that the record was made to be played in reverse order.
“Any of my fans know that my albums get real intricate and there’s always details in there,” Kendrick said at the time. “It plays as a full story and even a better rhythm. It’s one of my favorite rhythms and tempos within the album. It’s something that we definitely premeditate while we’re in the studio.”
So what’s the big deal about the record being re-released? Well, while it doesn’t feature any new tracks, the fact that it’s being presented as it’s supposed to be heard means that the record could be set to become even bigger now that fans can appreciate it in a whole new light.
Additionally, the inclusion of a few extra minutes of playing time indicates that the record may have been remixed, or at least been reconfigured to include more music, or even a new verse. Who knows, maybe Kendrick’s U2-featuring ‘XXX’ might see Bono drop a few bars?
Since the listing for the record has been taken down, fans aren’t too sure when to expect the new edition of the record. However, fans on the Kendrick Lamar subreddit on Reddit are pretty certain it could be dropping this Friday. Whatever the case, Kung Fu Kenny is going to be delivering a huge treat to your ears soon enough.
Check out Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DNA.’:
Check out the artwork and tracklisting for the new edition of DAMN.:
1. ‘DUCKWORTH.’
2. ‘GOD.’
3. ‘FEAR.’
4. ‘XXX. (feat. U2)’
5. ‘LOVE. (feat. Zacari)’
6. ‘LUST.’
7. ‘HUMBLE.’
8. ‘PRIDE.’
9. ‘LOYALTY. (feat. Rihanna)’
10. ‘FEEL.’
11. ‘ELEMENT.’
12. ‘YAH.’
13. ‘DNA.’
14. ‘BLOOD.’
