Jay Rock, a stalwart figure in hip-hop with a career spanning decades, has played a pivotal role in shaping the genre alongside his Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) counterparts. The Los Angeles-bred rapper, who joined TDE in 2005 and later transitioned to Strange Music in 2011, has remained an influential force in the industry.
Beyond his solo endeavors, Jay Rock co-founded the esteemed hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy, an assembly of TDE talent featuring Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and ScHoolboy Q. Despite their collaborative prowess, the group never officially released an EP or album.
Now, after a decade and a half since the formation of Black Hippy, Jay Rock has ignited anticipation by revealing plans for a TDE compilation album. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, he disclosed that the much-awaited project is slated to make its debut at the beginning of 2024.
“It’s been 20 years since TDE been in the game. So we are putting together a compilation album, so we should be dropping that at the top of the year,” Jay Rock announced. He further hinted at the inclusion of a significant Black Hippy presence in the compilation, marking a significant moment for fans of the supergroup.
Although the exact number of tracks remains uncertain, Jay Rock’s revelation signals a momentous collaboration, reuniting the Black Hippy members for a collective musical venture. Earlier this year, CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith had foreshadowed the group’s return, acknowledging the owed promise to fans by tweeting, “they owe y’all an album or EP.” As the dawn of 2024 approaches, the anticipation for TDE’s compilation album is building, promising a triumphant reunion of hip-hop talents.