As we sit hours away from April 7th, take this as no hyperbole when we say the rap world is looking to Kendrick Lamar right about now, like…

After putting the game on its ear with the words “Y’all got till April the 7th to get your shit together,” everyone has been anticipating a brand new album from the Compton lyricist. Within the past couple of weeks, he’s done everything from tease a comeback, release new music, and turns heads with arguably his best music video. If a new album, which would be a follow-up to the Grammy-winning opus To Pimp A Butterfly, isn’t on the agenda, then K. Dot may very well be pulling the biggest troll in all of music. Still, whether its on the way or not, we have to be ready. Remember what happened the last time he dropped an album of scattered tracks and demos? Exactly. So just in case, we lined up a quick step-by-step guide for you to get your preparation on track for the next Kendrick Lamar album.

The 12 Steps To Proper ‘New Kendrick Lamar’ Preparedness

Step One: Go back and revisit K. Dot’s sonic journey, starting with Section.80 through To Pimp A Butterfly. When you’re done, check out this list of his 10 amazing tracks (including b-sides and freestyles).

Step Two: Make a syrup sandwich.

Step Three: Watch “2Pac Resurrection” to remind yourself just who K. Dot is a product of. After watching, hit play on “Mortal Man.”

Step Four: Clear your calendar. It usually takes time for all the nuance and details of Kendrick Lamar’s music to come to light, so make sure you’re ready to give this album the time it deserves. Cancel your appointments. Call in sick to work and class. Be ready to explain why it’s a classic by no later than Saturday morning.

Step Five: Levitate.

Step Six: Watch REVOLT’s “Entering the Cocoon” doc to discover the amount of depth, time, and creativeness that goes into a Kendrick Lamar album.

Step Seven: Hold a retirement ceremony for one of your favorite rappers. This is sure to solidify Kendrick a spot in the top 10 rappers of all time list, so decide now which of your current top 10 you’ll be kicking out. Revisit their hits, thank them for their time on the team, and clean out their locker for Kendrick to take their place.

Step Eight: Tweet/tag your favorite emcee and tell them to cop the album (Meek Mill is an avid supporter of tweeting albums).

Step Nine: Find yourself some shade to complement his subliminals.

Step Ten: Prep that “Wee-Bey from ‘The Wire’” gif (available here) for when you finally understand his lyrics hours after pretending to.

Step Eleven: Take a moment to remember why you love this rap sh-t.

Step Twelve: And stay hydrated like, Sit down. Drink. Stand up. Drink. Pass out. Drink. Wake up. Drink.

Additional Preparedness Resources

Could we be getting a Black Hippy album?

Ranking the four installments of Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart” series

Kendrick Lamar brings “the Heart” back to rap in epic comeback

How community, politics, and acknowledgment will influence Kendrick Lamar’s new album

Interview | Terrace Martin, Sounwave, MixedByAli, Tae Beast Talk ‘TPAB’ Outtakes