After making the decision to postpone the release of his next album out of respect for the late Nipsey Hussle last month, YG has landed on both a release date and another way to honor his friend and frequent collaborator.
As revealed on Instagram (May 21), the Compton native’s fourth studio album 4REAL 4REAL is set to drop this Friday (May 24). In addition to confirming the album’s release date, the cover art shows how YG has taken it a step further and is dedicating the entire project in memory of Nipsey.
The official album cover features a collaged layout featuring a portrait of YG and on the bottom, there is some handwritten text that reads, “In Loving Memory of Nipsey Hussle.” While the tracklist has not yet been shared, fans are looking forward to other possible tributes woven into YG’s new music.
After sharing the album artwork for 4REAL 4REAL, the Compton native and entertainer shared an interview clip of Nipsey, who was tragically shot outside of his Marathon clothing store on March 31, during which the beloved rapper and entrepreneur talks about inspiration.
“Do you know how kids spell ‘love?’ ‘T-I-M-E,’” Nip can be heard saying in the clip. “Not only kids, but people in general. Time is how, when somebody gives you their time, that’s how you really know. I read somewhere that the highest human act is to inspire. We are all in search of inspiration every day. Events like this, and opportunities to inspire or be inspired I think is what creates movements. We all have the capacity to inspire people.”
YG and Nipsey Hussle collaborated on tracks such as “You Broke,” “FDT,” and “Last Time That I Checc’d,” the latter of which appeared on Nipsey’s Grammy-nominated album Victory Lap.
Since Nipsey’s passing, YG has continually paid homage to his life and legacy in several ways, such as during his set at Coachella and as a speaker at the Celebration of Life ceremony, which was held at the Staples Center and broadcasted online.
In addition to dropping his album later this week, YG is also set to make his debut on “Ellen.” Take a look at YG’s new album cover below and keep an eye out for the full album on Friday.