On Tuesday (March 10), Jay Electronica fans got some exciting news. JAY-Z’s TIDAL announced that members of the streaming service are invited to receive an early listening of his long-awaited debut album, A Written Testimony.
“It’s time,” the streaming service wrote on Twitter. “We’re giving [Jay Electronica] fans an exclusive first listen of his album ‘A Written Testimony’ with 3 intimate events in NY, LA, & New Orleans.”
In partnership with TIDAL, Jay Electronica will offer an exclusive pre-listening at events in New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans on Thursday (March 12). TIDAL members can RSVP to obtain free tickets on the streaming platform’s website.
“RSVP to attend an exclusive, first listen of ‘A Written Testimony’ on Thursday, March 12th,” the website’s RSVP page reads. “Listening sessions will be held in New York, Los Angeles and New Orleans. Confirmed guests will receive an email confirmation from TIDAL with event details. Entry is granted on a first come, first served basis. 21+.”
Last month, Jay Electronica announced to fans that his debut album was ready and promised its released within 40 days, which puts A Written Testimony’s arrival at next Wednesday (March 18). According to a tweet from the New Orleans-bred rapper, the project was recorded over a 40-day, 40-night period, beginning on Dec. 26.
Fans have been waiting for Jay’s debut effort since 2009. The album was first billed as Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn), as a follow-up to his 2007 debut mixtape Act I: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge). After signing to JAY-Z’s Roc Nation, Jay teased the album again in 2011, and once again in 2016.
To hold fans over, Jay has dropped off a handful of loosies since Act I, including collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, JAY-Z, Prodigy and more. A Written Testimony’s delay caused some fan-hesitation when Jay announced the album’s new release date. However, with listening parties for the album scheduled for Thursday (March 12), the project could very well arrive next week.
See some fan reactions to the news on Twitter below.