J Cole has announced the surprise release of new album ‘KOD’ – and it’s coming out on Friday.

Last night saw the rapper perform a free show in New York, where he played all 12 tracks from the album in full to a lucky few.

The last minute gig saw phones, bags and journalists banned – inviting fans only to rush down to the Gramercy Theatre. 

After the gig, Cole revealed on Twitter that his fifth studio album would arrive this Friday on April 20.

After the show, Rap Radar’s B.Dot gave some insight into what went down at the show and what the record may sound like. 

As well as revealing that ‘K.O.D’ stands for three different things (‘Kidz On Drugz’, ‘King Overdose’ and ‘Kill Our Demonz’), B.Dot also shared that the album was recorded in just two weeks and, features the ‘standout’ track ‘1985’, and as a whole sees the rapper “experimenting with flow”.

Meanwhile, J Cole will be returning to the UK to perform at London’s Wireless Festival this summer.

The Finsbury Park festival will take place from July 6-8, with each headliner topping the bill on separate days. For tickets and more information, visit here. 

J.Cole will kick off proceedings on Friday, July 6, supported by an impressive bill that includes the likes of Post Malone, Wiley, and Big Sean.

Stormzy is then set to take over on Saturday, July 7, and he’s immediately supported by Migos, along with a bill that features J-Hus and French Montana.

It’s then set to wrap up on Sunday, July 8 with DJ Khaled’s debut UK appearance – and he’ll be supported by a revolving group of ‘friends’ on stage.  

The post J Cole has announced a surprise new album – and it’s out on Friday appeared first on NME.