Top Dawg Entertainment’s relative wallflower Jay Rock glides into the new year with “King’s Dead”.

The first single off his upcoming as-of-yet-titled third studio album also takes residence on the soundtrack to Marvel’s Black Panther. The quadruplet of Jay, Kendrick Lamar, James Blake and Future stunt on top of a heavy handed Mike Will Made It production, laced with appropriate engine roars and beat switches.

Though Jay Rock often plays second fiddle in Top Dawg’s release schedule – his last album, 90059 was delayed numerous times – he’s used his off time to remodel his flow. Trading in his slower paced cadence for an indiscriminately arrogant and athletic flow, Jay Rock surfs from bar to bar, making use of high-paced repetition to drive his verse.

Future also absorbs the track’s energy, delivering a syrupy feature on the hook that eventually breaks into his best attempt at falsetto.

Interestingly, Kendrick lends himself to both the hook and the lone verse on part two of the track, giving Damn. fans reason to be excited for 2018.

Stream “King’s Dead” below and keep watch for more news on Jay Rock’s upcoming album.