From the 9th Ward of New Orleans to Dallas, Texas, rising hip-hop artist Lamar Adot Thomas has officially released his debut album, “Lamar”, now available worldwide as of September 19, 2025 on all major digital platforms. The project is a bold and deeply personal statement, positioning Thomas as one of the most authentic new voices in modern hip-hop.
At its heart, “Lamar” is an 11-track journey through identity, struggle, and triumph, shedding light on the life that existed both before and after Hurricane Katrina. Where others often focus solely on the tragedy, Thomas offers a fuller perspective — one that encompasses the resilience, community, and growth of New Orleans life that is too often overlooked.
The opening track, “XXI”, immediately sets the tone. It is a dual homage — to the 2100 block of Independence, where Lamar grew up, and to the New Orleans hip-hop legends whose contributions shaped the sound and spirit of the city. This introduction frames the album as both a personal narrative and a cultural statement, firmly rooted in legacy while looking forward with ambition.
Highlights from the project include:
- “Krackin”, a hard-hitting anthem that announces Lamar’s presence in the Dallas commercial music scene, combining sharp lyricism with commanding energy designed for big stages.
- “No Blood on the Leaves” feat. Jabee, a powerful collaboration with the Emmy Award–winning artist Jabee, where Lamar’s reflections on hardship and survival intertwine with themes that remain urgently relevant today.
Behind the boards, Nick B. & Loop288 handle all production and engineering across the album. Their sonic direction seamlessly blends grit and soul, giving Lamar’s storytelling room to breathe while embedding detail for what Thomas describes as “the real listeners” — those who catch the coded truths, the growth, and the lived experiences woven through every bar.
Explaining the intention behind his debut, Lamar shares:
“People are often stuck on the tragedy of Katrina and forget there was a whole life, a whole growth process before and after. With this album, I wanted to show the full picture — my block, my story, my resilience. If you really listen, you’ll hear the details that shaped me.”
Adding to the excitement of the release, Lamar recently delivered a surprise for his fans: a special new version of “Sound Bite” (Track 3) titled “Sound Bite Jon Blass Mix.” This reimagined cut was mixed by Grammy Award–winning engineer Jon Blass, whose Nashville-based Limn Sound Studio has become a go-to destination for projects spanning gospel, R&B, and pop. Blass is celebrated not only for his mixing expertise in both stereo and Dolby Atmos but also for his leadership in the music community, serving as co-chair of the Producers & Engineers Wing and vice president of the board of governors for the Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter. His work has been instrumental on numerous Grammy-nominated and award-winning albums, and his involvement with Lamar’s project elevates the record’s technical and artistic polish to a new level.
What makes “Lamar” remarkable is the way it balances personal storytelling with broader cultural resonance. It refuses to let New Orleans be defined by loss alone, instead honoring the roots, rhythms, and resilience of a city that has always rebuilt itself through art and music. Lamar’s ability to weave this narrative into a sonically rich and lyrically potent album marks him as a rare artist — one whose music is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Lamar Adot Thomas has long been known for blending hip hop, R&B, soul, and even elements of jazz, creating a sound that is both classic and modern. His music is characterized by heartfelt lyrics, smooth yet commanding delivery, and an ear for timeless rhythm. Having honed his craft for more than a decade, he has steadily built his reputation in underground and independent circles, cultivating a loyal fanbase that values his authenticity and commitment to growth.
Now, with the release of “Lamar”, Thomas steps into the spotlight with a project that is as much about paying homage to his past as it is about shaping the future. It is a debut that speaks not only to who Lamar Adot Thomas is but also to the broader story of New Orleans hip-hop — its lineage, its resilience, and its undeniable global influence.
“Lamar” by Lamar Adot Thomas is out now on all digital platforms worldwide.
Follow Lamar Adot Thomas:
- Official Website: theycallmeadot.com
- Spotify: @LamarAdotThomas
- Apple Music: @LamarAdotThomas
- Tidal: @LamarAdotThomas
- YouTube: @LamarAdotThomas
- Instagram: @lamaradotthomas
