In a heartrending revelation, Offset, known by his real name Kiari Cephus, opened up about his ongoing struggle to cope with the tragic death of his longtime friend and collaborator, Takeoff. In an exclusive interview with Variety, the artist hinted at a deeply personal connection to his forthcoming second solo album, implying that it might feature the final collaboration he had with Takeoff before the latter’s untimely demise in Houston, Texas, last November.
While the interview shed light on Offset’s excitement about his musical endeavors, it also brought to the forefront the profound grief he continues to experience due to Takeoff’s sudden passing. “It’s hard for me to talk about sh*** right now. I’ve never talked about this stuff. Seriously. Talking about Take is hard, man,” he confessed. “Talking about all this sh*** is hard. That’s why I don’t, to be honest. That sh*** hurts. Like, it’s gonna put me in a mood, and I don’t want to get in that mood. Some things I don’t never tell nobody. He’s not here. That sh***feels fake, bro. I get through my day thinking it’s fake. And I don’t say nothing to nobody about it.”
In another poignant moment during the conversation, Offset unveiled a star-studded lineup of collaborators for his upcoming album. Travis Scott, Future, Chloe Bailey, Latto, and his wife, Cardi B, are among the talented artists set to contribute their unique styles to this highly anticipated project.
Although specific details are still being fine-tuned, the album is slated for release later this year under Universal’s Capitol Music Group, promising an extraordinary auditory experience that will resonate with fans worldwide. Offset’s forthcoming album will be accompanied by a tour, allowing audiences to witness his artistic evolution firsthand.
“I really wanted to drop the album like two years ago, but it wasn’t time. I had to master who I was, and I got it now,” the 31-year-old shared, underscoring the personal growth and introspection that have shaped his musical journey.