TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe Announces Debut Solo Album, “Thee Black Boltz”

The new single “Drop” lands ahead of the album’s release on April 18 via Sub Pop.

TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe Announces Debut Solo Album, Thee Black Boltz

The new single “Drop” lands ahead of the album’s release on April 18 via Sub Pop.

Words: Will Schube

Photo: Xaviera Simmons

January 28, 2025

The first-ever solo album from TV on the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe, Thee Black Boltz, is set to arrive on April 18 via Sub Pop Records. Following last fall’s “Magnetic,” second single “Drop” is out now. Produced by Jahphet Landi (TVotR’s drummer), the track features a beat-boxed intro that recalls some of Adebimpe’s early 2000s experiments with acapella, loop-heavy music. Later, warm melodies and clacking percussion combine to create something both atmospheric and immediate. “My heart beats a spark of revival,” Tunde sings.

Regarding the album title, Adebimpe shared: “The sparks of inspiration/motivation/ hope that flash up in the midst of (and sometimes as a result of) deep grief, depression, or despair. Sort of like electrons building up in storm clouds clashing until they fire off lightning and illuminate a way out, if only for a second. Also, it’s a good name for a cool metal band, and I think that most people would describe me as akin to a very cool metal band.”

Tunde Adembimpe: the Witch Vomit of indie rock. Check out “Drop” below, and pre-order Thee Black Boltz here.