Lil Baby teases “The Leak$” album with features from Young Thug, Skooly, Playboi Carti and more
Lil Baby teases upcoming “The Leak$” album
Lil Baby is proving once again why he remains a dominant force in hip-hop. After delivering his fourth consecutive No. 1 album earlier this year, the Atlanta rapper is gearing up for his next big move. His upcoming album, “The Leak$,” is officially set to arrive on August 15, 2025.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting Lil Baby’s next release, especially after months of speculation surrounding another project titled Dominique. But now, The Leak$ is taking center stage, and the anticipation is sky-high.
WHAM – A Strong Start to 2025 for Lil Baby
Lil Baby kicked off 2025 on a high note with the release of WHAM in January. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it the first hip-hop album of 2025 to top the charts. Selling an impressive 144,000 units in its first week, WHAM reinforced Baby’s staying power in an ever-competitive rap landscape.
The album wasn’t short on star power either. Collaborations with Young Thug, GloRilla, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Rylo Rodriguez, and Rod Wave gave WHAM a diverse sonic palette that blended street anthems with melodic, radio-friendly bangers.
One of the standout tracks, “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber,” marked Young Thug’s first verse since his release from prison in October 2024. The track became a viral sensation, thanks to its infectious hook and the emotional weight of Thugger’s comeback moment.
Other highlights from WHAM included “Stuff,” a hazy, bass-heavy collaboration with Travis Scott, and “Outfit,” where 21 Savage delivered a grimy, no-nonsense verse. With a strong lineup of features and polished production, WHAMsolidified itself as a fan-favorite in Lil Baby’s discography.
The Shelved Dominique Album – A Personal Side of Lil Baby
Following the success of WHAM, Lil Baby had hinted at a more introspective follow-up album titled Dominique. The project, named after his real first name, was meant to showcase a different, more personal side of the rapper.
In a now-viral interview, Baby explained:
“Dominique is more the serious me, more personal. That’s a part of the new journey I’m on. I hate the word vulnerable, but I’m gonna be more open to my fans and my audience.”
The plan was to release Dominique in February 2025. He teased its arrival by writing on social media:
“See y’all again in a couple weeks. Dominique The Album 2-?-25.”
However, unforeseen circumstances derailed the project’s rollout. In March, Lil Baby faced serious accusations from Atlanta police, who alleged that a music video shoot connected to him resulted in a fatal shooting of two teenagers. While it remains unclear if these events were truly linked, the investigation put Dominique on indefinite hold.
The situation was murky, but for now, it appears that Lil Baby has opted to shelve the project. His focus has shifted to a different, more dynamic offering.
Introducing The Leak$ – Lil Baby’s Next Chapter
While Dominique may be stored away for another time, Lil Baby has pivoted quickly with the announcement of a new album titled “The Leak$.” Speculation about this project began swirling when music page Kurrco spotted a whiteboard teaser in a studio session with the title scribbled above a tracklist.
Unlike the introspective approach of Dominique, The Leak$ seems geared towards high-energy collaborations and bangers. The guest features on this project are arguably more stacked than WHAM. Among the names linked to the album are Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Lucki, Veeze, and Skooly.
Lil Baby confirmed the release date himself. About an hour ago, he posted a carousel of images on Instagram, with the caption simply reading:
“8.15.25.”
Fans quickly caught on, flooding the comments with excitement and speculations about potential leaks, snippets, and surprise features. If all goes as planned, The Leak$ will be dropping next Friday, setting the stage for yet another No. 1 debut.
A Year of High-Profile Collaborations
Beyond his solo work, Lil Baby has been busy collaborating with some of the industry’s top names. Most recently, he appeared on Metro Boomin’s A FUTURISTIC SUMMA album, delivering a fiery verse that had fans buzzing. He also surprised many with a guest appearance on alternative singer Jessie Murph’s Sex Hysteria, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt across genres.
These features have kept Lil Baby’s name circulating in conversations across both hip-hop and pop circles. His consistent output, whether through guest verses or his own releases, has helped maintain his position at the top of the rap game.
What Can Fans Expect From The Leak$?
While details about The Leak$ remain somewhat scarce, there are a few safe predictions:
- Energetic Collaborations:
With features like Playboi Carti and Veeze, expect a project heavy on trap anthems and mosh-pit-ready bangers. - Young Thug’s Continued Return:
Given their history, Thugger’s involvement on The Leak$ is likely to be significant, especially as he continues his return to music post-incarceration. - A Blend of Underground and Mainstream Features:
Artists like Lucki and Skooly add an underground flavor that fans of Atlanta’s rap scene will appreciate, while also introducing Lil Baby to adjacent fanbases. - Potential Deluxe Edition:
If The Leak$ follows the modern trend, a deluxe edition could be in the cards, potentially incorporating tracks that were meant for Dominique.
How This Release Impacts Lil Baby’s Career Trajectory
At this point in his career, Lil Baby is not just a rapper—he’s an institution in hip-hop. From viral freestyles to chart-topping albums, his rise has been a textbook example of consistency and calculated evolution.
However, The Leak$ represents a strategic shift. With the personal Dominique album paused, this project serves as a placeholder that allows Baby to maintain momentum while navigating off-the-mic issues. It’s a reminder of his adaptability and business savvy, staying active in the market while also controlling the narrative.
The Road Ahead for Lil Baby
With The Leak$ on the way and ongoing collaborations keeping his profile elevated, Lil Baby is poised for another massive year. His break from touring WHAM—which initially featured supporting acts like BigXthaPlug, Pluto, and Loe Shimmy—suggests that another tour cycle might begin post-release of The Leak$, depending on its reception.
Fans are also speculating that Dominique might resurface in 2026, once legal matters clear up and the timing feels right for a more serious, introspective project.
For now, though, all eyes are on August 15.
All Eyes on “The Leak$”
Lil Baby’s ability to pivot and deliver quality projects in the midst of external pressures is a testament to his resilience and work ethic. The Leak$ has the potential to be one of his most impactful releases yet, blending high-profile features, viral potential, and his signature flow.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a casual listener, August 15 is a date you’ll want to circle on your calendar. Given his track record, it’s safe to say that when Lil Baby leaks something, the world listens.