The Irish rap trio Kneecap have promised fans a brand new album in 2026, following a tumultuous year marked by legal battles and acclaimed releases. In a social media post on December 31, 2025, the group thanked supporters and highlighted ongoing activism for Palestine. The announcement comes after their breakthrough album Fine Art earned widespread praise in 2024.
Kneecap, the Belfast-based Irish rap group, ended 2025 on a defiant note by teasing major plans for the year ahead. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated December 31, 2025, the trio—known for their politically charged lyrics in Irish and English—expressed gratitude to fans amid challenges. "They tried to crush us and they failed," they wrote. "Thanks to all of you sound c*nts we’re stronger than ever. Big things to come in 2026 – including a brand new album. But nothing is more important than supporting each other and keep taking action for Palestine."
This follows the release of their debut album Fine Art in 2024, which NME awarded five stars, praising its vibrant energy and cultural significance: "In the dark of the night out, the moment is all that matters and the rave will set you free. To shout that in a ‘dying’ language on a record that couldn’t sound any more alive? That’s power – and Kneecap have it."
In 2025, Kneecap kept momentum with singles like the politically charged 'The Recap' featuring Mozey, dedicated to UK politician Kemi Badenoch; 'Sayōnara' with Orbital's Paul Hartnoll; and 'No Comment', a drum 'n' bass track with Sub Focus addressing member Mo Chara's legal issues. They also issued a limited 7-inch single of 'H.O.O.D.', incorporating Mo Chara's controversial Coachella speech on Israel from October 2024.
The group faced scrutiny over an incident at a November 2024 London show, where Mo Chara (real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) was charged for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag and shouting support for Hamas and Hezbollah—both UK-proscribed terrorist organizations. In September 2025, the case was dropped on a technicality, with the Chief Magistrate ruling the charge "unlawful" and "null." Kneecap denied supporting violence, calling the footage decontextualized and the case a "carnival of distraction."
However, the UK government intends to appeal the dismissal, with a hearing scheduled for January 14, 2026, at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. The group's legal team described the appeal as lacking "an iota of logic." As Kneecap prepare for their next chapter, their blend of protest, partying, and cultural revival continues to resonate globally.
