What is Mike gonna do if he doesn't rap? I mean I know he plays keyboard and does all that other stuff, but honestly, Mike is The Glue. He is what made LP... LP. While giving my full credit to all the other band members who'd contributed, it's like what you've said, without Mike LP is just... "Another rock band". Even though I'd admit that I didn't get into LP for his rapping (Numb was my first song), once i was into it, his voice, lyricism, etc... made LP a band that i stuck with.
Thus I conclude that Mike must rap in this album. (Sorry for my ranting I'm not so cool at the moment)
could be...there was a cover for the album posted on one website...and it looked just like the new intro page..nice one. i guess we are getting a black and white album this time around?