5 Hip Hop Albums I'm Looking Forward To

There's been somewhat of a resurgence in hip hop. Although the charts is dominated with horrific sounding hip pop and just pointless pop in general, there are still artists that put out quality hip hop music. Some people were excited when they heard YMCMB and MMG artists were releasing albums/mixtapes and you can often hear their music blaring outside some dude's (and even some chick's) car speakers when you walk the streets of South London. I have nothing against these artists and I like their music ('Church!') but it's more than likely I'm gonna download those artists. The amount of money and Maybachs these artists claim to have, I'll doubt they care. I decided to compile a list of the albums I'M looking forward to and that will surely make me a take a trip to HMV. This post is mostly subjective by the way and there is a fair bit of speculation. Enjoy anyway. Here's my list.

Nas, Life is Good, July 17th

God's Son returns with his 10th solo album and has been blessing the ears of hip hop heads (myself included) recently with song-stealing guest verses and some dope tracks from the LP. Every song I've heard so far has been hard, spitting real ill rhymes partnered with nice production (it's about time he spat over quality beats to be honest). The majority of the album has been produced by No I.D. and longtime collaborator Salaam Remi. Rick Ross's go-to producers J.U.S.T.I.C.E League make an appearance. Even Swizz Beatz and Drake's music partner 40 drop a beat for Esco. There's also features from Rick Ross, Mary J Blige, a posthumous appearance from Amy Winehouse and Miguel. Based on his guest verses as well as his last four tracks, I predict a classic. NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON! NAS THE DON!

Jay Electronica, Act II- Patents Of Nobility (The Turn), TBC

In my opinion, the New Orleans super lyricist is one of the best rappers I've heard in a long time and has helped restore my faith in probably the most important dimension of hip hop, LYRICISM. The Roc Nation rapper said last year on Twitter that his album was finished stating that Jay Z, Bun B and Erykah Badu have heard it. He then said earlier this year that his album would be turned in. The Root's drummer Questlove says that Jay Z, the label boss, feels that the album isn't complete because there are no singles on it but he also adds that it is his (Jay Z's) favourite record of 2012. Since then there has been no new developments on when the album will be released. Apart from black-belt bars, it's not known what's to be expected from his first album. There may be appearances from label mates Jay Z, J Cole or from his child's mother Erykah Badu. Maybe even K-Koke and Willow Smith ;-) but this is definitely something that I will be waiting patiently for. For now, enjoy one of his earlier tunes below.

Slaughterhouse- Welcome To (Our House), August 28th 2012

The Shady Records supergroup consisting of Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz and Royce Da 5'9 drop their sophomore album this Summer and it is likely to be laced with vicious verbs over some gritty beats. Producers The Alchemist, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League and No I.D. have all worked with Slaughterhouse for this project and it's probable that labelmate Yelawolf and label head Eminem will be involved. Their debut album was completed in six days but for this album, they have a lot more time and resources so expect the four headed monster to deliver what the purists have a hunger to hear, that real hip hop!

Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor 2: Great American Rap Album Pt 1, September 25th

I remember when I said to some friends that Lupe was the best rapper in the last 5 years (I said this in 2011). They responded with WTF-type reactions. To be honest I still think that since 2006 (The year I pinpointed as the year when the quality of hip hop declined), Lupe Fiasco is the best rapper to drop a debut album (Drake fans aka the lobotomised zealots are losing their minds right now lol). Having released two critically acclaimed LP's, solidifying his title as a dope MC and having a string of classic tunes (Hip Hop Saved My Life is one of my favourite rap stories); You're gonna have a tough time convincing me otherwise.
The 'label-tainted' third LP Lasers however was not of the same standard as the previous two. This time though it looks like we will be seeing the Lupe that we know and love. For his fourth offering, there's not a great amount of detail on what will be included but there will probably be contributions from regular collaborators such as producer Soundtrakk (I hope) and singers Sarah Green and Matthew Santos. I also expect to hear provocative punchlines and lyrical musings on political and socio conscious issues if Freedom Ain't Free (Around My Way) and Bitch Bad are anything to go by.

 

Kendrick Lamar- good kid, m.A.A.d city, October 2nd
The conscious Compton native has impressively attained a sizable following thanks to his unconventional style of rapping. He has managed to maintain that with memorable guest verses on the tracks of some of hip-hop's biggest stars like Drake, Lil' Wayne, fellow Compton spitter Game among others. I can't forget his last album Section 80 where he spits hard lyrics over hypnotic beats. Me and fans will be looking forward to his major label debut on Aftermath after that quality release. I assume members of his group Black Hippy (Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q) will feature as well as other big name rappers. I'm guessing that The Digi+Phonics who featured heavily on Section 80, The Neptunes and of course Dr Dre will be producing on the album.

LONG LIVE HIP HOP!


What do you think of the list? Are you looking forward to these albums? Are there any albums that you're looking forward to?


Feel free to comment but please keep it civilised.


Peace Out!