Now that Jay-Z and Kanye West’s Watch The Throne album is safely in our iPods and CD players, it’s time to turn our attention to the next batch of Hip-Hop albums set for release in the coming months.
Maybe these artists and labels will take a page from Jay & ‘Ye and attempt to overcome having their albums leaked prior to their release dates…or maybe they won’t…
Will anyone top The Throne?
Is there a Hip-Hop classic coming?
Will any big name artists flop?
With so many albums coming and so many more questions looming, here is a guide and list for The Rest Of 2011’s Most Anticipated Hip-Hop Albums.
Hit the numbered pages to view.
Common
Album Title: The Dreamer, The Believer
Album #: 9
Label: Warner Bros. Records
Single(s): “Ghetto Dreams” Ft. Nas
Release Date: November 22nd
Over the last few years, Common has been more focused on acting than rapping, and we don’t blame him.
But after making a switch from Universal to Warner Bros., Common is gearing up to release his first album since his 2008 album Universal Mind Control was received with mixed reviews.
Goodie Mob
Album Title: We Sell Drugs Too
Album #: 5
Label: TBA
Single(s): TBA
Release Date: TBA
The last time the Goodie Mob released an album, the legendary ATL group’s most notable member, Cee-Lo Green, wasn’t around for the 2004 album, blatantly titled One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show.
While his former group struggled to remain relevant, Cee-Lo became an international star as a member of the group Gnarls Barkley, with producer Danger Mouse, and later as a solo artist.
Although, after a 2009 Goodie Mob reunion concert, the group let bygones be bygones, and is currently working on an album with all four members for the first time since 1999.
Big K.R.I.T.
Album Title: Live from the Underground
Album #: 1
Label: Island Def Jam
Single(s): “Country Shyte (Remix)” Ft. Ludacris & Bun B
Release Date: September 27th
Following two critically acclaimed releases, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here (2010) and Return Of 4Eva, Mississippi rapper/producer Big K.R.I.T. is ready to release his major label debut album to the world.
Lets hope Def Jam doesn’t mess this up.
Nas
Album Title: Life Is Good
Album #: 10
Label: Island Def Jam
Single(s): “Nasty”
Release Date: TBA
Considered by many as one of the dopest MCs to ever touch a mic, Nasir Jones’ tenth studio album (not counting his Lost Tapes or collaborative albums) is due out later this year.
The album’s first single “Nasty” offers up a return to the Nasty Nas days, and has fans eager to hear more of what life-after-Kelis sounds like.
J. Cole
Album Title: Cole World: The Sideline Story
Album #: 1
Label: Roc Nation/Sony
Single(s): “Work Out,” “Can’t Get Enough” Ft. Trey Songz
Release Date: September 27th
It’s been almost four years since rap fans were introduced to Roc Nation’s first artist J. Cole, and most fans are tired of waiting on his debut album.
The wait will finally be over on September 27th. Everyone just be patient.
Game
Album Title: The R.E.D. Album
Album #: 4
Label: Aftermath/Interscope
Single(s): “Red Nation” Ft. Lil Wayne, “Pot Of Gold” Ft. Chris Brown
Release Date: August 23rd
Game has been recording his R.E.D. Album since 2009, and after having the album pushed back more times than we can remember, Game’s fourth album is finally ready.
One gold and two platinum albums since his 2005 debut, the main question concerning Game’s new LP is at this point does anyone really care?
Young Jeezy
Album Title: TM103:Hustlerz Ambition
Album #: 4
Label: Corporate Thugz Entertainment/Def Jam
Single(s): “Ballin” Ft. Lil Wayne, “Shake Life”
Release Date: September 20th
After a two year delay, Jeezy is finally set to give fans the Thug Motivation they’ve been waiting for.
No more mixtapes, Jeezy. Just put the album out.
Rick Ross
Album Title: God Forgives, I Don’t
Album #: 5
Label: Maybach Music Group/Warner Bros. Records
Single(s): TBA
Release Date: TBA
With Maybach Music Group emerging as a powerhouse imprint in the game, Ricky Rozay’s next album will be his shot at solidifying himself as one of the greats in rap today, and could final earn him a platinum album; a status that he missed with his first four releases.
Drake
Album Title: Take Care
Album #: 2
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown
Single(s): “Marvins Room,” “Headlines”
Release Date: October 24th
His 2010 debut Thank Me Later catapulted this actor turned rapper/singer to rap super stardom.
Over the last year, Drizzy Drake has not shown any signs of slowing down, as he looks to avoid the sophomore slump on his second album Take Care.
Lil Wayne
Album Title: Tha Carter IV
Album #: 9
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown
Single(s): “6 Foot, 7 Foot” Ft. Cory Gunz, “John” Ft. Rick Ross, “How To Love,” “She Will” Ft. Drake
Release Date: August 29th
The last time Lil Wayne released a Carter album, he sold a milli a week.
Forgetting about his Rebirth rock album and the throwaway album his label released while he was behind bars, Weezy’s long-awaited Tha Carter IV is not only one of the most anticipated albums in rap, but one of the most anticipated in music, period.
