Last year brought us many gems as far as hip-hop and R&B albums go. We received Kendrick Lamar’s masterpiece ‘DAMN.’, Jay-Z’s ‘4:44’, Drake’s ‘More Life’, Big Sean’s ‘I Decided.’, and even Eminem chipped in with his fourth quarter surprise ‘Revival’ album.
I’m sure there were some artists you expected to drop projects last year that didn’t, as many albums faced delays and others continue to be worked on. With that said I have compiled a list of “The 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2018.”
In no particular order I have listed the 10 albums I feel the culture needs this year and the general public is yearning for. Let’s get to it.
DRAKE – ‘TBD’
As of late, Drake has been posting several pictures of himself in the studio, hinting at his next album release. The 6 God has been notorious for releasing an album in the first two quarters of the last couple years. Last March he dropped ‘More Life’ and in April of 2016 he delivered his ‘Views’ album.
We know Drake has something in the chamber as he’s one of the hardest working in the industry and he’s recently popped up at clubs and parties previewing unreleased material. There is no title as of yet or official announcement, but we are reaching “scary hours” as he likes to call the lead-up to new work.
J. COLE – ‘TBD’
If you take a look at J. Cole’s last few album releases, you will discover he drops bi-yearly. Being one of hip-hop’s current top 5 artists, a new album from him is always received with open arms. In 2016 he gave us ‘4 Your Eyez Only’, which did not disappoint and also earned him his second platinum album with no features.
Being a consciously-woke, introspective rapper, there is surely a lot of material for him to rap about and stuff to get off his chest with the current White House administration and events happening in the world. We need a voice to shell out what we all think and say on the daily, except in a much more calculated manner and with a way larger platform.
KANYE WEST – ‘TBD’
From rumors of being “holed up” in a studio on a mountain top of Montana to random paparazzi pictures of Kayne West hanging out with Kid Cudi, Big Sean, Pusha T, and others, it’s evident he’s up to something.
The last time he was “holed up” was for the workings of ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’, when he disappeared to an island in Hawaii and spent 24 hours a day at Avex Honolulu Studios, locked down in three different session rooms for days at a time, until it was finished.
Ye seems to be living his best life with his wife Kim and two kids North and Saint, but I’m sure the fire is still in him. He might make some different sounding music with different motives, but expect a new album from him in 2018.
MIGOS – ‘CULTURE 2’
The Migos made a lot of noise with their ‘Culture’ album and performed at virtually every big festival in 2017. Following the album, Quavo and Offset dropped a few singles and collaboration mixtapes, but fans are ready for the collective ‘Culture 2’ album.
Adlibs and all we should be getting that ‘Culture 2’ early in 2018, at least according to what Quavo said at a recent show.
PUSHA T – ‘KING PUSH’
Pusha T has his hands full at all times these days being the President of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint. Possibly that is what has delayed his next album, which many thought would be released last year.
The album seems to have a title in ‘King Push’ and Pusha has released a few singles like “H.G.T.V.” and “Circles” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Desiigner, which might be on the album, although they were released in 2016.
Either way, we should definitely get a new album from El Presidentè this year.
NAS – ‘TBD’
On DJ Khaled’s 2016 ‘Major Key’ album was where Nas’ forthcoming was first teased. The third single “Nas Album Done” alludes to the legend’s forthcoming album being complete and on the horizon, although there was minimal talk about it after that.
Nearly two years have passed and here we are still waiting for it. In an interview with Billboard, Nas discussed the album vaguely saying, “It’s not done until it hits the streets,” leaving us to wonder if it ever will.
Not quite sure what the hold up is, he’s dropped singles and been featured, but maybe sample clearances and signatures is the only thing holding back the Queensbride rapper’s first album since 2012’s ‘Life Is Good’ album.
NICKI MINAJ – ‘TBD’
Nicki Minaj has spent the last year shaking critics for dragging her in the Remy Ma beef and attempted to give her “Queen of Rap” crown to Cardi B, who rose to the scene and dominated in her early stages.
There’s a lot of motivation for Nicki to release a new album in 2018 and being one of the most consistent female rappers/Pop stars/Icons the culture really needs it. Now I’m sure one of you trolls is going to try and argue this, but if you take a look at her track record, you can’t in your right mind argue her accolades.
Let’s hope we get some new fire Nicki Minaj in 2018 with her fast spitting, raunchy raps. With or without the Young Money umbrella, there are more hits in her.
CARDI B – ‘TBD’
Who has a better 2017 than Cardi B? If she has a clone, perhaps the clone. Aside from that there aren’t too many other answers that one could give to a question like that. For peeps sake, Cardi dominated the charts with her debut “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” single and followed up making Billboard chart history.
She recently released her second single, “Bartier Cardi,” which seems to be trending upward on the charts, but the culture is ready for her debut album. Perhaps we will get a full album and not a bunch of one-offs or a mixtape.
SCHOOLBOY Q – ‘TBD’
TDE is one of the most calculated labels in the industry and in hindsight are five years ahead. Last year they focused on Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and other up-and-coming acts. With that out the way, it should be time for ScHoolboy Q to release a new one.
Back in 2016, Q dropped ‘Blank Face EP’, which was a success for him and indications point to him giving the fans a solid follow-up int 2018.
NIPSEY HUSSLE – ‘VICTORY LAP’
With a new Atlantic Records partnership in the fold, Nipsey Hussle is ready to release his highly-anticipated debut album, ‘Victory Lap’. His first single “Rap N***as” has the streets on fire and the hype has only increased.
Nip will drop ‘Victory Lap’ on Friday, February 16th, which is the start of NBA All-Star weekend in LA. Stay tuned.
HONORABLE MENTION:
KENDRICK LAMAR – ‘TBD’
After delivering such a stellar, critically-acclaimed album in 2017 with ‘DAMN.’, hip-hop enthusiasts are already craving another Kendrick Lamar album.
Not sure if we will actually get it, but it shouldn’t be so farfetched considering there was rumors of a second K. Dot album dropping a week after ‘DAMN.’ did.
@IAMBNYCE