Image via Complex Original
Music never stops. Just because 2012 was one of the wildest, busiest years in recent memory doesn't mean that there's any plans to let up in 2013. In fact, this year might be even crazier. Instead of guest verses, it appears as if artists like Drake and Andre 3000 will finally follow-up with proper albums. Eminem and Kanye West have kept us waiting for their next solo projects, but based on comments from collaborators it looks like we'll finally get new LPs from them, too.
And that's just a starting point. Kid Cudi, Grimes, Danny Brown, and many more of the biggest musicians in our world all have albums on the way, and in most cases, the possibility of their releases are more solid than tentative. It's only the second day of the year, but that's not to early to get pumped for all of the great music we can expect over the next 12 months.
These are the 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013. Mark your calendars.
RELATED: The 50 Best Songs of 2012
RELATED: The 50 Best Albums of 2012
RELATED: Green Label - The Most Anticipated Electronic Music Albums Dropping This Year
50. Talib Kweli, Prisoner Of Conscious
Release Date: February 2013
Label: Javotti, EMI, Capitol
Talib Kweli's oft-delayed fifth album, Prisoner of Conscious, is finally set to arrive in 2013 with an intriguing and pretty damn stacked guest lineup. Across the 16 tracks, the BK MC is joined by the likes of Miguel, Curren$y, Kendrick Lamar, and Busta Rhymes. Interestingly enough, Nelly makes an appearance as does Seu Jorge, the Brazilian singer-songwriter/actor best known for his work in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
49. Ciara, One Woman Army
Release Date: TBA
Label: Epic
Ciara's talent has fallen under the radar in past years, especially with the lack of commercial success of her 2010 album, Basic Instinct. Since she publicly requsted to be dropped from Jive, she's been working on her upcoming One Woman Army on Epic Records. She's back to work with her mentor—and the man responsible for the success of Goodies—L.A. Reid so we know she's got something good in the works.
48. Ghostface Killah, Supreme Clientele Presents... Blue & Cream: The Wally Era
Release Date: TBA
Label: TBA
Ghostface Killah kept himself in the loop last year with his amazing, last-minute guest verse on G.O.O.D. Music's "New God Flow" with Kanye West and Pusha T, and also by releasing his solid collaborative project with Sheek Louch, Wu Block. Meanwhile, he's promised a follow up to Supreme Clientele, it's his most cherished LP.
But before we get that, GFK is putting out 12 Reasons To Die, a collaboration with producer Adrian Younge that was originally scheduled to be released last November, but is now due to drop March 19 on Soul Temple Records. The project is executive produced by RZA, and will also be accompanied by a six-issue comic book, the first of which will also be released in March. As Ghost proclaimed on Twitter yesterday, "It's the year of the WU!!! #2013" Protect ya neck.
47. Juelz Santana, Born To Lose, Built To Win
Release Date: TBA
Label: Diplomat, Def Jam
2012 marks yet another year that has gone by without Juelz Santana releasing Born To Lose, Built To Win, his proper follow-up to 2005's What The Game's Been Missing!. However, there's a glimmering optimism that he'll finally liberate the album this year.
For one, he's releasing the mixtape God Will'n on January 14, which acts as the musical precursor to Born To Lose. He's also named Lil Wayne as the album's executive producer, which should hopefully ramp up his productivity in the booth. Though it's unclear if past records "Back to the Crib" and "Mixin' Up the Medicine" will still find their way onto the project, consider this a glass half full scenario for the Dipset representative.
46. Tyler, The Creator, Wolf
Release Date: TBA
Label: Odd Future
Little is known about Tyler, the Creator's third full-length album, Wolf. In some 2011 interviews, he indicated that it would be more focused on his production talents than his rapping. Additionally, he has revealed that the lyrics will be different compared to his previous works and that it features a nostalgic vibe throughout. Either way, Odd Future fans have been looking for that definitive full-length project. Hopefully this will be that one.
45. Wavves, TBA
Release Date: 3/26/2013
Label: Mom + Pop
He might have been busy with some other projects in 2012, but for the most part Wavves' Nathan Williams was in the studio working on his band's fourth full-length. He and bassist Stephen Pope worked with producer John Hill, whose resume includes M.I.A. and Santigold, and the resulting tracks blend sounds both old and new. There are some acoustic cuts along with rapid-fire punk jams, with the latter being evident on lead single "Sail to the Sun." There's also a heavy hip-hop vibe, which should come as no surprise if you have followed Williams last year. He and his little brother, who together form Sweet Valley, put out several beat tapes and Williams even appeared on Big Boi's Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors.
44. Fabolous, Loso's Way 2: Rise To Power
Release Date: February 2013
Label: Desert Storm, Def Jam
It's been a three year delay but Fabolous is gearing up to drop his sixth album in February of 2013 and he says it will show the most growth the artist has had. Aptly titled Loso's Way 2: Rise to Power, the sequel to his 2009's Loso's Way, it shows just that—Fab's rise to power. He's been in the studio with a number of young, up-and-coming producers as well as No I.D., Hit-Boy, and Pharell, to name a few. Fab's kept fans entertained with four mixtapes during the delay but the time is his to show if he's truly risen to power in the industry.
43. John Legend, Love In The Future
Release Date: TBA
Label: G.O.O.D. Music, Sony Music
When we interviewed John Legend last year, he kept his cards close to his chest and didn't want to reveal too much about his upcoming project. But he did say this, "My mission was: How do I make a definitive 21st century soul album? We'll see if I accomplish it, but that's what the mission is." That's certainly not an easy task but if there's anyone soulful enough to pull it off, it's certainly John Legend.
42. Gunplay, Medellin
Release Date: Spring 2013
Label: MMG, Def Jam
2012 was a breakout year for Gunplay. After destroying his verse on Kendrick Lamar's "Cartoons & Cereal" he went from being seen as a Rick Ross lackey to a legitimate rapper. He then proved he actually had some worthy songs with his mixtapes Bogota Rich and 601 & Snort. But then he got into a fight with G-Unit, footage of him allegedly pulling a gun on his accountant surfaced, and eventually he got put on house arrest and became a lightning rod for controversy. Still, we're excited at the prospect of a full length Gunplay album because he remains as one of the most unpredictable characters in rap. We don't expect him to sell many records (we can already see Walmart banning his album based on his name alone) but if his album is anywhere nearly as entertaining as his viral videos we'll be satisfied. We're just hoping he can keep his nose clean long enough to actually see the release of his album.
41. Azealia Banks, Broke With Expensive Taste
Release Date: 2/12/2013
Label: Polydor, Interscope
Everyone has had their eye on Azealia Banks since her breakthrough hit "212" and, of course, from all of that Twitter drama she got herself into. But with a new year comes new promise and now we're waiting on her debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, especially after her Fantasea mixtape featured production from Hudson Mohawke and Diplo, amongst others.
40. Theophilus London, TBA
Release Date: Summer 2013
Label: TBA
Over the last few years, you may have come to know Theophilus London as more than a musician, but don't dismiss the Trinidadian-born Brooklynite as just another fashionable scenester. Tracks like "Humdrum Town," "Why Even Try," and "Crazy Cousins" have already proven his capability and given a glimpse into a musically unique style that doesn't exist outside of Theophilus London. He's like a combination of current, retro, and classic, and he's able to dabble with new wave, electronic, and pop music like few other rappers. With genre-bending at an all-time high, Theophilus is in the perfect position to pull off something big. Oh and also, he's made some friends over the past few years. After describing his upcoming album as "emotional club music," London revealed that Drake, Kanye, Travis Scott, Brodinksi, and Dev Hynes are all featured.
39. Snoop Dogg, Reincarnated
Release Date: TBA
Label: Doggystyle, RCA
Throughout his career, Snoop Dogg has worked a lil bit of Jamaican into his rap flows. That's why when he announced he had gone through a spiritual reawakening, changed named his name to Snoop Lion, and would be releasing a reggae album it may have come as a shock to many, but not to us.
While many remain skeptical of Snoop's new direction, we remain confident that he's likely to prevail. Mostly because he still possesses one of the greatest voices in modern music, one so distinctive and so unmistakable he can make almost anything work. You can laugh at the gimmick of his name change, but remember many scoffed at the of him singing as well but then he dropped "Sexual Seduction," one of the best songs of his late career.
Besides, his last rap release Doggumentary was largely ignored. At the very least, we're hoping Reincarnated renews interest in Snoop, one of the all time great rap entertainers.
38. Ab-Soul & JMSN, Unit 6
Release Date: TBA
Label: TDE
Not much is known about Unit 6, a collaborative effort between Black Hippy's Ab-Soul and singer-songwriter JMSN, but expectations for it are high considering their individual accomplishments in 2012. Ab-Soul released Control System to wide acclaim, while JMSN (who appears uncredited on a handful of tracks for Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city) provided listeners with the experimentally-impressive project Priscilla. With Ab doing the verses and JMSN behind the boards, the two did release "Nibiru" earlier this year, but hearing them both on a full project will be an audible treat for hip-hop and r&b fans alike.
37. Mac Miller, Watching Movies With The Sound Off
Release Date: TBA
Label: Rostrum
Mac Miller, Complex's Man of Next Year, hopped on USTREAM back in October to announce his next album, explaining the title by saying that watching movies with the sound off is a very peaceful activity that he enjoys. He didn't go into much detail about features or producers, but he did say we can expect Earl Sweatshirt to make an appearance.
He also recently told us that the album is "the most important project he's ever had," and that it's "very introspective and very personal." Will it go number one on the Billboard charts like Blue Slide Park did? With his enormous loyal fan base, we don't doubt it. Mac also has his Pink Slime project with Pharrell on the horizon, so he certainly is setting himself up to have a big 2013.
36. Tyga, Hotel California
Release Date: March 2013
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic
Tyga doesn't get the respect he deserves. He's not the toughest rapper around and he's certainly not the most lyrical, but he makes anthems for clubs and strip clubs and that's a skill unto itself. And here's the thing, if his Young Money/Universal just didn't fumble the release of Careless World: Rise of the Last King, he could have had a No. 1 album and everyone would view him differently. Still, he has hits like "Rack City" to fall back on. With his next album, look for Tyga to continue to develop his sound and hone in on his style. After a fail of a debut album, he slowly but surely found his voice. Now we're looking for him to refine his style and keep making hits.
35. Joe Budden, No Love Lost
Release Date: 2/5/2013
Label: E1 Music
After making a successful run (sans a $75 parking ticket) with his Slaughterhouse brethren in 2012, Joe Budden will pick up on his solo path with No Love Lost. Describing the project as one that finds him in "a real state of happiness," the New Jersey-native has also extended an olive branch to a multitude of his rap peers, with Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Juicy J, Lloyd Banks and Lil Wayne (who joins him on the lead single "She Don't Put It Down Like You") set to make appearances. With a new album as well as a spot on VH1's Love & Hip-Hop, expect a lot of Joe Budden in your life in 2013.
34. The-Dream, The Love IV
Release Date: TBA
Label: Radio Killa, Def Jam
The-Dream spent most of 2012 working behind the scenes, writing and producing for Rihanna, Beyonce and Keyshia Cole, before re-releasing his 1977 mixtape as Terius Nash: 1977 in late December. His newest album, IV, has received a potential tracklist, although absent are "Foreplay" and Gucci collaboration "Paid," both of which popped up at a listening session last year. IV has a planned arrival of March 2013.
33. Major Lazer, Free The Universe
Release Date: 2/19/2013
Label: Mad Decent, Downtown
Diplo's dub/electronic outfit, Major Lazer, returns this year with their sophomore album, Free the Universe. As expect, it boasts a huge guest lineup that crosses genre lines. There are choice indie rock vocalists (Ezra Koenig and Amber Coffman), reggae stalwarts (Elephant Man and Shaggy), and everyone in between (Tyga, Santigold, and Peaches). It's safe to assume that it'll be nothing short of intriguing to hear how Diplo and company handle the varied (and versatile) cast.
32. 50 Cent, Street King Immortal
Release Date: 2/26/2013
Label: Shady, Aftermath, Interscope
There's no denying the fact that Curtis Jackson isn't the soundscan killer he once was but he's still as entertaining as ever. He still frequently gets into beef and his Twitter account is one of the most entertaining celebs arounds bar none. And last year he still managed to score a Top 40 hit with the Eminem and Adam Levine assisted single "My Life." Maybe that'll be enough momentum to get Interscope behind him and finally release his fifth album, the last one on his contract.
31. French Montana, Excuse My French
Release Date: 3/12/2013
Label: Bad Boy, MMG, Interscope
With Rick Ross and Diddy set to executive produce his debut album, French Montana is lined up to have a big year-and after the success of his Mac and Cheese 3 mixtape, and his quick rise to fame in 2012, the "Pop That" star seems ready to show his success via a full album. After a few delays, French announced the album's release date slated for March.
30. Action Bronson, Saab Stories
Release Date: TBA
Label: Vice
Action Bronson put out two different collaborative projects with producers in 2012, Blue Chips with Party Supplies and Rare Chandeliers with The Alchemist. But he held back on the release of Saab Storieswith Harry Fraud, even though it originally was supposed to drop sometime last summer. In fact, back in April, Fraud said they already had enough material for two projects.
With the chemistry that’s already been displayed between these two on “Muslim Wedding,” “Bird On A Wire” with RiFF RaFF, and their latest joint, “Mean” with French Montana, Saab Stories definitely has the potential to be super sick. Expect Bronson’s full length Vice Records debut in 2013, also.
29. Ty Dolla Sign, Free TC
Release Date: TBA
Label: Atlantic
With its consistent, unique sound, Ty Dolla $ign's Beach House established one of R&B and pop's more versatile unknown producer-songwriters as a possible brand name in his own right. His upcoming album Free TC doesn't have a release date, and he's promised several follow-up mixtapes in the pipeline (with possible titles Beach House 2, House on the Hill 2 and Dolla Sign Language). But Free TC looks to be the anticipated major label debut of the recent Atlantic Records signee.
28. Young Jeezy, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Def Jam, CTE
Young Jeezy celebrated 12/12/12 with the release of his latest mixtape, Its Tha World (Es El Mundo), and is gearing up to drop his fifth album in 2013. The name and release date haven't been announced yet but Jeezy is keeping himself busy as the Senior VP of A&R at Atlantic Records.
27. Trinidad James, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Def Jam
Record sales may only mark one aspect of an artist's success in 2012, but for artists who receive a lot of internet attention, it's still being treated as the litmus test for a successful transition from viral internet star to successful artist. Fair or not, Trinidad James' Def Jam debut will no doubt receive a lot of focus to determine whether or not Trinidad is worthy of his label's investment. There's no release date yet, and he's still working on videos for tracks from this past summer's Don't Be S.A.F.E. mixtape ("Southside" recently received a video shoot).
26. MGMT, MGMT
Release Date: TBA
Label: Columbia
When MGMT talks about their music, you get the idea that they don't hear their own music the same way everyone else does. With their debut album, a few extremely catchy songs put them at the forefront of electronic-leaning indie music. Their second album, the slightly more psychedelic Congratulations, didn't have those kind of hits, but lead singer Andrew VanWyngarden still doesn't understand why people would call it a difficult album. As for the third album, Andrew says it's mostly done and that he isn't really anxious about it. MGMT has already dealt with the pressure of being a buzz band, and it sounds like they've basically backed off into their own world, doing what they want and remaining unconcerned with what everyone else thinks. Sometimes that's when the best music is made.
25. A$AP Rocky, LongLiveA$AP
Release Date: 1/15/2013
Label: Polo Grounds, RCA, Sony
Rocky's inclusion on this list is a bit awkward because this album has already leaked. On the bright side, we're happy to report that it's an excellent, worthy debut that remains true to A$AP's trillwave sound. The only real question is if fans will actually go out to stores and buy the album and if Rocky will prove himself as the superstar we've pegged him to be. We're hoping the answer is yes, even if the leak certainly hurts his chances of strong first week sales.
24. Wale, I Ain't Perfect
Release Date: February 2013
Label: MMG, Atlantic
Wale has been on a lyrical tear since joining the house that Rozay built, with the Maybach poetic genius' stock at an all-time high for I Ain't Perfect. Though mum on specific details pertaining to his third solo disc, The D.C. rapper has revealed that around 40 songs have been recorded, and chances are we'll see a feature or two from the likes of Rick Ross and Meek Mill. In any case, if his recent mixtape Folarin is an indication of what he has in store for I Ain't Perfect, Wale should have little trouble acquiring critical and commercial success with his new album.
23. Earl Sweatshirt, Doris
Release Date: TBA
Label: Tan Cressida, Columbia, Odd Future
Nearly three years removed from the release of his controversial and impressive debut project, Earl Sweatshirt is ready to release his follow-up album, Doris. The gifted Odd Future rapper announced via Twitter that he will be joined by a talented cast of guest vocalists and producers, which range from the Neptunes to BADBADNOTGOOD to the Alchemist. Additionally, we can expect to hear plenty of his OFWGKTA cohorts, including the Internet, Frank Ocean, Domo Genesis, and Tyler, the Creator.
22. Juicy J, Stay Trippy
Release Date: TBA
Label: Taylor Gang, Kemosabe, Columbia
In the last few years, Juicy J reinvented his career mostly by embracing the youth. It's obvious that Juicy and Three 6 Mafia were able to influence a gang of today's newcomers so naturally Juicy sought to align himself with youngsters like SpaceGhostPurrp, A$AP Rocky, and especially Wiz Khalifa. Plus he managed to get close to young producers like Lex Luger, Sonny Digital, and Mike Will Made It. When you couple those things with hard work, you get smash hits like "Bandz A Make Her Dance" and a renewed interest in a living legend.
Three 6 never ever compromised their style so we don't expect Juicy to on his solo debut album. We're looking forward to turnt up anthems that are only slightly bigger than the songs from his mixtapes Rubba Band Business and Blue Dream & Lean. Plus, he's got a gang of features lined up: Wiz Khalifa, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Project Pat, Bei Maejor, Young Jeezy, Big Sean, and DJ Paul. And hitmakers like Lex Luger, Sonny Digital, Mike WiLL Made It, Dr. Luke, Crazy Mike, and Juicy J himself.
21. Meek Mill, Dreamchasers 3
Release Date: TBA
Label: MMG, Atlantic
Meek Mill's buzz hit critical levels in 2011 and 2012, thanks primarily to his Dreamchasers mixtape series. Those two tapes, of course, culminated in the release of his Dreams and Nightmares debut, which sold an impressive 165,000 copies in its first week. Dreamchasers 3 will feature, like its predecessors, heavy involvement of Meek production standby Jahlil Beats, according to interviews with the recent Roc Nation signee himself. The rapper has also dropped the name of J.Cole as a collaborator on the record; at his listening session in New York for Dreams & Nightmares, he also played a song that sounded like a remix of Juvenile's "Ha" that may end up on the tape as well.
20. 2 Chainz, TBA
Release Date: April 2013
Label: Def Jam
2 Chainz had a huge year in 2012. From releasing his solo debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story, grabbing three Grammy nods and spitting memorable verses alongside G.O.O.D. Music, Wiz Khalifa, and Justin Bieber, the Atlanta rapper was everywhere. He looks to continue that momentum into this year, as he's stated that three tracks have already been recorded for his as-yet titled sophomore set. With plans to have it ready for Def Jam by April, a new album from Tity Two Necklace is coming very soon, and we can't wait.
19. J.Cole, Born Sinner
Release Date: 1/28/2013
Label: Roc Nation, Columbia
J. Cole was mostly quiet during 2012. His debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story established him as one of the premier young lyricists in the game but it wasn't a tour de force per se. It's obvious that young Cole more to give, more to prove-simply put, he has a greater album in him. Hopefully, Born Sinner is that album. He hasn't revealed too many details about it but he has released a single "Miss America" which isn't fit for radio at all but that seems to be what Cole is going for. Expect Cole's second album to feature a freer and looser Cole.
18. Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: The Pinkprint
Release Date: TBA
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic
This year could make or break Nicki Minaj's career, Barb or not, everyone's aware that her career is being questioned. After unimpressive sales with Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded The Re-Up, Minaj just isn't concerned because she feels like The Re-Up is just one step in the right direction for her career. She says her upcoming album, Pink Friday: The Pink Print, will be a continuation of The Re-Up, in terms of production, at least. She has no collabs in the mix right now, either, but like she said on "Freedom," "Who I wanna work with? Nobody." And we believe her. Wherever she takes her career, we're looking forward to see where she goes next.
17. G.O.O.D. Music, Cruel Winter
Release Date: TBA
Label: G.O.O.D. Music, Def Jam
Kanye's already having a monster winter, having announced during his recent shows at Revel in Atlantic City that him and Kim Kardashian have a baby on the way. He also set the mood during the performances for G.O.O.D. Music's Cruel Winteralbum, performing on stage in a Yeti-like, Abominable Snowman-esque mask while flurries fell inside the venue.
Q-Tip already confirmed that he's on the album, making up for his notable absence on Cruel Summer, and Big Sean also confirmed his inclusion, but beyond that, details are still unknown. But with Kanye behind the wheel, you already know that there will be plenty of surprises. Bundle up.
16. Schoolboy Q, Oxymoron
Release Date: TBA
Label: TDE, Interscope
When discussing his upcoming Interscope debut album, Schoolboy Q had this to say, "Kendrick left me no choice but to drop a classic." No doubt Schoolboy's statement had to do with the rave reviews his TDE brethren Kendrick's debut, good kid, mAAd city, received. And with the TDE crew being as competitive as they are with each other, we wouldn't expect anything less from Q. However, if he's really following the K-Dot blueprint, we're left to wonder how he'll expand on his style following Habits & Contradictions like the way Kendrick did from Section.80 to good kid. Meanwhile, expect him to stick to TDE hallmarks like in-house production from their Digi-Phonics crew. Plus guest spots from his frequent collaborator A$AP Rocky as well as Danny Brown and of course Black Hippy.
15. Rick Ross, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Maybach Music, Def Jam
Rick Ross was one of the big winners of 2012. His album God Forgives, I Don't wasn't perfect but at least he still dominated with Rich Forever. Plus he continued to build his Maybach Music empire. He recently accounced that he'll be announcing the title of his sixth studio album soon. No other details are readily available but knowing Ross and his work ethic, we wouldn't be surprised if he had his album out before the end of the year.
14. Grimes, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Arbutus, 4AD
Grimes may not even be Grimes in the new year-she's working on an experimental album, and she's trying to keep the pop aesthetic as Grimes, the aesthetic she dominated in 2012. But we have faith in Grimes after Visions hit listeners with an entirely new form of pop music, and an extremely impressive album. She's working on "percussive noise music" as well as straight vocals, that she hopes will be halfway "between ethereal reggaeton and industrial dance" but still pop in its structure.
13. Future, Future Hendrix
Release Date: TBA
Label: Epic, A1, Free Bandz
2012 was definitely Future's year, but his upcoming Future Hendrix promises a significant step up in ambition. With guest spots from Rihanna, Kanye West, Diplo (who this year co-produced "Climax" for Usher), Ciara and Kelly Rowland, it looks likes the rapper-singer's flirtation with the blurry lines between R&B and hip-hop is apt to continue. He's explicitly stated that although he'll continue the blend of ballads and bangers, it will also be heavier on 'substance,' although what exactly that entails remains an open question. As of December 19, he claimed the project was 40% complete.
12. Lil Wayne, I Am Not A Human Being II
Release Date: 2/19/2013
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic
Nearly a year and a half since he held us down with Tha Carter IV, Weezy F is back to drop his tenth solo LP in 2013, I Am Not A Human Being II. With Kanye-designed album packaging, and confirmed production by Mike WiLL Made It, Juicy J, David Banner and Diplo, the sequel to 2010's I Am Not A Human Being could very well end up surpassing the original. Wayne's already got one with his second single from the project, the Future and Drake-assisted "Good Kush & Alcohol." We can't wait to hear what else he's got in store for us.
11. Big Sean, Hall Of Fame
Release Date: TBA
Label: G.O.O.D. Music, Def Jam
Big Sean has only had a brief career so far but he's constantly exceeded expectations. When he first came out he seemed like someone lucky enough to be blessed with a Kanye co-sign. But his Finally Famous mixtape series showcased his talent, build his fanbase, helped popularize the hashtag rap flow, and proved he was a real rapper. His debut album was better than most people expected even though it didn't make him a straight-up superstar.
But in 2012 after a series of killer verses on Cruel Summer and his well received Detroit mixtape people are finally starting to take him seriously. So now we're looking for Sean to drop smash hits and become a superstar. He's already promised the record will be "more inspirational and a more conceptually-driven." He's also hinted at appearances from Kanye West, Nas, Tyga, Common, Jhene Aiko, and even Eminem and production from West, No I.D., and frequent collaborator KeY Wane. With Hall Of Fame, it's time to show and prove.
10. M.I.A., Matangi
Release Date: TBA
Label: N.E.E.T., XL, Interscope
M.I.A. dropped the news that she'd be releasing a new album in the upcoming year on Twitter. It's ironic because the entire album, she says, is based on finding spirituality through the Internet, something she had "broken up" with throughout her 2010 studio album, /\/\/\Y/\. The Sri Lankan MC is keeping her new music under wraps, besides revealing that she traveled to India for inspiration and has that Matangi is the goddess of spoken word.
9. KiD CuDi, Indicud
Release Date: March 2013
Label: G.O.O.D. Music, Universal Republic
What is it about rapper's wanting to release their own version of Dr. Dre's 2001? Game recently did it with Jesus Piece and it seems Cudi is going a similar route with his upcoming album. Unlike his previous efforts, his upcoming album is expected to be feature heavy with guest spots from J. Cole, Pusha T, Jaden Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, King Chip, and Cage already confirmed. He's also claimed he wants to get in the studio with 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Diplo, and MGMT. And with the excellent single "Just What I Am" already out, we're expecting a return to form for the lonely stoner after a rock hiatus with WZRD.
8. Pusha T, My Name Is My Name
Release Date: TBA
Label: G.O.O.D. Music, Def Jam
It's hard to believe that after being in the game for two decades, we're stil anxiousy awaiting the debut solo album from King Push. The wait will finally be over in 2013, as Terrence Thorton is expected to release My Name Is My Name in the coming months. While intricate details surrounding the project have been scarce, Pusha has confirmed production from The-Dream, Just Blaze, and of course Kanye West, who produced the lead single "Pain" featuring Future. We can also expect significant contributions from the rest of the G.O.O.D. Music clique in what is sure to be one of the most stellar projects of 2013.
7. Jay Electronica, Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)
Release Date: TBA
Label: Roc Nation
2012 came and went, and all we got from Jay Electronica was a drunken Christmas Eve twitter rant. But we doubt another full year will go by without him releasing Act II: The Patents Of Nobility. Right? I mean, he tweeted out the 15-song tracklist back in July, which included features by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Diddy, and his baby moms Erykah Badu, but still, we haven't actually heard any music.
However, Hov did say the album is "really close" back in May, and further commented on it, saying, "It's exactly what it should be - it's amazing. Him as a lyricist is almost scary. He's scary good." We're ready when you are, Jay Elect.
6. Eminem, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Aftermath, Interscope, Shady
Very little is known about Eminem's upcoming album but we're positive one is coming. Em goes to the studio the way regular people go to their office. He's a lab rat who's constantly creating and will do the same things over and over until he has it just right. He's already confirmed that he'll be working with Dr. Dre and even No ID. Plus close friends Royce Da 5'9" and 50 Cent both claim to have heard material from the album. Whatever Shady has up his sleeve, we can't wait for it.
5. Andre 3000, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: LaFace
It's been 10 years since Andre 3000 released his first and only solo album, The Love Below. Since then, we've been waiting for another one, from either him or Outkast (let's forget that Idlewild happened). Instead, all we've gotten from 3 Stacks is a decade of excellent, albeit unsatisfying, guest verses. But it seems like 2013 is the year in which that'll finally change. In an interview with GQ, he acknowledged the tentative album's delays and said that he "hopes to get something out" this year." Fingers crossed.
4. Danny Brown, Old
Release Date: TBA
Label: Fool's Gold
Danny Brown has been rapping for years, and for many, 2010's The Hybrid showcased what the Detroit rapper was capable of. But it wasn't until a 30-year-old Danny linked up with Fool's Gold for XXX in 2011 that people really started paying attention.
Danny made the step from a really talented rapper to an artist. It wasn't a huge departure from what he was doing, but he struck a vital nerve with his highly animated delivery matched by equally chaotic production and a forward-thinking overall aesthetic. Once he hit that stride, he continued to kill it on guest verses and with a few excellent loosies throughout 2012.
As of now, there's no release date on Danny's official debut album, Old, but he's said that it's mostly done. The album will come out on Fool's Gold, and he's revealed features including A$AP Rocky, Purity Ring's Megan James, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Rustie. Over these past few years, something really clicked with Danny Brown, or maybe it was just that Danny Brown finally clicked with us. Whatever the case, it happened at exactly the right time, and Danny has just the right amount of skill, creativity, and craziness to make something very interesting with his debut album.
3. Drake, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Young Money, Cash Money, Universal Republic
Little is known about Drake's upcoming third album. 2012 brought no new songs, details, or even a title. All we got is a shot of Drizzy wearing a "No New Friends" T-shirt, which is rumored to be the title of an unreleased song, likely from the album. Despite the lack of information, it's all but certain that Drake will release new solo material in 2013. He maintained a strong presence last year with several high profile guest verses, so it's clear that his desire to create, and at a high level, is still intact. It'd be odd for an artist of Drake's stature to go another year with not so much as a single, plus sources have confirmed that he has indeed been recording. The anticipation is as high as it can get. It's Drake's turn to capitalize on that.
2. Kanye West, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam
People want a new Kanye album so bad that they'll troll the Internet with hoax announcements about one. That happened this past fall when a fake site falsely billing Kanye's next album as Black American Psycho briefly took the Internet by storm. Kanye never commented on that incident, but he has teased his real forthcoming sixth solo album, calling it "brighter than Dark Fantasy, and shit that you can dance to. It'll be a smarter album than Graduation." Outside of that, a select few clubgoers have heard his ode to Kim Kardashian, titled "My Perfect Bitch." Kanye projects are usually shrouded in secrecy until the very last minute, so knowing that he's working on music at all gives us the hope that a new LP will be release this year. Given Ye's track record with full-lengths, we're also willing to bet that it'll be great.
1. Jay-Z, TBA
Release Date: TBA
Label: Roc Nation
Nearly two decades removed from his classic debut Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z still a vital force in rap and pop culture. In 2011 Jigga teamed up with Kanye West to deliver Watch The Throne-an excellent record that had Jay-Z sounding more urgent on the microphone than he had in years. Although he didn't release a project in 2012, he continued to be a cultural tidal wave with his Made In America festival, his eight shows to open the Barclays Center, and even his performance in a rally for President Barack Obama. Not to mention he hopped on a few tracks like Rick Ross' "3 Kings" and G.O.O.D. Music's "Clique."
But the biggest life change he's gone through this year has been the birth of his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. So we're expecting his upcoming album-which his engineer Young Guru claims has a genius title-to continue to showcase Hov's immaculate rhyming but to also internalize fatherhood. According to reports, Hov's been in the studio with Q-Tip, Jahlil Beats, and Pharrell and we're sure he'll have an interesting list of collaborators as well. Every Jay-Z album is highly anticipated. After all, Jay-Z is Jay-Z.