Image via Complex Original
Summer begins June 21.
Thankfully, it looks like a big one for hip-hop. Cue Will Smith.
There are plenty of major names with big projects on the way. Meek Mill is looking to reassert his place after last year's under-performing Dreams and Nightmares. Big Sean is looking to follow up his breakout debut and shake the sophomore slump. And of course Juicy J needs that career comeback crown jewel, an album that will help him transcend the status of a legacy artist.
But keep that summer date (again: June 21) in mind while reading our list of the 21 most anticipated records of summer 2013. A few of this year's biggest records will have already dropped—J. Cole, Kanye West, Mac Miller—by the time the season even begins.
We dare someone not to find something to look forward to in this list.
Click on to find out about the records that will soundtrack your beach parties, barbecues, and lonely forays on the Internet in summer 2013: It's The Most Anticipated Summer Albums of 2013. Should you be interested in a list that skews a bit less towards hip hop, check out Pepsi's Most Anticipated Summer 2013 Albums.
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21. Fabolous, Loso's Way II: Rise To Power
Release Date: July 2013
Label: Def Jam/IDJMG
Producers: No I.D., Hit-Boy, T-Minus, Mike Will Made It, Pharrell Williams, Harry Fraud, The Runners, David D.A. Doman
Guests: Chris Brown, John Legend, Future, Ne-Yo, Trey Songz, Young Jeezy, Chrisette Michelle
Singles: "Ready" f/ Chris Brown, "When I Feel Like It" f/ 2 Chainz
New York hip-hop is different than it was in 2001, when Fabolous first burst onto the scene with "Can't Deny It." The rapper, known for his limber flow and rewind-worthy punchlines, is gearing up for his sixth album, Loso's Way 2: Rise to Power, which he's claimed will be his most mature project to date. You might expect him to pad his tracklist with newcomers like A$AP Rocky or Action Bronson in a bid for radio and blog relevance, but Fab is now one of the game's elder statesman. And it looks like he is operating as such, recruiting old heads like Nas, Jadakiss, and Eminem to help him out on the feature tip. On the boards, he's got heavyweights like the RZA, Just Blaze, and The Alchemist. Don't think that Fab's been taking the ethos of "No New Friends" too close to heart, though: Future 'n' Mike WiLL Made It will be collaborating with Fab on at least one track. —Nathan Susman
20. Tech N9ne, Something Else
Release Date: 7/30/2013
Label: Strange Music
Producers: Drumma Boy, Scoop Deville, Seven, Young Fyre
Guests: T-Pain, Game, B.o.B, Big K.R.I.T, Cee-Lo Green, Danny Brown, Big Scoob, Red Cafe
Singles: "B.*.*.*.H." f/ T-Pain
Ever wondered what Tech N9ne over a Drumma Boy beat would sound like? You're about to find out. The Sultan of Strange is about to release his thirteenth studio album, Something Else, and he's not exaggerating: this is going to be a truly outside-the-box hip-hop record.
Something Else will be divided thematically into three parts (Fire, Water, and Earth) with each representing a distinct facet of Tech's personality. While you might look at that concept and say, "Hmm, not sure I want to listen to a Coheed and Cambria-style rap record," fear not; Tech N9ne has recruited a veritable who's-who of rhymeslayers to make sure the proceedings don't get bogged down by wanky guitar solos and arbitrary time-signature changes. Danny Brown, Big K.R.I.T., Trae The Truth, Rittz, and B.o.B. are just a few of the rappers ready to go toe-to-toe on wax with the man known to the government as Aaron Yates.
And just in case you decided, "Hey, I did want somebody from a popular 00s alt-metal band on this rap album," guess who's on track No. 10? Serj Tankian from System of a Down. You're welcome. —Nathan Susman
19. Ty Dolla Sign, Beach House 2
Release Date: 7/1/2013
Label: Atlantic
Producers: DJ Spinz, D.R.U.G.S.
Guests: Too $hort, Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Kirko Bangz
Singles: "Go Deep," f/ Too $hort "Irie" f/ Wiz Khalifa
Need something that's smooth (but slaps) this summer? The prince of Ratchet 'n' Blues and his D.R.U.G.S. crew are scheduled to make their return July 1st, when Ty Dolla $ign drops his sixth mixtape, Beach House 2. If it's anything like the OG Beach House, we can expect more earworm hooks, forward-thinking production, and guest spots from artists like Wiz Khalifa and Brick Squad's Joe Moses, but Ty's got some surprises up his sleeve, too: On the 29th of March, he tweeted "just did a banger with @iconapop." What that collab sounds like (or if it will even make the mixtape) is anybody's guess, but regardless, summer's gonna be a whole lot hotter with the Dolla $ign in it. —Nathan Susman
18. A$AP Ferg, Trap Lord
Release Date: 8/20/2013
Label: RCA
Producers: Darold Brown, Steven Pugh
Guests: A$AP Rocky, Onyx, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. French Montana, ScHoolboy Q, Trinidad James, Gunplay
Singles: TBA
When A$AP Ferg stormed onto ASAP Rocky's lean love song "Kissin' Pink'" blowing "hella smoke," we saw a glimpse of an artist who would one day stand on his own two. Last summer, his raucous spaghetti-at-the-wall anthem "Work" emerged as the standout track from the A$AP Mob's Lords Never Worry mixtape, and it soon became evident that Ferg had the presence and personality to be the next member of the Mob to shine. He'll carry that momentum into the release of his debut, Trap Lord. Obviously, A$AP Rocky will apear, but the record also includes legends like Onyx and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. By summer's end, should his album deliver, the trap lord could be the next member of the Harlem collective to ascend into the limelight. —Julian Kimble
17. Maybach Music Group, Self Made Vol.3
Release Date: 8/6/2013
Label: Maybach Music Group/Def Jam
Producers: J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, Jake One, Boi-1da
Guests: Lupe Fiasco, Jadakiss
Singles: Rockie Fresh "God Is Great" Wale f/ Lupe Fiasco & Rick Ross "Poor Decisions," Rick Ross f/ Jadakiss "Oil Money Gang"
If there's one thing we've learned from the initial installments of Self Made, the guest list will be a spectacle in itself. MMG head honcho Rick Ross reiterated this much when he explained to MTV, "It's all about the collaborations." With three tracks already released from the project (in one day, no less), features from Lupe Fiasco and Jadakiss have certainly showcased Rozay's reach; more names, obviously, will be added to the lineup before its August 6 release.
Along those same lines, Self Made Vol. 3 will be an opportunity for recent signee Rockie Fresh to break out from his mixtape shell. The rapper's new record "God Is Great" is a solid cut, and the Chicago MC is in a prime position to follow in the footsteps of Meek Mill ("Ima Boss") and Wale ("This Way"), should he get a chance to shine. —Edwin Ortiz
16. Chief Keef, Bang 2
Release Date: TBA
Label: Bricksquad/Interscope
Producers: TBA
Guests: TBA
Singles: "Macaroni Time"
Last year's pugnacious rookie quieted down this year, only really popping up in headlines when speeding and getting busted for weed. But those are fairly common teenage behaviors, drawing ire and tongue-clucking but not really much in the way of mainstream attention, at least compared to his role as a symbolic scapegoat in 2012. Keef has pulled back from the mainstream glare, quietly slotting in with other rising rookies/Gucci Mane album guest artists in his lane like Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug. He's left his label's dreams of a new 50 Cent by the wayside in exchange for a True Religion suit he seems much more comfortable wearing.
In fitting with this more low-profile approach, "Macaroni Time" isn't the crossover smash that "Love Sosa" was. But the song is a grower, catchy and distinctive, even if it does double down on the mush-mouth that so enraged traditionalist listeners. Sosa is nothing if not unpredictable, so hearing what the rapper has in store for 2013, whether it's Bang 2, the long-awaited follow-up to his debut, or Almight So, his recently-promised new tape, it'll be worth hearing where he's leaning. —David Drake
15. Ciara, Ciara
Release Date: 7/5/2013
Label: Epic
Producers: Soundz, Mike Will Made It, Cam Wallace, Rodney Jerkins, Future, The Rockstarz, D'Mile
Guests: Nicki Minaj, Future
Singles: "Body Party," "I'm Out" f/ Nicki Minaj
Two years ago, Ciara asked for a release from her Jive Records contract. She needed to take some time—and she did. Fans were first tantalized last June, when the singer announced that a 2 Chainz-assisted track, "Sweat," would be the album's first single, but the track became a promotional release instead. Fall 2012 was greeted with the release of "Sorry" and "Got Me Good." Neither song made any impact on the Billboard charts, and after Ciara announced there was no release date, it seemed like the entire project would be scrapped.
Now, she's gearing up to drop Ciara on July 5. (It was formerly titled One Woman Army, which is essentially has the same meaning anyway.)
Fast forward a few months, and Ciara publicly announced she was romantically involved with rapper Future. Then came, "Body Party," the perfectly smooth R&B ballad with a Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo" sample courtesy of producer Mike WiLL Made It. It introduced the '90s jam to an entirely new audience, and ascended to No. 8 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts. Ciara solidified her position in current R&B (and in her relationship with Future) in both the track and its beautifully sensual video. Earlier this month, Ciara dropped "I'm Out" featuring a vicious verse from Nicki Minaj, who will be featured twice on the album.
We're ready for Ciara (it's been a long time coming) but if she has more of this new Ciara in the bag—including Mike WiLL beats, Nicki features, and Future —it's a guaranteed hit. —Lauren Nostro
14. Lil Wayne, Dedication 5
Release Date: TBA
Label: Young Money/Aphilliates Music Group
Producers: TBA
Guests: TBA
Singles: "Bugatti Freestyle" f/ Boo
"I woke up in a new punani!" That's right: Lil Wayne is back. "Rich As Fuck" from I Am Not a Human Being II might still blanket the airwaves, but Wayne is already taking steps to release his next Dedication tape, according to a tweet from DJ Drama. He might no longer be in peak form, and the vagina-centricity of his recent output may seem a little one-note. Overall enthusiasm for new Wayne releases—never mind for rappers abusing industry freestyles rather than paying for new production—has waned of late. But he's still undeniably one of hip-hop's most important superstars, one of its few true crossover stars, and—even in 2013—is still releasing hits. You can pretend you don't care, but there will be at least four or five lines all your friends know by the end of the summer. —David Drake
13. 2 Chainz, TBA
Release Date: 9/10/2013
Label: Def Jam
Producers: TBA
Guests: TBA
Singles: "Feds Watching" f/ Pharrell
With a number-one debut album already under his belt, it's safe to say the feds aren't the only ones watching as 2 Chainz preps his as-yet-untitled second studio release. The Atlanta rapper has certainly been busy throughout the first half of the year, dropping records alongside Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and B.o.B, not to mention developing his acting reel. That may explain why he's only dropped one single from an album scheduled to come out September 10. If the rest of his project can match the vibrant ferocity of "Feds Watchng," he'll sidestep the sophomore slump with ease. —Edwin Ortiz
12. Joey Bada$$, Summer Knights
Release Date: TBA
Label: Cinematic Music Group
Producers: Statik Selektah, Chuck Strangers
Guests: TBA
Singles: "Word Is Bond"
Fans have been waiting for an official follow-up to 1999 for a year now. Sure, there was PEEP: The aPROcalypse, but that was a crew effort. There have been tracks here and there, from the DJ Premier-produced "Unorthodox" to "Wendy N Becky," his collaboration with Chance The Rapper. But a full project will offer fans the opportunity to see how Joey has matured as an artist in the wake of the death of his friend Capital Steez or his "beef" with Lil B. Initially planned as an EP release to set up his album B4.Da.$$, Summer Knights has become a full-length release of its own. The first track, "Word Is Bond," is our taste of what's to come. —Dharmic X
11. Juicy J, Stay Trippy
Release Date: August
Label: Taylor Gang/Columbia
Producers: Lex Luger, Sonny Digital, Mike Will Made It, Dr. Luke, Illangelo, Juicy J, Crazy Mike
Guests: Wiz Khalifa, The Weeknd, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Project Pat, Maejor Ali, Young Jeezy,Big Sean
Singles: "Bandz A Make Her Dance" f/ Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, "Show Out" f/ Big Sean and Young Jeezy
Juicy is the father of so many rappers' styles that he could bow out gracefully right now and still get maximum respect. But like the song says, "Juicy J cain't." That's why "Bands A Make Her Dance" is still a strip-club staple a full year after its release. After winning an Oscar with Three Six Mafia, after starring in an MTV reality show, after turning 38, after doing all the things that would normally signal the end of a rapper's relevance, the fact that Juicy J is still making essential, undeniable, uncompromising rap music at this stage of his career is nothing short of phenomenal. Expect more of the same from his album Stay Trippy—hard-hitting and outrageously raw club records about sex and drugs and all the ratchet things we've always loved about Juicy. One of the stand-out cuts features Wiz Khalifa and Chris Brown (rapping!) Say no to that? We cain't. —Rob Kenner
10. El-P & Killer Mike, Run The Jewels
Release Date: 6/26/2013
Label: Fools Gold
Producers: El-P
Guests: Prince Paul, Until the Ribbon Breaks, Big Boi
Singles: "Banana Clipper," f/ Big Boi "Get It," "36 Chain"
What was the best rap story in rap music last year? TDE's rise? Chief Keef? Nas's comeback? My vote goes to the unlikely pairing of El-P and Killer Mike. Who would have thought that combining the dense futurism of underground Brooklyn with the erudite side of Atlanta's trap scene would spur two highly respected veterans to career heights in artistry. But that's what happened. El-P's Cancer for Cure and Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music were about as good as it got in 2012. Lucky for us, the two went back in the studio this spring, dipped the chocolate into the peanut-butter again, and return, as an official duo this time. Run the Jewels they're calling themselves. It's very difficult to imagine that their eponymous album will be anything less than awesome. —Dave Bry
9. Meek Mill, Dreamchasers 3
Release Date: 6/11/2013
Label: 215 Aphillyated/Maybach Music Group/Warner Bros.
Producers: Cardo
Guests: Future, Jadakiss, Trina, Waka Flocka, Gourdan
Singles: "Levels"
The first two Dreamchasers mixtapes were both better than Meek Mill's official debut album—something about the rushed rawness of the mixtape process suits the quick-tongued Philly rapper better than more meticulous, highly calculated major label fare. After some delay due to a busy touring schedule, the third installment is set to hit the streets this summer, and judging from the first single, "Levels," Meek's back in his comfort zone. Listen to his voice squeek as it hits a higher register over the rising-and-falling piano loop. "That's the reason that you mad, nigga?!" he says, taunting a lower-status rival. "I love ballin', my bad, nigga." That's the reason we're psyched-'cause Meek sounds amped.
8. Wale, The Gifted
Release Date: 6/25/2013
Label: Maybach Music Group/Atlantic
Producers: Kelson Camp, Tone P, Stokely, Sam Dew, Travis Scott
Guests: Sam Dew, Meek Mill, CeeLo Green, Yo Gotti, Lyfe Jennings, Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, Jerry Seinfeld, Tiara Thomas
Singles: "Bad" f/ Tiara Thomas, "Bad (Remix)" f/ Rihanna, "LoveHate Thing" "Rotation" f/ Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz
There's a fine line between the definitions of "ambitious" and "gifted" in Merriam Webster's dictionary, and Wale is certainly walking it with a defiant swagger. As he previously told MTV of his upcoming album, "Let's let the music talk, because I ain't about to come here and tell y'all exactly how I feel no more." Cue the genesis of The Gifted, which stands to be Wale's most successful release to date.
The album boasts features from MMG cohorts Rick Ross and Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna, but Wale will unquestionably be the star of his own show here. The D.C. rapper has already hit introspective gold with the soulful flare of "LoveHate Thing," and similarly takes flight as he jet sets with the winner's circle of Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz on "Rotation." Come June 25, I Am Gifted will likely be thrown into the rap album discussion still marinating after June 18. Still not convinced? He's got Jerry Seinfeld on his album. We rest our case. —Edwin Ortiz
7. ScHoolboy Q, OxyMoron
Release Date: TBA
Label: Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records
Producers: Boi-1da, The Alchemist, Pharrell, The Maven Boys
Guests: Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, A$AP Rocky, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, His daughter Joy
Singles: "Collard Greens" f/ Kendrick Lamar, "Hell of a Night", "Yay Yay"
Does TDE have another star on its roster? When Kendrick Lamar hit the scene, he certainly had a fanbase, but he didn't prove himself to non-believers until he unleashed his paradigm-shifting debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d. city.
ScHoolboy is in a similar situation; he's built an audience with his independent releases (if you haven't already, be sure to peep last year's Habits & Contradictions) and we're beginning to wonder if he can make the leap into stardom as well. The good news is, his first two singles, "Yay Yay" and "Collard Greens," both show that ScHoolboy isn't going to compromise his style any time soon, even he can't get true radio hits.
Question is, can he craft a masterful album like Kendrick did? Action Bronson hilariously joked on Vine that Groovy Q just chants in front of the mirror, "Gotta be better than Kendrick!" But what if Q can will that into reality? —Insanul Ahmed
6. Big Sean, Hall of Fame
Release Date: TBA
Label: G.O.O.D Music
Producers: Kanye West, Da Internz, Hit-Boy, Key Wane, No I.D., Young Chop, DJ Camper, DJ Mano
Guests: Kanye West, Nas, Tyga, Common, Jhene Aiko
Singles: "Guap," "Switch Up" f/ Common
An invisible understudy when he joined the house that 'Ye built, Big Sean has since grown into the crown jewel of the G.O.O.D. Music roster. While his 2011 debut Finally Famous capitalized on his "charismatic-ass" style, Sean's eyes are now set to bigger endeavors with Hall of Fame. His latest records, "Guap" and "Switch Up," have followed suit.
He was recently seen in the studio with fellow Detroit star Eminem, which has only expanded anticipation for his sophomore album, though it's unclear if their work together will make the album. While a platinum plaque would be nice for Hall of Fame, he'll happily settle for a place amongst the legends come release date. —Edwin Ortiz
5. Pusha T, My Name Is My Name
Release Date: 7/16/2013
Label: G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam
Producers: Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Rico Beats, Nottz, Don Cannon, Swizz Beats, Hudson Mohawke
Guests: Future, The-Dream, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Rick Ross
Singles: "Numbers on the Board"
"This is the end for all my unrecognized greatness."
Pusha T delivered this brash statement on "My God," the lead track from his first solo mixtape, Fear Of God. Two years and two projects later, he seems poised to flood the streets with the arrogant drug-dealer music he's excelled at making for over a decade. Considering the inspiration for the title of his debut solo album, My Name Is My Name, Pusha has no room to disappoint; any aficionado of The Wire will tell you it would be sacrilege to name a project after one of the show's best moments and underdeliver.
But will it live up to the expectations? Pusha T doesn't lack the confidence or ability to come through in the clutch. The disarming, off-kilter "Numbers On The Board" promises that Pusha's first album on G.O.O.D. Music should strike a nerve with fans the same way Marlo Stanfield's bone-chilling speech did with fans of David Simon's masterpiece. —Julian Kimble
4. Danny Brown, Old
Release Date: August 2013
Label: Fools Gold
Producers: Paul White, Oh No, Rustie, Skywlkr, A-Trak, Darq E Freaker, Frank Dukes
Guests: Freddie Gibbs, Schoolboy Q, Mr. MFN Exquire, Scrufizzer, A$AP Rocky, Ab-Soul, Charli XCX, Purity Ring
Singles: "Dope Song"
Two years ago, we heard Danny Brown's XXX and its unapologetically brash vocals matched to debaucherous, hilarious, and extremely dark lyrics. With the release of tracks like "Black Brad Pitt", "Kush Coma", and "Grown Up" since, we've been gearing up for the release of his album, Old in mid-August.
Even though his Old album drops halfway through that month (the same time XXX did two years earlier), we know it will dominate the summer. Why? There's stacked features from Freddie Gibbs, ScHoolboy Q, Mr MFN Exquire, Scrufizzer, A$AP Rocky, Ab-Soul, Charli XCX and Purity Ring, and production by Paul White, Rustie, OhNo, A-Trak, and more. And if this "Dope Song" he performed at Coachella is any indication of what to expect? We can't wait. —Lauren Nostro
3. The Weeknd, Kiss Land
Release Date: TBA
Label: Universal/Republic
Producers: Silkky Johnson
Guests: TBA
Singles: "Kiss Land"
The mystery is gone. The hype-storm has calmed. Three mixtapes and a vinyl re-release in, and Abel Tesfaye has gone from shielding his identity at all costs to living a life of pseudo-anonymity—or as close to anonymity as you can get while still selling out shows.
Though he remains interview-averse and camera-shy, his music is as visceral as ever, and we couldn't be more excited to see what he has in store with his debut full-length, Kiss Land. The album's title track was released last month: all breathy vocals, Castlevania keys, and synths that sound like the noises your old TV made when you put your ear too close to the screen. It's just the sort of mood music for black nights we've come to expect from Tesfaye. If the rest of the album maintains that same feel of drunken confessions made underneath the glow of halogen lights, we should be anticipating a new R&B classic, and all the hype will have been worth it. —Nathan Susman
2. Jay-Z, TBA
Release Date: 7/4/2013
Label: Roc Nation
Producers: The-Dream, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz
Guests: Nas, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Drake, Raekwon
Singles: TBA
We know very little about Jay-Z's upcoming album at this point. There is no title and no single; just a rumored release date.
We do know, though, that Hov has been working. Pictures have made the rounds online showing him in the studio with Nas, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Drake, and Raekwon. The-Dream has talked about working on the album in interviews, although he offered no information on what is being done. And we've heard two records in the last few months: "$100 Bill" from The Great Gatsby soundtrack and of course, "Open Letter," his response to controversy surrounding his visit to Cuba and selling his stake in the Brooklyn Nets franchise. It might be premature to talk about what to expect from the album, but know that when it is time, the music world will shut down and take notice. —Dharmic X
1. Drake, Nothing Was The Same
Release Date: August 2013
Label: YMCMB
Producers: Noah "40" Shebib, Boi-1da, Mike Zombie
Guests: Jhene Aiko
Singles: "Started From The Bottom"
On "Crew Love" from Take Care, Drake declared, "I think I like who I'm becoming." We did too. At this point, he's fully cemented into who he is. You can tell on his songs: He sounds more comfortable and confident than ever before. That's why we're looking for Drake to continue to delve into his sound and take greater control of his narrative on Nothing Was The Same. He's been relatively quiet recently, but he really set the year off right right with "Started From The Bottom" and "5 AM In Toronto." His latest offerings on "Girls Love Beyonce" and DJ Khaled's, "No New Friends" haven't been as successful or well-received, but either way, comeback season is in the air, and you know we all miss the mean meme lyrics. —Insanul Ahmed