Let’s face it: When it comes to hip hop releases, 2014 did not have much to offer us. Sure, there were classics like Common’s Nobody’s Smiling and J. Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive. However, these solid releases were few and far between to say the least.
Fortunately, there are many upcoming releases on the horizon for 2015. With all that’s on the way, 2014 can be argued as a developing year for many prominent artists in the genre. Here’s a list of the most important albums to be on the lookout for this year.
Untitled Kanye West Album
The last time we heard from Mr. West was the groundbreaking album known as Yeezus, a loud and raucous chapter in Kanye West’s discography. With his upcoming release, Kanye has been in the studio collaborating with Beatles member, Paul McCartney. A preview into West’s new album came with the single "Only One" featuring McCartney on backing vocals and instrumentals. The single gives of a much more subtle vibe than that of Yeezus.
Kid Cudi - Man on the Moon III
Speaking of GOOD Music, the former member is scheduled to release the long-awaited third chapter in the Man on the Moon trilogy. Kid Cudi has slowly been building a bridge between the 2010 sequel and the upcoming album with 2012’s WZRD, 2013’s Indicud, and 2014’s Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon.
Chance the Rapper - Surf
Chance the Rapper can arguably be the most popular act in hip hop without a major studio release at the moment. The star power he’s managed to build since the release of Acid Rap is quite impressive. Now it is time to see Chance shine on a full-fledged release that many fans are eager to hear.
Ludacris - Ludaversal
Remember Ludacris? It’s been quite some time since we’ve heard from the legendary Southern rapper. However, his recent EP release at the tail-end of 2014 titled Burning Bridges proves that Ludacris has only gotten better with time. His album should on the horizon of anyone looking for a solid hip hop release in 2015.
Untitled Kendrick Lamar Album
What proves that Kendrick Lamar’s next album is worthy of your attention? The man released one single, "I", in the heart of autumn and the song was on every hip hop head’s playlist after first listen. His performance of an untitled song on The Colbert Report had everyone wanting an official release. This is quite significant considering the low amount of material he’s released since his 2012 classic: Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City.
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter V
Lil Wayne has been on a steady decline in popularity beyond the release of Tha Carter IV in 2011. Fans have lost faith in a successful and timely release from Mr. Carter. Some of this can be explained from by the recent legal issues between Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records founder, Birdman. Not only does this show why Tha Carter V has been in limbo for so long, but it’s also the first time we’ve been excited about Lil Wayne in years. In the meantime, Lil Wayne has tried to make it up to his loyal fans with a sequel to 2011’s Sorry for the Wait mixtape. (However, the reviews have not been positive so far.)
Drake - Views From the 6
Speaking of YMCMB, Drake has spent 2014 in the lab after the release of Nothing Was the Same in 2013. All this time in development can only lead fans to hope for a successful fourth album from the Canadian rapper. The one question that remains is: What direction will Drake take this album? Will we see Drake the rapper or Drake the R&B singer? We’ll have to wait and see…
Untitled Frank Ocean Album
Yes, Frank Ocean may not exactly fit the exact definition of "hip hop," but between his association with Odd Future and his use of hip hop verses in many of his songs, he fits the mold just fine. Needless to say, his follow-up album to 2012’s Grammy-nominated Channel Orange is highly anticipated by many fans. The longer this album takes to finally have a release only adds to what’s expected of it.
Run the Jewels 3
Fresh off the success of 2014’s Run the Jewels 2, the critically acclaimed collaboration of Killer Mike & El-P has already confirmed that 2015 will have a Run the Jewels 3 for us to enjoy. If you've never heard of this group, I highly suggest checking out Run the Jewels and its sequel. The group brings a new style to the genre, and can be argued as a more extreme Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Eminem - Roots
This recent announcement of Eminem’s upcoming ninth album surprised many, especially since Eminem only recently released an album with the rest of Shady Records titled SHADY XV. Supposedly featuring Dr. Dre & Xzibit, it seems Eminem has remained hard at work in the studio after the release of 2013’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2. Let’s just hope it’s as good (or even better) than the Rap God’s last release.
So there you have it. Of course there is more than these albums on the way in 2015 (Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, etc.), but these are easily some of the most anticipated in the next 11 months!
*BONUS* 2015 Albums Already Released!
The month of January 2015 has already graced us with two solid mainstream hip hop releases from Lupe Fiasco (Tetsuo & Youth) and Joey Bada$$ (B4.DA.$$). Tetsuo & Youth is an artistic piece of work from Lupe that is much more involved than his past few releases. When it comes to Joey Bada$$, his debut studio album has an old school 90’s feel to it that is also worth a listen.
