2016 is shaping up to be a memorable year in rap. Major and upcoming artists alike are rumored to drop albums. With so much content coming, this list will tell you which projects to keep a keen eye on. So, with commentary from myself and my good friend Joel, here are our top picks.
The Questionable
25. Black Hippy
Joel: If this album ever actually comes out, I will freak out. The world will freak out. The Black Hippy crew's chemistry is certifiably dynamic (see "Vice City," "U.O.E.N.O Remix") and a complete album would fulfill many rap fan's dreams.
Andrew: Granted, Schoolboy Q doesn't do much for my ears alone, but his guest appearances usually stand out. As a collective, this album (if it happens) will include Kendrick's momentous lyrics, Schoolboy's quirky style, Jay Rock's hardened demeanor, and the always enigmatic Ab-Soul. In short, the album will be well worth front-to-back listens.
24. Kendrick Lamar & J. Cole
Andrew: This has been anticipated ever since "HiiipoWer" off of K. Dot's Section .80, and deserves to be released. We all know Kendrick will never relinquish his crown, Cole, however is another story. I'd be lying if I said I didn't listen to Cole World: Sideline Story and Born Sinner, but the North Carolina rapper confused a fan with his latest release. ALERT: If Cole finds his old fire, watch out.
Joel: I have no interest in J.Cole rapping, but I will never refuse new Kendrick. The redeeming quality of this supposed album is J.Cole's production, which has helped create classic Lamar songs. Maybe Cole will be inspired and step up his bars, or maybe K. Dot will just ghostwrite for him. At the end of the day; Kendrick above all.
23. Jay-Z
Joel: Hov hasn't released any new music since the polarizing Magna Carta Holy Grail. As a result, I am very excited for this possibility. Jay has been very busy with his streaming service Tidal, but hopefully has had the opportunity to hit the studio. Perhaps Mr. Carter will follow his Ms. Carter's lead and hit us with a surprise album.
Andrew: The mogul himself has been busy making noise in the business world, but has yet to drop an album since 2013. To me, M.C.H.G. was to be expected from Jigga, who at this point has exhausted himself in terms of content. Being a lifelong fan of Hovito, I hope he preserves his legacy and doesn't release another studio album.
22. Future
Andrew: I, not being a follower of Future, was content with his contributions to What A Time To Be Alive. Also, DS2 had a few high points, so this would be, for me, a compelling listen, no matter how split I am on him. Having released four projects last year, I wouldn't be surprised if he came through (albeit half-assed) again.
Joel: Super Future could drop a project at any time, which is partially the reason why he is the hottest rapper out. Eight projects in the last two years is an unprecedented output and Hendrix shows no sign of slowing down. It is a possibility that Future drops upwards of six projects this year. FutureHive stay tuned.
The Likely
21. Father
Joel: Father is one of the strangest rappers in the game. His hypnotic monotone voice and absurdist lyrics gives him true uniqueness. While he has not hit mainstream popularity yet, Father has a loyal fanbase that is hungry for more music.
Andrew: A new discovery to me, (rapper) Father hasn't reeled me in yet, as I find him a hard listen. I will say that I don't care if he releases anything this year, or for years to come.
20. Action Bronson
Andrew: Ghostface Killah, I mean Action Bronson, (well both) can slay beats in unparalleled fashion. Bronson's saliva is flammable, and should be appreciated in his somewhat-mainstream standing. He can show me the light with his impending project.
Joel: Bronson's last release Mr. Wonderful was very solid, featuring the standout "Baby Blue" with Chance the Rapper. His gruff voice and gourmet food references over old-school New York beats will hopefully result in another very listenable project.
19. Migos and Young Thug (MigosThuggin)
Joel: My excitement for this could not be higher. Migos and Thugger absolutely killed the first single of the tape, Crime Stoppers, and the rest of the tracks should produce the same result. The amount of distinctive flows and lyrical wizardry on this tape will make it legendary. After promising the project on both Halloween and Christmas without result; the next release date should be official.
Both Migos and Thug will also likely their own tapes/albums, which is also worthy of excitement.
Andrew: Migos and Young Thug, oh boy. I'll give the four of these characters a compliment: they sound like nobody else. With that being said, I DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS RELEASE.
18. Rae Sremmurd (StremmLife 2)
Andrew: I will give this group a similar pass to the one that I gave Fetty Wap. They all churn out hits at ease, but drop incoherent albums. I'll leave this one to Joel...
Joel: Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi are arguably the hottest duo rapping. With smash hits like "Come Get Her" and "No Type," the young Floridian brothers have the world in their hands. With experienced producer Mike Will Made It behind the boards, StremmLife 2 should supply a new batch of party-ready hits.
17. Danny Brown
Joel: Danny has been very quiet since his critically acclaimed album Old, and is poised for a big year with a new album. I am not as excited for it as some of the other items on this list, but the Detroit MC usually delivers very respectable projects.
Andrew: Danny Brown is a weirdo. Music fans should appreciate Brown's rhymes and somewhat conceptual albums. I firmly believe that people will start coming around to Danny, especially with his next release.
16. Isaiah Rashad
Andrew: I believe that this is Kendrick's little brother, in terms of subject matter and delivery. TDE has not failed fans yet, and with Cilvia Demo sounding like a lesser version of Section .80 (which is still a great compliment), I am teeming with excitement.
Joel: Rashad is one of the most underrated rappers out, which is very surprising considering he is signed to one of the most successful labels. With one spectacular EP under the rapper's belt, Isaiah and his fanbase will grow with every release. Hopefully one will be this year.
15. Flatbush Zombies (3001: A Laced Odyssey)
Joel: Part of the growing Beast Coast movement, the FBZ crew is a staple of the new New York hip-hop scene. Members Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice, and Eric Arc Elliot, have their own drug infused sound that is unlike most of their peers. Make sure to get album March 11th.
Andrew: Clockwork Indigo, the collaborative effort with The Underachievers was dope. Beast Coast is to the East, what TDE is to the West. They simply cannot fail, especially with "Bounce" infesting 3001's track list with optimism.
14. Ab-Soul
Andrew: These Days... was mostly stellar, with its synthy, dreamy, and always illuminating lyricism. Absolution cannot aim for a commercial release, this time. Soul has an impeccable record, with intelligence as his speciality. He will be in the starting lineup of 2016, if he incorporates more Control System into his next drop.
Joel: I was not a huge fan of These Days but am excited for this release. Soulo himself has tweeted his desire to drop the album, so it could be coming anytime. With always clever verses, the next Ab project could be very special.
13. Run The Jewels (Run The Jewels 3)
Joel: El-P and Killer Mike have vaulted into the hip-hop spotlight with Run The Jewels and Run The Jewels 2. Violent and harsh imagery-filled lyrics standout from the sing-rap direction that hip-hop has taken. Mike has become hyper-famous due to his friendship with Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Honestly, I'm hoping for a Sanders feature.
Andrew: Killer Mike has been around for decades, while El-P and this Run The Jewels troika are fairly new. Mike has been known to drop visceral jewels, while I'm not too familiar with his newfound producer. There's a good chance the mic will "feel the Bern" with this one.
12. Chance the Rapper
Andrew: Chance's debut mixtape was (and is) unlike anything music has (and will) ever hear. Acid Rap mixed a stairwell rhyme structure with a smorgasbord of psychedelia. It has been a minute since we've heard from this Chicagoan, but I will be keeping a keen eye on this project.
Joel: Surf was one of my favorite projects of last year, but I am ready for a Chance solo record. With his newly announced Apple Music deal, Chance will have the opportunity to premier the album, and later, cuts from his Save Money buddies.
11. Ghostface Killah & MF Doom (DoomStarks)
Joel: Ghostface is a legend, but I am woefully behind on the MF Doom discography. This album is not currently a priority listen for me, but could end up being a favorite.
Andrew: The nasally and philosophical Doom is one of my favorite rappers of all time and I will tune in for him alone. Meanwhile, with 'Face, I haven't bothered with any of his recent projects. This album has been etched in my dreams, knowing that there is a possibility that Madlib and RZA will produce this album together. Two certified spitters alongside two acclaimed producers equals magic.
10. A$AP Ferg
Andrew: I can only hope for eight Rocky appearances...
Joel: Ferg is the unquestioned number two in the A$AP Mob, but that does not diminish his greatness. The Trap Lord has been heating up the past couple months, and recently announced that the album would be dropping in April. Ferg in ready to reach that new level, and I am ready to watch him do it.
9. Schoolboy Q
Joel: One of the brightest voices of the new West Coast sound, Q mixes gangsta rap and current hip-hop sounds better than anyone. Groovy Q has been dropping previews of new songs on his Snapchat, and they sound tough. Oxymoron was one of the best releases of 2014, and Schoolboy will hopefully top himself in 2016.
Andrew: Q can snap, with his distinguishable ad-libs and vocally-whiney juts. With A-list production (Skateboard P, The Alchemist, Tyler, The Creator) to coincide with West Coast legends on his last effort, Q looks to be ready. Certainties: Kendrick will incinerate his feature, Rock will bring his bravado. The only question mark (for me) will be Q himself.
8. Lil Wayne (Tha Carter V)
Andrew: The former Best Rapper Alive has been plagued by inconsistency, following 2009's No Ceilings mixtape. Signs of vitality have been shown through since then (but not much). On "Thug Cry" by Rick Ross, A$AP Rocky's "M's," and "Smuckers" by Tyler, The Creator, Wayne mirrored his pre-precipitous fall from grace and relevancy. Being a former devotee of Weezy, I need to be convinced that he is back. I realize that he'll never be the rapper from 2004-2009 who would deliver historic punchlines, dense metaphors, and absurd flows at ease. Wayne, give us a complete album, instead of lackadaisical efforts.
-A former hardcore fan
Joel: When Carter 5 was first announced I had high hopes. My excitement was heightened with the drop of the Drake-assisted "Believe Me," until the Birdman-Wayne fiasco reared its confusing and ugly head. The two seemingly made peace, which leads to the thought that the long-rumored project will drop soon. It will be very interesting to see whether C5 resembles the "Believe Me" Wayne or the subpar Free Weezy Album Wayne. Whichever shows up, it will be worth at least one listen.
7. Death Grips
Joel: The only experience I have with this group made me scared and sad. No excitement. Sorry Death Grips fans, I'm out.
Andrew: Death Grips fans, I'm here to represent. I was a late addition to the bandwagon, but I believe I'm here to stay. The cryptic, capricious, and disjointed group, amidst many rumors, plans to follow up their album The Powers That B, with Bottomless Pit. The first song released from the album, "Hot Head," showed promise, as buzzsaw guitars were very prominent with MC Ride rightfully telling us that we don't "know his business." Personally, Exmilitary has remained a favorite of mine, but it seems that their new release will have few roots to hip-hop. I am still along for the ride, however.
6. YG (Still Krazy: Bompton Blood)
Andrew: Point blank, the West Coast is at its zenith. Already housing Kendrick, Game, and Dre, Compton can raise another prodigal son. Well, maybe that's premature. But with My Krazy Life, YG showed signs of brilliance, coating ageless lyrics on top of DJ Mustard's sweeping style of production. For posterity, his debut will be seen as a highlight of the 2010's; let's see if the sophomore album does the same.
Joel: YG is one of my favorite rappers right now. After being shot mere months ago, YG is pushing ahead as if nothing happened. With the release of "Twist My Fingaz," YG showed he doesn't need longtime collaborator DJ Mustard to create great songs. Look for the Compton native to up his already impressive resume.
5. Frank Ocean (Boys Don't Cry)
Joel: Frank promised this album so long ago. So, so long ago. Please just drop it. Please Frank we beg you.
Andrew: Frank, if you're viewing, just know that I've been heavily familiar since you stole the show off of Tyler's second album. You are an inspirational act who takes his artistry seriously. We need more artists like you. We need more you.
4. Travis Scott (Days After Rodeo)
Andrew: Straight up, Rodeo has been on heavy rotation in my sonic universe. With crepuscular vocal effects, intoxicating guitars, booming bass drops, otherworldly beat transitions, and great ordering (as far as the track list), Scott's major label debut piqued my creative interest. Compared with most modern acts, Travis transcends the impossible. Slated to tour with Rihanna this year, Scott should take his time with Days After Rodeo.
Joel: Travis has officially exploded onto the scene with his debut album Rodeo, while the snippets floating around Twitter of his new music sound even better. With the best production teams behind him, Scott's signature sing-rap style will continue to wow.
3. Drake (Views From the 6)
Joel: Drake is looking for reveeeeenge. Even though Drizzy is probably the hottest MC, he is still hoping to prove himself as the absolute best. I hated Drake before the infamous Meek Mill beef, but now his acronym-heavy releases have become a heavy part of my rotation. As long as the 6 God continues pretending to be hard, I will continue to grow as a fan. April can't get here soon enough.
Andrew: My fandom began in 2009, with "Stunt Hard" featuring Lil Wayne. I must admit, I didn't anticipate his style to change so drastically; however, it now appears Drake has found his niche, rapping over minimalistic, trap-style beats. Flaunting his bravado with his newest collaboration with Future and IYRTITL, "Hotline Bling" was, to me, greatly unexpected, as he engendered his old self. If he can blend his mellow style with his new pissed off one, Views should be sublime.
2. Pusha T (King Push)
Andrew: Ever since Lord Willin,' the world has known that Pusha, with great production, can exceed expectations in any circumstance. I was content with a few numbers off of My Name is My Name, but became more invested with the impeccable King Push-Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude. His emulation of a mafioso will never change, but he will continue to enlighten people as to who he is: an untouchable lyricist who spews vivid images of the underworld.
Joel: That's right, Push beats Drake. The G.O.O.D Music president is dropping his third album in April, and I could not be anymore hyped. King Push consistently drops heat, and everyone who is sleeping on him needs to stop this minute.
1. Kanye West (So Help Me God, SWISH, Waves, T.L.O.P., a.k.a who knows)
Joel: Kanye (crazy tweets and all) is still the greatest rapper in the world. Whatever the title of this album ends up being, I know that I will love it. Even if everyone else hates it, I will likely still love it. No matter what terrible things he says. That may be an utterly ridiculous way to think, but music-making Kanye is the best.
Andrew: I see the genius in Kanye, and I do not care what he does. No matter the uncertainty regarding his album title, unequivocally, 'Ye will add to his resume as the most influential artist of our generation, creating music that makes people question divine intervention. He will rise again.
(We will review each album from this list that actually drops. Stay tuned.)
