After the 2015 we just had for hip-hop, it seems the question becomes "how could 2016 get any better?" We got some of the best releases from the likes of Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky, but we also saw legendary uprisings of rookies like Vince Staples and Fetty Wap. But what would you say/think if I told you that the single month of February could top the whole last year? Here's what I mean.
We get Kanye's "WAVES"
Kanye West's upcoming album (which has switched names multiple times) is at the top of everyone's list for most anticipated releases of 2016. After staying relatively quiet for the past couple of months about the project, TONS of new details surrounding it have been released over the past few weeks (surprisingly from Kanye himself). Most of the details have come from 'Ye's rare tweets, including a constantly updating picture of a notepad with a tracklist and other artist's signatures.
Along with the obvious name change from "SWISH" to "WAVES," Kanye leaves some hints about who might appear on the LP. Scribbles from Chance the Rapper, The-Dream, and A$AP Rocky are some of the most notable, as well as producers Mike Dean and Swizz Beats. "Waves" is supposed to drop on February 11th, but who knows what Kanye is up to. This project has potential to be one of 'Ye's best. West himself even went as far on Twitter to say it is not the project of the year, but the project of life. Whether this is the somewhat-arrogant Kanye we know just talking his normal talk or if he actually has some legendary music to release, we should be excited to see what Yeezy has cooking up.
YEEZY SEASON 3
I know, I know, MORE KANYE!! It looks like 'Ye is really trying to reach legendary status this month because he is debuting his new line of clothing, Yeezy Season 3 on the same day as the "WAVES" release. The poster above floated to the surface a few days ago and Kanye has even been seen wearing an invitation jacket to his show. Rumors of the fashion show being held in Madison Square Garden swirled around, but the event has been pulled off the Ticketmaster site. Season 3 is reportedly going to be much cheaper than the first two installments of West's collaboration with Adidas, so we'll have to wait and see what Kanye has in his new collection. Mark your calendars for February 11th.
We may get Drake's "Views From the 6"
Drake and Kanye's continuous battle to be the king of the rap game has been well documented over the last year and a half. And while there has been no official beef, you can sense the friendly competition between two of the hungriest artists in hip-hop. And of course, Drake's newest album "Views from the 6" is just as anticipated, if not more, than Kanye's "WAVES," driving some (or rather most) of that competition.
Drake has been crowding his Instagram with pictures in the studio and with individuals of his entourage, giving the album more and more hype. But could "Views" actually drop this month? Honestly, it might. Tons of rumors say Drake could even release his album the same week as Kanye! Imagine that competition! Of course, no one knows if Drizzy will actually come through and challenge "WAVES," but imagine how interesting that would be. By the looks of his IG, "Views" could be done and is ready for release...but when is the question...👀
J Cole Project
When J. Cole dropped that "Alright" remix back a few months ago, he was making a statement that he was still very much making new music and not just basking in the success of Forest Hills Drive. In fact, Cole even used that song to hint at something in the future (but this February, bet s**t get scary when I f**k around and drop...). Guess what month it is! While we think/know a new Cole album may be dropping, lots of hip-hop fans think it could FINALLY be that collab album with Kendrick. When the two remixed each other's songs, the hype heightened to new levels.
And while there are few details on whether Cole will drop an album this month, it is EXTREMELY possible. It's been a little over a year now since platinum album 2014 FHD released, so Cole is definitely due for some new heat.
If we end up getting new projects from some of the biggest artists in the game, this month could truly make history. The level of hype each of these project's possess is at an unfathomable height. Strap in for the ride because February is coming.
