2013 was undoubtedly a great year for rap music. If you are a die-hard hip-hop head, you are probably praying that 2014 will continue along the same lines, if not one-up 2013. Now that we're examining some of the releases lined up for this year, the chances look good.
We had some hip-hop heavyweights drop huge albums last year, this includes the likes Kanye West, Jay Z, and J. Cole, but 2014 promises some very creative collaborations as well, from upcoming talent and OGs alike. We've chosen to only include projects in this list that the artist themselves have referenced already or indicated in some way that they are actually happening-- so, for example, because Kendrick Lamar has yet to announce anything official about a new album (although we should hope he does soon!), he's not on this list.
Take a look at our comprehensive list of 25 projects we are excited to hear in 2014.
What hip-hop project are you are most looking forward to in the coming year?
Title: Nobody Smiling
Date of release: TBA
Common is expected to make a welcome return to hip hop this year with a new LP. The title of the album makes reference to violence in his home state Chicago, which makes us suspect that we may hear a dose of conscious rap on the record.
At this stage, it’s been confirmed that No I.D. will entirely produce the record, and guest features so far include rising talent Vince Staples and James Fauntelroy. The rapper last full-length release was in 2011 with the album, The Dreamer/The Believer.
Kanye West
Title: TBA
Date of release: Expected Summer 2014
In an interview with Power 99 last November, Yeezy confirmed that he was working on a new project for this year. After dividing the opinions of many with his most recent album Yeezus, the anticipation mounts over what West will bring to the table with a new LP due for release later this summer.
G.O.O.D Music collaborator Q-Tip also confirmed that he and Rick Rubin will be co-producing the record, much to the pleasure of fans who want hear more traditional hip-hop from him. Kanye also confirmed at the Art Basel panel in Miami that the project will be pretty short, "I think my next album is going to be eight songs. It's just reducing down the amount of information that you need".
Schoolboy Q
Title: Oxymoron
Date of release: 25 February
Hip hop has been waiting (for what feels like) forever for this TDE release. Schoolboy Q himself expressed his frustration over the (multiple) push-backs of Oxymoron, which was initially due out mid-2013.
But there is definitely plenty to look forward to with Q’s project. An official tracklist has yet to be confirmed and we were left with even more anticipation when Q tweeted the other week that NONE of what we've already heard will be on Oxymoron. So no "Yay Yay," "Collard Greens" or "Man Of The Year"? Q also tweeted last night that he's thinking about giving the album another push-back...until 3014. Let's hope that one's a joke.
EverytHing u Heard not on #OXYmoron FEB. 25TH buy it!!!
Ima cry on da fligHt Home.......... THinkin bout pusHin #OXYmoron back til 3014
50 Cent
Title: Animal Ambition
Date of release: January
Fiddy has not been afraid to create some very high expectations for this mixtape. Although 50 still promises a release for his album Street King Immortal, we'll be appeased first with Animal Ambition which the rapper has boldly compared to The Notorious B.I.G.’s Warning.
Ever the business man, 50 was at CES this year and explained that the delay behind the project has been due to his determination to get it right, “It really has to be current. If it's not like right now, what I feel is like the hottest thing, I know it's done right, but it's not necessarily what I should be doing right now”.
Expected any time this month, 50 Cent described the tape as a “full body of work” and a project that is more than a mixtape, which will cover the themes of ambition and prosperity.
Mac Miller and Pharrell Williams
Title: Pink Slime
Date of release: End of 2014
When Pharrell is added to mix, it’s always special. This EP is likely to be as unique as it gets.
Although this EP is not projected to drop until the end of 2014, Mac Miller is intent on giving us Pink Slime. The creative process was well underway back in mid-2012, but after dropping two leaks off the collaborative effort, things seemed to dry up.
Now in December 2013, Miller said in an interview with Rolling Stone that there’s not too long to go before its completed, “I'm going to go see him [Pharrell][in Miami] and we're going to finish it and put it out. Because the shit's ill and people want it. We both had pretty wild years. We gotta do it!”
That being said, Mac Miller is going to have one hell of a busy year as he told MTV News, “I have four albums done right now - not done, but four albums that have a foundation and have at least seven songs on each of them”. Miller is also focused on fully establishing his own brand before the release of Pink Slime.
YG
Title: My Krazy Life
Date of release: 18 March
YG has been going non-stop in the last few years. Initially, his debut album was set for release in 2010. But a lot has been bubbling in the Compton rapper’s camp as new doors have opened for him after signing to Young Jeezy’s label, CTE World.
The popularity of YG’s singles “Toot It Boot It,” “My Nigga” and more recently "Who Do You Love" has added even more appeal for this album. YG promises features from Drake, Young Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan on the album which he recently confirmed is 90% produced by DJ Mustard.
Rick Ross
Title: Mastermind
Date of release: 4 March
The recent release of “Devil Is a Lie” with Jay Z, as well as the Hype Williams promotional video has no doubt created the impression that Rick Ross is attempting to raise the bar on this new album. When speaking about the upcoming project, the Bawse has not been afraid to express that he’s aiming to create a classic that will overwhelm, “Making that classic is more important than anything and making sure the streets are overwhelmed with what I am doing is what is most important,” he recently told Hip-Hop Nation's DJ Scream.
And why wouldn’t we expect a classic with Mastermind when Ross has Diddy mixing the album and Scott Scorch working his magic on production?
Nipsey Hussle
Title: Victory Lap
Date of release: TBA
It's definitely been on-again, off-again for the highly anticipated Victory Lap, at times it looked like we would receive the project but those hopes were all too quickly shattered. Now that the mixtape has turned into an album, expectations are set even higher. After delivering his $100 mixtape Crenshaw Nipsey has confirmed he will be dropping Victory Lap some time this year.
While details on Victory Lap are not as bountiful as we might like, we can look forward to production from The Futuristiks and DJ Mustard. The album is also expected to be gritty, covering Nipsey’s personal experiences and moving away from what other rappers so commonly talk about. “I wanted to talk about South Central. I didn’t want to rap about the places and lifestyles these other people were rapping about” (Columbusalive.com).
Ab Soul
Title: TBA
Date of release: TBA
It will no doubt be a big year for the TDE gang, as Ab-Soul fans have been waiting agonizingly for some new music from him.
An album is expected from Ab-Soul this year, but details are somewhat scarce at this point. Last October, the rapper stated that he had completed a project with the hashtag, "blacklippastor," leading us to believe that would be the title. However, he quickly confirmed "Black Lip Pastor" was not the title, although he did tell us during an interview that he liked the idea.
More mystery was added to the mix in recent times when Ab-Soul confirmed on Twitter that he had turned in two projects to Top Dawg. He also hinted a collaboration with The Alchemist, which he once again hashtagged "blacklippastor," causing us to once again ponder whether or not he would be using that as a song title? Album title?
Soulo x Alchemist = #blacklippastor
Isaiah Rashad
Title: Cilvia
Date of release: 28 January
Isaiah Rashad will be the first of the TDE gang to bring us music this year with his Cilvia EP due out next week, January 28th.
Cilvia Demo is actually no EP considering it contains 14 tracks (see the tracklist above), but we'll let that slide. While this project isn't overloaded with features, we can look forward to guest spots from Isaiah's team mates including SZA, Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q. The rapper recently spoke on the vibe of Cilvia with Revolt TV, saying, "The vibe [is like] when you cleanin' up around, you throw something on, and you just vibin' to it. You just catch the feelin'. That's how it's supposed to be." The leaks we've heard thus far, including the recent "RIP Kevin Miller," sound promising.
Joey Bada$$
Title: B4.DA.$$
Date of release: TBC
Following the success of Joey Bada$$’ introductory mixtapes and his EP, Summer Knights, the young rapper has been compared to some of the finest East Coast legends in rap. As geographical divisions in hip-hop continue to fade away and become less obvious, Joey remains true to his roots.
Despite the growing anticipation for his album, which was announced in April 2013, the Pro Era crew leader is set on taking his time to produce the best quality work for his debut record. While there has been no release date set for his solo effort as of yet, we do expect it some time this year, perhaps after the release of the second Pro Era compilation Secc$ Tap.e Pt. 2 in February.
Clipse & The Neptunes
Clipse & The Neptunes
Title: TBA
Date of release: TBA
Pusha T confirmed earlier this month on Facebook that he and now born-again Christian, No Malice (previously known as Malice) were hitting the studio to work on a new album with the Pharrell-helmed Neptunes. The rap world was up in a tizzy when the rumored news circulated, however after it appeared to receive a co-sign from Pusha, we thought it legitimate. Nonetheless, the plot thickened when Pusha Ton back-tracked saying he never confirmed a Clipse project was in the works in a recent interview.
Nonetheless, we've got our hopes up that this is still happening. We can only wonder how No Malice’s new attitudes may influence his brother and their music, especially since the two have not released an album together since '09's Til The Casket Drops.
Pharrell
Title: TBA
Date of release: TBA
Pharrell had a big 2013 although it was more behind-the-scenes with Robin Thicke and Daft Punk, and 2014 it looks like he'll be moving to the forefront.
His forthcoming album with Columbia Records will be his first solo record since his 2006 release, In My Mind. He said in an interview with Complex that he would not be rhyming on this record, and that his hit "Happy" would appear on it. "I love rapping," he said, "but—something’s coming, and I’m not rapping on it."
This past weekend Skateboard P debuted a new collaboration with Major Lazer, could this be set for the untitled album?
RiFF RaFF
Title: Neon Icon
Date of release: 28 January
RiFF RaFF is definitely looking to bring it on with his upcoming album which includes production from Diplo. Neon Icon boasts a star-studded features list including Drake, A$AP Rocky, Snoop Dogg, Action Bronson and more.
The Houston rapper told XXL that fans can expect a diverse mix from the record, “People think it’s gonna be all pretty much just hip hop music, trap music, whatever. I’m gonna have some country songs on there, some rock songs and everything like that,” as he attempts to turn his unique image into a positive.
He is also rumored to be taking a note out of Beyonce’s book and shoot a music video for every track on the record.
Pusha T
Title: King Push
Date of release: TBA
While there are some doubts concerning a Clipse effort, we have no doubts on Pusha T's next album, King Push. After giving us an impressive effort with his debut effort, My Name Is My Name, Pusha T has got hip hop excited about his forthcoming album King Push
The G.O.O.D Music rapper confirmed that he would be getting together with Chad Hugo, and the man with a non-stop schedule Pharrell for a 20-day studio session in Miami-- this is what initially transpired into the Clipse rumors, and it remains unclear if this was actually a solo session or one with No Malice. Nonetheless, with this tried and tested team behind him, we should expect nothing but greatness from King Push.
Lupe Fiasco
Title: Tetsuo & Youth
Date of release: TBA
Lupe announced that he would be releasing his fifth solo album at last year’s Grammys. He confirmed that the first single off the album would be “Old School Love” which features Ed Sheeran.
Big K.R.I.T, Rick Ross, Trae Tha Truth and more are all slated to feature on the album. In an interview with XXL, he revealed that the record would follow a similar sound to the days before his Food & Liquor project. Rather than be a party album he describes the feel of the upcoming record as “ratchet.”
T.I.
Title: Paperwork: The Motion Picture
Date of release: TBA
Originally this album was set to be drop with the title, Trouble Man II: He Who Wears the Crown, acting as a sequel to Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head.
However, towards the end of November 2013, T.I. signed to Columbia Records for the release of the next album, a move which was said to be influenced by Pharrell who is also providing assistance on the project as the executive producer.
This has prompted some re-thinking with the record which has now been titled Paperwork: The Motion Picture. T.I. promises that the album will be exceptionally “theatrical.”
Fabolous
Title: Loso's Way 2: Rise To Power
Date of release: TBA
Fab has been pushing back his sixth studio album for around three years now, we can only hope that a 2014 release date will actually take place in 2014!
The album is supposed to serve as the sequel to his last record, Loso’s Way and is rumoured to have many big names accompanying Fabolous including Chris Brown, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz and John Legend. Loso’s Way 2 will see the New York rapper in a more mature light, as he told MTV, "I feel like I'm evolving as an artist, as a man, as a father. Through evolving, I want to show that in the music, I want to talk about it."
Wu-Tang Clan
Title: A Better Tomorrow
Date of release: TBA
Here’s a huge record expected for this year.
Originally due last year, it’s easy to understand the delays on this album as some of Wu-Tang’s members such as Raekwon and Method Man continue to work on their solo projects at the same time. We've seen grievances within the group because of this-- specifically, RZA called out Raekwon for holding up the collective and not laying down his verses for the records.
Nevertheless, according to the Twitter pages of the members, they are each doing their thing so we can be in possession of a new Wu-Tang album this year. Now where is the "Wu-Tang Forever (Remix)"?
Wiz Khalifa
Title: Blacc Hollywood
Date of release: TBA
Wiz actually announced his intention to work on a new album after the birth of his son Sebastian, who could well be an influence on us getting some new music. Wiz recently defined "Blacc Hollywood" for us, saying, it's all about "Gettin trashed, waking up, being happy about gettin' trashed, and having some professional shit to do in the morning, and doing that equally awesome."
The rapper revealed the collaborations he had in store for the album which include Adele, Miley Cyrus, and Juicy J. Mannie Fresh is also a confirmed producer, as is Young Chop who is behind Wiz's recent single "Got Me Some More."
Big K.R.I.T.
Title: Cadallactica
Date of release: TBA
Big K.R.I.T is looking to jump leaps and bounds with his next album which he claims will be completely different to his first album, Live From The Underground. While we're in the habit of Krizzle producing his own joints, for Cadallactica he's seeking outside help.
He's announced that Chad Hugo, Jim Johnson, DJ Dahi, Organized Noize and others will help him create his typically soulful production. "Just Last Week" with Future is the first taste of Cadallactica.
Title: Souled Out
Date of release: May 2014
If Jhene’s recent Sail Out EP didn’t satisfy your hunger for her sweet vocals, then fear not as we can look forward to her proper album due out this year.
Aiko has been creating a quiet storm wherever she has been going (perhaps it's not so quiet any more), as she recently enjoyed touring with Drizzy on his “Would You Like A Tour?” But before the album drops we can hope to enjoy more visuals to choice cuts off Sail Out.
Juicy J
Title: TBA
Date of release: TBA
Word arrived earlier this month that Juicy J will be dropping a new album in 2014 which follows his solo debut from last year, Stay Trippy.
The details at this stage are limited, but with Juicy J, we would expect nothing short of some straight up ratchet, club bangers, as he continues to spread his "trippy" vibe to the masses. He's already back on track, having released a new joint called "Blow Out" this past weekend.
Meek Mill
Title: TBA
Date of release: TBA
Not so long after Juicy announced his intentions to release a new album this year, Meek Mill also decided to let us know his plans to drop a record in 2014.
Meek Mill tweeted, “My next album is all that matters #specialdelivery #2014.” In other words, we can expect Meek to go hard on this release.
This is certainly reflective of his decision to have heavyweight Timbaland assist with production on the LP. With the success of his mixtape series and debut album Dreams and Nightmares, he is likely to be feeling the pressure to live up to his previous work. We recently spotted Meek and Jay Z boarding a private jet together, so let's hope this is also indicative of a collaboration in the works.
Nas
Title: TBA
Date of release: TBA
Nas has been relatively quiet about his project due out this year, but has expressed looking forward to gaining new inspiration for the album, “It’s the next chapter in myself as a writer. I’m really excited about every new leaf I turn” (HipHopDX).
As well as his forthcoming twelfth studio album, 2014 also marks the 20th anniversary of his first-ever release, Illmatic, for which Nas is also rumored to be looking to celebrate with a concert as well as a re-packaged version of the classic album.