#10 Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang: Raekwon is officially stepping out of the RZA's umbrella with his fifth studio album. Instead of production by the RZA, it looks like Scram Jones, Erick Sermon, DJ Khalil, The Alchemist and more are lacing the Chef with their beats. Based on his knack for making excellent albums, I know Raekwon is serving up another Wu-banger.
#9 Swift and Changeable: MF DOOM X Ghostface Killah. Nuff’ said.
#8 NaS’ tenth studio album: It’s high time NaS got down to business. The legendary emcee has already been requested to make collaborative albums with Kanye West, the RZA, J. Cole and DJ Premier respectively! NaS has stated that he would be working with none other than the greatest on this one, and has additionally named Dr. Dre, Swizz Beatz and The Alchemist as other possible producers.
#7 Lasers: Lupe Fiasco’s third studio album was slated to be released early this year, but due to creative differences with his label Atlantic (aka. the studio wanting to force the direction of the album and make radio hits), the album was shelved. Fortunately, fans petitioned for the release, and Lasers will finally see the light of day. Check out the singles: Shining Down, I’m Beaming and The Show Goes On.
#6 Mos Def on G.O.O.D Music: One of my favourite lyricists of all-time has signed to Kanye’s high profile label G.O.O.D. Music. Mos Def sounds best on soulful beats, and Kanye West is well known for his excellent soul samples. Perhaps they can make an album among the lines of Black On Both Sides?
#5 The Believer: Apparently, Common has been working exclusively with producers Kanye West and No I.D. for his upcoming G.O.O.D release. Given that this trio have been responsible for three of Common’s best albums (Resurrection, Be and Finding Forever), this will undoubtedly make up for the disappointment that was Universal Mind Control.
#4 Watch The Throne: Kanye West and Jay-Z’s collaborative album. They’ve made nothing but great music together in the past, so this should be amazing. Although Kanye has been known to work behind the boards, he may have enlisted the likes of the RZA, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, DJ Premier and others including himself to produce the upcoming album. Check out the single H.A.M produced by Lex Luger.
#3 Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier: Two of my favorite hip-hop producers of all-time are competing on one album. 12 tracks in total, 6 tracks each. DJ Premier recently revealed that he has recruited the GZA and Beatnuts for two of his songs. This is the definition of hip-hop, and I simply cannot wait for this release!
#2 J. Cole’s Debut Album: I’ve been listening to J. Cole for nearly 2 years now. Based on his last three mixtapes, lyrical ability, and dedication to perfection, there is no doubt in my mind J. Cole’s debut will be something special. Many have deemed it to be the next Illmatic. Hopefully it delivers on the hype!
#1 Detox: After waiting a decade for Dr. Dre’s project to drop, how could this NOT be number one on my list? I literally grew up listening to 2001 (thanks cuz!). “Kush” better not be a sign of things to come, or else it’s slated to become number one on my list of greatest album disappointments of all-time. That said, though I have high expectations for the album, I also have faith in Dr. Dre’s knack for perfection.
Words by Aristo
Logo/Arrangement by Brennan
