Between Kanye, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Eminem, Weezy, Kid Cudi, and many others, 2010 was an interesting year for hip hop. But with a new year comes new music. As typical with the start of the year, there are plenty of albums with dates marked TBD. However, some have been confirmed.
On January 25 (yesterday), you can look out for a new release from Talib Kweli entitled Gutter Rainbows. After the well received (but possibly looked over) collaborative effect he put out in 2010 with DJ/producer Hi-Tek as the group Reflection Eternal, Kweli is back to give out eardrums another dose of knowledge. Producers on the album include 88-Keys and Ski Beatz. There’s no official single at the moment, but if the leaked song “I’m on One” is any indicator, it’s safe to say it’ll be another solid album from Kweli.
Everyone may not be familiar with Joell Ortiz, but he is one of Brooklyn’s finest. After teaming up with Royce da 5’9”, Crooked I, and Joe Budden as Slaughterhouse, Ortiz prepares to release his second LP, Free Agent on February 22. Though his single “Call Me” featuring Novel was realized nearly a year ago, his album is finally ready to show you his full range. If you’re searching for a reason to believe new hip hop is still alive in New York, look no further than Ortiz.
At this point, most everyone has heard the Jay-Z and Kanye track “H.A.M” where they declare to go “hard as a m*****f*****.” As might also know, they are coming out with a collaborative venture called Watch the Throne. Well, the realize date on that is March 1. You can mark your calendars now, because anytime the two come together, it’s sure to be explosive.
Raekwon is also dropping a new album on March 8 called Shaolin vs Wu-Tang. The title along is enough to excite any Wu-Tang fan. Raekwon describes the album as similar to T.I.’s T.I. vs T.I.P., in that Shaolin represent his Staten Island, street side and Wu-Tang expresses the greatness of the group. Of course, the album is chockfull of appearances from the other members of the clan; it wouldn’t be a solo Wu-Tang album without them. Black Thought of the Roots, Lloyd Banks, Rick Ross, Jim Jones, and Nas will also appear on the album. Singles include “Butter Knives” and “Shaolin vs Wu-Tang.”
Also dropping that day is Lupe Fiasco’s long-awaited album Lasers. This is not his retirement album. That was supposed to be a triple album entitled L.U.P.End as alluded to in his second LP Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool in 2007. After a long battle with record companies and postponed albums, Lupe is finally ready to realize Lasers. His first single “The Show Goes On” is a testament to that. His next single, “Words I Never Said,” is sure to be a pleasure as well.
Speaking of heavily anticipated records, Dr. Dre is finally releasing Detox. His last album 2001 dropped in 1999. Why did it take so long? He wanted to produce and develop different artist on his label Aftermath. Fair enough, considering he brought us Eminem who brought us 50 Cent who brought us The Game. However, Dre says this will be his last album. Again, fair enough. The first two singles “Kush” and “I Need a Doctor” are sure to reestablish Dr. Dre back to his glory. The album is slated to release on April 20.
In the world of unannounced releases, Big Sean, J. Cole and Wiz Khalifa are on deck. All three emcees dropped strong mixtapes last year (Finally Famous III, Sunday Night Lights, and Kush and Orange Juice respectively). Each of their official albums is expected in the Spring. Rapper Jay Electronica is also expected to issue his debut album this year. “Exhibit A” and “Exhibit C” are the Roc-Nation artist’s most celebrated tracks to date. 50 Cent is believed to have Black Magic in the works, and Young Jeezy is in production for TM 103.
And that’s what you have to look forward to in 2011.
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