The Most Anticpated Albums of 2018

What's crackin' people? As we now are in the new year, already heads are largely awaiting projects from their favorite artists, and critics are speculating if 2018 can match the greatness of 2017.  With instant classics from Rapsody, Kendrick, Jay-Z and Run The Jewels dropping last year, and almost equally incredible projects from Skyzoo, Talib Kweli, Joey Bada$$, and Brother Ali dropping, it naturally gets one excited about the prospect of new music coming from people we were wanting to hear from last year.  Who's gonna hit? Who's gonna flop? What's the next set bar for hip-hop? Who knows, but for now let's go over twenty-five of the most anticipated releases in 2018.

25. Joyner Lucas

Untitled

Production: unknown

After making some bubbles with his slept-on mixtape, 508-507-2209, he released the controversial cut, "I'm Not Racist".  Polarizing as it is, more people knew who this very talented lyricist was.  With his forthcoming untitled effort dropping sometime in 2018, you can expect to hear even more of his excellent bars and his potential to be one of the game's next stars.

24. Phife Dawg

Forever

Production: Q-Tip, J Dilla, Pete Rock, others

Long live the "five foot assassin".  When Phife Dawg passed from diabetes complications in 2016, our collective hip-hop hearts were broken.  Our collective consciousness was raised by A Tribe Called Quest, and one of its vital members had gone home.  Before the reunion and his passing, he was finishing up his solo album entitled Forever, which reportedly has work done by Pete Rock and Q-Tip, plus a Dilla beat with it as well.  Previously released singles like "Wanna Dance" and "Dear Dilla" are expected to be included on this effort, but there's no doubt it will be bittersweet to hear the "funky diabetic" and him not be here.  However, as we know, his spirit will continue to live on thus he's immortal.

23. Masta Ace & Marco Polo

Untitled

Production: Marco Polo

Word around the campfire is that underrated beatsmith Marco Polo will be in charge of production for Masta Ace's next effort.  We last heard from Masta Ace with his very decent The Falling Season album.  One has to wonder if this will be another conceptual album like the unforgettable efforts of Disposable Arts and A Long Hot Summer.  This may just be good ol' fashioned hip-hop.  Either way, we here for it from Ace.

22. Earl Sweatshirt

Untitled

Production: artist, others

The ever allusive Earl Sweatshirt.  Once seen as arguably the moist talented member of OFWGKTA, he was also among the most with personal issues.  These issues resulted in some damn great projects such as his full length debut, Doris, and his last effort, I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside.  With the unfortunate passing of his father, it's very possible we will hear even more from his troubled heart, but we'll be all the more grateful for him letting us in.

21. Ludacris

Untitled

Production: unknown

Anytime there's a chance of a new Luda album, we jump at the mention.  He already dropped a couple cuts in 2017 to whet our appetite for an upcoming project, and hopefully it will see the light of day in 2018.

20. Cypress Hill

Elephants On Acid

Production: DJ Muggs

The legendary weed advocates have returned.  The group of B-Real, Sen Dog, Bobo, and DJ Muggs are back Haven't been heard from as a group since Rise Up!, Muggs reunited with them full-time, and we can't wait to see if they can recapture the magic of influential releases such as their self-titled debut, Black Sunday, and III: Temples Of Boom.  There's never been such a thing as a disappointing Cypress album (even with Muggs only handling a few beats instead of the whole album), but I have a feeling this one could be their best one in over a decade.

19. Elzhi & Khrysis

Jericho Jackson

Production: Khrysis

Elzhi is one of hip-hop's true lyricists.  This superb Detroit-rhyme slinger is the type you don't want guesting on your song because he'll take the cut with him.  We last heard from him in 2016 with the personal, Lead Poison, but who can forget the fucking incredible, The Preface?  In 2018, he'll be teaming up with 9th Wonder protege and Grammy nominated NC beatmaker Khrysis to release Jericho Jackson, and just the thought of those two working on a whole album together could be as great as anything Elzhi has ever done, plus continue to show just how crazy Chris Tyson is behind the boards.  Hopefully we'll hear a verse or two from him too.

18. Boogie

Shady Records Debut

Production: unknown

Compton emcee Boogie shocked the world when he was announced as a new member of the Shady camp along with Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine with the Griselda camp.  Boogie is a very nice emcee and soon enough the world will soon know this as well, as hopefully we'll get a very strong debut from the latest to extend the legacy of Compton.

17. Roc Marciano & DJ Muggs

Kaos

Production: DJ Muggs

One of NY's grimiest storytellers is Long Island's Roc Marciano.  Thunderous previous efforts such as Marcberg, Reloaded, Marci Beaucoup, and 2017's Rosebudds's Revenge (be on the lookout for the sequel as well reportedly) shows just how nuts of a talent Marci is.  With the addition of DJ Muggs to do a whole album with him, this will be a dark, brooding gem of an album.  If you thought Muggs' effort with Meyhem Lauren, Views From The Equinox, was hard, wait til you get a load of Kaos in all likeliness.

16. The Roots

End Game

Production: Quest-Love, 9th Wonder, others

The legendary Roots crew ladies and gentlemen.  The most consistent group in all of hip-hop is returning with their next potentially amazing effort, End Game.  With 9th Wonder in assistance, this may be yet another new sound for the group, but one that will bring a new level of soul with them.  The same ones that delivered classics like Illadelph Halflife, Things Fall Apart, and How I Got Over return with their next potential instant classic.

15. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

Bandana

Production: Madlib

One of the most delightful efforts of the past decade was the collaborative effort between Freddie Gibbs and Madlib, when they delivered the memorable, Pinata.  Now with Gibbs' legal stuff behind him, plus hoping to capitalize off the acclaim off his 2017 album, You Only Live 2wice, here's to hoping they can repeat the gritty magic that was Pinata.

14. T.I.

The Dime Trap

Production: unknown

Many consider him the Jay-Z of the south, and it's definitely undeniable how influential T.I. has been to southern hip-hop.  His Roc Nation debut, The Dime Trap, has been a couple years in the making, but hopefully it'll drop in 2018.  Speculation has it that Dr. Dre has worked with him on this project, which may make the project that much more intriguing.

13. Evidence

Weather Or Not

Production: artist, Nottz, The Alchemist, DJ Premier, Khrysis, DJ Babu, others

Mr. Slow Flow himself, Evidence, returns in early 2018 with his third solo album, Weather Or Not.  Following up the critical acclaim of his previous two efforts of The Weatherman LP and Cats & Dogs, Ev already dropped two singles from the album: the Alchemist-crafted "Throw It All Away" and the Nottz-produced banger "Jim Dean".  Along with guests like Rapsody, Styles P, Defari, Jonwayne, and his fellow Dilated Peoples brother Rakaa Iriscience, this will be a heatseeker in the winter months.

12. Royce 5'9"

The Book Of Ryan

Production: unknown

The lyrical perfection that is Royce 5'9" returns with his seventh full-length album, The Book Of Ryan.  Royce is following up his personal release, Layers, and promises to get even more in-depth and introspective with this new release.  This will no doubt be a very intriguing effort and one that will likely continue to push Royce into earning the title of lyrical legend.

11.Dave East
Untitled Def Jam full-length debut
Production: unknown

The new voice of Harlem, Dave East, has been quite the buzz for the past few years.  From his mixtapes of Hate Me Now to the critically acclaimed Kairi Chanel and 2017's Paranoia EP, East is sitting on a flamestarter for a full-length debut for Def Jam.  If we go upon his track record, it's very apparent that the young Harlemite will definitely deliver in the goods department, as his gritty rhymes and great storytelling will be something intriguing to watch in 2018.  he will drop Paranoia 2 in early 2018, but it's the full-length that will officially make him a bonafide star.

12. Pusha T

King Push

Production: Kanye West

If there's one album we've been eagerly awaiting for a few years now, it's definitely Pusha T's King Push album.  Releasing the teaser for King Push entitled King Push: Darkest Before Dawn in 2015, we knew that if Darkest Before Dawn sounded THAT crazy, one could only imagine what King Push itself would sound like.  It had been reported that Kanye was going to be the sole producer for the project so this sounds like this could be quite the sonic treasure we had been hoping for.  Although it's unknown if previously released singles "D.D.A." with Jay-Z, H.G.T.V.", and "Circles" will be included on the effort, one thing is for sure, Pusha's King Push will be well worth the wait.

11. Jon Connor

Vehicle City

Production: Dr. Dre, others

Detroit's Jon Connor has been a heat dropped for some years now in the underground with some rather fire mixtapes. However, it was when Connor revealed during a BET cypher that he was the best to blow from Aftermath that heads were immediately in high anticipation. We see how Dre's last protege blew up (read: Kendrick Lamar) so here's hoping for the same massive success with his Aftermath debut, Vehicle City.

10. Redman

Muddy Waters Too

Production: Erick Sermon, others

Jersey hip-hop legend Redman has been hitting the sequel to his most acclaimed album, Muddy Waters, for the last few years. His last effort, the EP Mudface, was a pretty reintroduction to this new generation of emcees. However, the album is reportedly finished and is ready to be felt by his loyalty masses.

9. The Game

Westside Story

Production: Dr. Dre, Bongo, others

One of hip-hop's most consistent emcees of this generation is former Dr. Dre protege The Game. Following up one of the most acclaimed albums of his career, 1992, will be Westside Story, which is reportedly his final album. Word has it that he will be reunited with his former mentor along with having a collabo with Kendrick Lamar. If this is his swan song, he may be going out like the G he is.

8. Jay Rock

Untitled

Production: unknown

When we last years from.TDE's O.G. Jay Rock, he had delivered his VERY dope 2015, 90059. Even better than his Follow Me Home debut, 90059 was his breakout album. He's ready now to drop the follow up and based upon TDE's momentum, this will be another fire release.  He already dropped "King's Dead" with Kendrick, James Blake, Future, and Mike WILL Made It, which will also be on the potentially FLAMES Black Panther OST.  If this new album is anything like or better than 90059, Jay will have a serious one on his hands.

7. Kanye West

Turbo Grafx 16 (tentative title)

Production: artist, others

One thing about Kanye (Kardashian) West is you never know what to expect from him musically.  He tends to always reinvent himself with every release, which is a good thing.  His last effort, The Life Of Pablo, was a mixed bag or Yeezus mixed with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy with some original herbs and spices added.  As to what we can expect to see from the tentatively titled Turbo Grafx 16 (named after the highly underrated video game system of the early nineties), all we can say is stay tuned.  Whatever it is, it'll be something as ambitious as ever.

6. Westside Gunn

Shady Records debut

Production: Daringer, others

Griselda may very well be one of the most must-see labels/crews of all of 2018.  Since getting signed to Shady in 2017, speculation has really ran rampant about how the sound will be.  Gunna's last full-length effort, FLYGOD, was among the most hard-hitting releases of 2016, and since then he has dropped the mixtapes of Hitler Wears Hermes 5 and Hitler On Steroids.  Not to mention his EP with MF DOOM and the quietly dropped Riots On Fashion Ave.  With his Shady Records debut, this could be a gritty as ever, and along with his brother Conway, El Camino, and B.E.N.N.Y., this will be a very big one.

5. ScHoolboy Q

Untitled

Production: unknown

After the enormous successes of Oxymoron and its follow-up The Blank Face LP, TDE's ScHoolboy Q is set to drop another banger for our ears in 2018.  Reportedly the album was either finished or near completion by late summer so it's only a matter of time before we get his third major label effort.  The Grammy Award-nominated emcee delivers another collection of gritty, in-your-face rhymes for you to absorb.  Is another gold or platinum plaque in Quincy's future? Only time will tell, but I wouldn't bet against him.

4. Conway The Machine

Shady Records debut

Production: Daringer, others

Many would say the true star of Griselda is Conway The Machine, the brother of Westside Gunn.  His no-nonsense, slightly slurred delivery has made him among the most in-demand emcees in the game right now.  In 2017, along with doing collaborations with the lies of Mayhem Lauren, Big Twins, and several others, he dropped the mixtapes Reject On Steroids, More Steroids, and the intense G.O.A.T., all of which exemplified that nihilistic griminess that  Conway fully exhibits.  In 2018, it's speculated he'll drop a few efforts, with one being his official Shady debut.  Conway with Eminem is a very scary concept, but it could very well happen.

3. Royce 5'9" & DJ Premier

PRhyme 2

Production: DJ Premier & Antman Wonder

Who could forget the instant classic that was PRhyme, the collaboration between Royce 5'9" and DJ Premier?  Although at an EP's length, the project was among the most incredible listens of the decade, much less the year of 2015.  Immediately the taste was for more of the same with the announcement of a PRhyme 2.  The difference being this time, they get assisted by Preemo protege, Antman Wonder instead of Adrien Younge.  If you have heard anything from Antman, you know this is a very worthy substitution for Younge, and this will no doubt be a FLAMES follow-up to a monumental debut.

2. Skyzoo

In Celebration Of Us...

Production: !llmind, Apollo Brown, Daringer, Cardiak, others

There's no going wrong with Brooklyn's Skyzoo.  Among the slept-on lyricists in the game currently, Sky has delivered some excellent albums such as his debut, The Salvation, Music For My Friends, and his most recent EP, Peddler Themes.  In 2018, he returns with In Celebration Of Us, and quite frankly, based upon the sampler that was dropped, this already is a high bar setter for the year.  Phenomenal production from the likes of !llmind and Apollo Brown, as well as others like Marc Nfinite, this is a personal, in-depth, vivid release with Sky at his lyrical and conceptual best.  This could very well be his official hallmark moment.

1. Nas

Untitled

production: unknown

The god emcee from Queensbridge is finally set to drop his long awaited follow-up to his stellar Life Is Good album from 2013.  DJ Khaled teased the masses by stating "Nas Album Done", but we hadn't heard anything in terms of a single yet.  However, word is he's fully ready to drop the new album, and we all know it'll be nothing less than another important piece of hip-hop excellence.  You can bet based upon today's political and social climate, plus personal matters, Mr. Jones has a bunch to say, and in 2018, here's hoping we get it all from the street's disciple himself.

Other anticipated albums

Westside Gunn & Conway- Hall & Nash 3

Jeezy & T.I.- untitled

Brockhampton- untitled

NYGz- Hustla's Union

Remy Ma- Seven Winters, Six Summers

Remy Ma- PunisHER

A$AP Rocky- untitled

Isaiah Rashad- untitled

Earthgang- Dreamville full-length debut

Lenny Grant- The Lenny Grant Story

GZA- Dark Matter

Jedi Mind Tricks- The Bridge & The Abyss

Method Man & Redman- Blackout 3

Chuck Strangers- untitled

Scarface & DJ Quik- untitled EP

Rain910- untitled Maybach Music debut

MF DOOM & DJ Muggs- untitled

Lil' Wayne- untitled

Nicky Minaj- untitled

G.O.O.D. Music- Cruel Winter

While there are a lot more projects that are destined to drop, some of these efforts may not drop, and that's just being real.  However, if the musical stars align just right, we will see all these releases and more (will we ever see efforts like Madvillainy 2, GhostDOOM, Jay Electronica's Act II, or Kendrick & Cole album?).  If 2018 is anything like 2017, this will be another musically astounding year.  Here's to the anticipation of these releases.  Until next time, folks!