Welcome to the final part of the fourth quarter of 2026. We last left off in 2025 with one of hip-hop's most acclaimed years, which considering how insane 2024 was says quite a lot. Already, we have seen excellent efforts released from the likes of Roc Marciano, J. Cole's supposedly final album, and the searing collab between Rome Streetz and Boldy James. With the year already going quite well, it's time for speculation to start. What are some other possible to likely releases that could make 2026 another outstanding year for the culture? Well, here's a list of twenty of the most talked about projects coming out this year (or at least rumored to come out). Just to note: this list, especially the "Other Likely/Rumored Projects" list, will be updated progressively and throughout the year. Without further ado, let's jump into it.
20. Earl Sweatshirt & MIKE
Pompeii//Utilities
Production: Surf Gang
Guests: unknown
We start with a collab album that has been some years in the making. In a blending of east vs. west, NY's MIKE meets up with Cali's Earl Sweatshirt to deliver what could be among the most colorful efforts this year. collaborating in the past on cuts like "Sentry" from Earl's marvelous effort with The Alchemist, VOIR DIRE, and "Plz Don't Cut My Wings" from MIKE's tremendous, Burning Desire, fans were eagerly clamoring for an eventual joint album one day. With similar styles and delivery, these two highly talented emcees will drop the joint album, Pompeii//Utilities, this year. Reportedly produced by burgeoning west coast collective, Surf Gang, this album will be for those that love their hip-hop honest, abstract, and thought-provoking over some of the most vivid and textured production one will encounter thanks to Surf Gang's trap-meets-melodic drill production similar to Earl's head nodder, "Making The Band (Danity Kane)". While not much is known about this effort, one would be hard pressed to find a more suitable collab project than the one these two will be dropping and could be amongst many people's year-end lists.
19. JID & Metro Boomin
God Doesn't Like Ugly
Production: Metro Boomin
Guests: unknown
The southern wonder known as JID dropped one of the year's best efforts in 2025 with God Does Like Ugly, and the album was great enough to receive a Grammy nomination. The incredibly talented emcee officially became a fixture within hip-hop's consciousness and became a star. However, just before the album was mentioned about getting released, there were talks of him collaborating with mega producer, Metro Boomin. If you know anything at all about Metro (and honestly who the hell doesn't?), you know his trap stylings are bumping and their reported upcoming album, God Doesn't Like Ugly, will be worthy of plenty of headache meds to calm the throbbing down. With JID's multi-layered delivery and Boomin's neck-breaking production, the two ATLiens are sure to cause much damage to speakers this year.
18. Boldy James & Futurewave
The Pop Catcher
Production: Futurewave
Guests: unknown
It wouldn't be a year of hip-hop without the efforts of Mr. 227 himself, Boldy James. The original Concreature from Detroit is slated to have another busy year as he has the past three. Aside from working reportedly with the likes of The Alchemist (see later), V DON, Harry Fraud, and others, he has already dropped two excellent efforts in 2026. The first being his EP with Jersey City monster, Ransom, and Montreal production giant, Nicholas Craven, for Salvation for The Wicked, and officially putting the effort with fellow Griselda-affiliate, Rome Streetz, Manhunt, which was originally slated to drop late last year. One other collaborative effort that is being anticipated is his reunion with another force in hip-hop from Canada, Futurewave, for their upcoming album, Pop Catcher. These two previously worked on the album, Mr. Ten08, in 2023 to excellent response. Now, it's time for these two to turn the volume up for this release, as Futurewave has been heralded within the underground circles working with the likes of Daniel Son, Raz Fresco, and Rome Streetz. As dumb dope as Mr. Ten08 was, one has to imagine Pop Catcher will be easily as cold if not better.
17. T.I.
Kill The King
Production: Pharrell Williams, DJ Toomp, others
Guests: Pharrell, others
It's been quite a minute since we've heard new material from the self-professed "King of the South". With a discography that is as influential to the rise of southern prominence as any other artist within the past two decades, T.I. is ready to hang up his crown and retire out the game with his dignity and legacy intact (issues with 50 Cent notwithstanding). His final effort, Kill The King, is reportedly a return to the T.I. that gathered prominence and acclaim in his prime years that resulted in excellent efforts such as Urban Legend, King, Trap Muzik, and Paper Trail. With the first single, "Let 'Em Know" with Pharrell on the boards, this seems like this is a step in the right direction. Also, Pharrell will reportedly have a few more goodies on the album, as well as longtime collaborator, DJ Toomp and others. If this is his final effort, it would be best for Clifford Harris to remind people why he has been among the most influential artists to emerge from the south and that he will go out strong.
16. Mach-Hommy & Black Thought
Black-Hommy
Production: unknown
Guests: unknown
What happens when you put two of the most prolific and captivating emcees and writers of our time together in today's climate? While many envision the likes of Armand Hammer at the top of the list, you better put the pairing of Black Thought and Mach-Hommy together as well. The Philly-meets-Jersey connection first collaborated on Hommy's "Copy Cold" from his beyond excellent 2024 offering, #RICHAXXHAITIAN. The chemistry was obviously there and showed how the two peerless emcees fared with each other. Now it appears these two will deliver an album we'd never thought we'd see in Black Hommy. While no production or guests are mentioned at this time, nor a release date, the mere idea of these two doing an entire project together is otherworldly. With Hommy delivering his only-to-vinyl/CD/cassette offering with Playa Haze, 5786 AM: Easy Listening, as well as projects with underrated west coast lyricist, Ras G, and highly respected producer, August Fanon, plus Tariq himself delivering his reunion with Danger Mouse for Cheat Codes 2 and a possible reunion with Grammy Award-winning beatsmith, 9th Wonder, this may truly be the most anticipated of them all. Stay tuned for more on this possible monumental project.
15. ELUCID & Sebb Bash
Guess You Had to Be There
Production: Sebb Bash
Guests: billy woods, Estee Nack, Breeze Brewin, Shabaka Hutchens
Heavily talented NY rhymer, ELUCID, is known for being the bellowing baritone and left-of-center lyrical spitting half of Armand Hammer along with the equally amazing writer, billy woods. Apart from Armand Hammer, his discography is one of an acquired taste. While getting on more people's radar with 2022's, I Told Bessie, and hitting incredible conceptual and musical heights with 2024's Revelator, he collaborates with acclaimed underground Scandanavian producer, Sebb Bash, to present Guess You Had to Be There. Sebb has worked with the likes of Ty Farris, Evidence, Navy Blue, PremRock, and Infamous Mobb on their stellar cut from Blood thicker Than Water Vol. 1, "You Know the Ratio". With this type of pedigree, it's no wonder Alchemist considers him his favorite producer. Based upon the first couple of singles, the hauntingly ominous "Make Me Wise" and the equally brooding "First Light", we may be in for something immensely special, as these cuts alone are worth the entire listen. We will see (or hear in this instance) if this paring will result in one of the year's most cohesive and breathtaking releases.
UPDATE: the album released on 3/11 to widespread acclaim
14. Blu & Exile
Time Heals Everything
Production: Exile
Guests: unknown
In 2007, Cali native, Blu, and fellow Cali beat miser, Exile, delivered one of the decade's most cherished gems, Below The Heavens. Valued at or near the top of many people's best of the year lists, these two splashed on the scene and presented what would turn out to be a true west coast underground classic. Since then, Blu has emerged into one of the game's busiest and hard-working emcees, delivering quite a number of good to excellent projects including the unmixed, yet still widely praised Her Favorite Colo(u)r, Jesus, The Colo(u)r Blue, and multiple collaborative albums with the likes of Oh No (A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night) Evidence (Los Angeles), Nottz (Afrika and Gods In the Spirit, Titans In The Flesh), Real Bad Man (Bad News), and his 2025 offerings, God Takes Care Of Fools & Babies with Mkya 9 and the charming Forty with August Fanon. As for Exile, his repertoire had expanded to doing work with the likes of Fashawn, Open Mike Eagle, Denmark Vessey, Snoop Dogg, Pharoahe Monch, and even Mobb Deep for the controversial, yet sonically outstanding, "Pearly Gates". However, when these two get together, there's a certain magic that can't be replicated. Their sophomore album, Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them, was a good, yet somewhat underwhelming effort, but they got back to the levels they're capable of with the follow-ups, Miles and Love (the) Ominous World. In what is quite an intriguing piece of business, they will release their fourth album together, Time Heals Everything, but there's a strategy involved. You see kiddos, this is the second installment of what will ultimately result in the twentieth anniversary of their monumental Below The Heavens effort next year, as Love (the) Ominous World was the first installment (album number one- B.E.[Blu & Exile] L.O.W.) and Time Heals Everything is the second installment (album number two- T.H.E.), the third and final installment (one has to assume will spell out H.E.A.V.E.N.S.) will present itself in 2027. For now, we will celebrate what will likely be another triumphant effort for one of the best emcee-producer pairings in current hip-hop.
13. DJ Muggs & T.F.
Don't Call Me Lucky
Production: DJ Muggs
Guests: Ghostface Killah, others
West coast (by way of Kansas) emcee, T.F., has had a fairly dope, albeit slightly low key, run over the last few years. His 2022 offering, the Roc Marciano & Mephux-produced Blame Kansas, his Skanless Levels series, and his 2025 effort with NC production wizard, Khrysis, The Green Bottle, are among his checked-out releases. Apart from also appearing on albums from the likes of Conway and Schoolboy Q, T.F. has steadily been gathering a following outside his west coast familiarities. This year, he will be linking up with legendary west coast producer, DJ Muggs, for the album, and accompanying movie, Don't Call Me Lucky. The emcee first linked up with the Grammy Award-nominated producer on Muggs' last compilation, Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley. Now, these two are set to deliver quite the dope offering and further show off T.F.'s dope capabilities. With Muggs reportedly delivering efforts with the likes of Rome Streetz and CRIMEAPPLE, this could be a busy year for Mr. Muggs, and this would be a great start for both artists.
12. Boldy James & The Alchemist
Untitled
Production: The Alchemist
Guests: unknown
We haven't had a full-length effort from Boldy and Uncle Al since the vicious, Bo Jackson, of 2021. Only for that to get followed up by the equally outstanding, Super Tecmo Bo, of the same year. Since then, heads have been in full anticipation of another Boldy/Alchemist monster. Boldy has been on fore over these past three years collaborating with the likes of V DON, Conductor, Harry Fraud, and Nicholas Craven. As was mentioned earlier, he will be reuniting with Futurewave this year for The Pop Catcher as well. However, it's possible he won't deliver another album as flammable as this upcoming one with the Grammy Award winner beatsmith. Will they reclaim the magic that they have with their previous releases of The Price of Tea in China, My 1st Chemistry Set, and the aforementioned Bo Jackson and Super Tecmo Bo? Do yourself a favor, do NOT bet against them.
11. DJ Muggs & Rome Streetz
Death & The Magician 2
Production: DJ Muggs
Guests: unknown
One of the game's most in-demand and checked for emcees of the current moment is Brooklyn's Rome Streetz. The Griselda affiliate has had a string of outstanding sizzlers over the past several years. From his dumb dope Noise Candy mixtape series to his exceptional Griselda debut, Kiss The Ring, to his equally crazy collab albums with Daringer (Hatton Garden Holdup), Big Ghost LTD (Wasn't Built in A Day) and Conductor Williams (Trainspotting), Rome has been on fire. Reportedly, he will reunite with the aforementioned DJ Muggs for the sequel to their fantastic 2020 effort, Death & The Magician, Death & The Magician 2. Revered for being one of Muggs' best recent projects and putting Rome in a bigger light, the pressure is on to meet and exceed the standard the first album set. As much of a roll Rome has been on, plus the tremendous winning percentage Muggs has under his belt, one would be well pressed to remember where they put their fire extinguishers.
10. Busta Rhymes & J Dilla
Dillagence 2
Production: J Dilla
Guests: unknown
As Busta Rhymes put it on his track with Westside Gunn and acclaimed Detroit drummer/producer, Karreim Riggins, on the track "Long Live Dilla": "Nobody has more Dilla beats than me". With this being boldly proclaimed, Busta will deliver the sequel to his highly acclaimed, yet slightly under the radar, mixtape of 2007, Dillagence, in the form of Dillagence 2. The first one was simply bananas, as we heard Busta getting busy to production previously heard in some cases, but still letting loose his dungeon dragon. With the word that the sequel will show up sooner than later this year, fans that have been clamoring for more lost or unheard Dilla production will get their wish with this one (although we are still waiting on Boldy James to deliver his album over Dilla production, Drug Dilla). Not much is known about guests or such, but the fact that we will get Busta over Dilla is quite great enough to quench the thirst of longtime Dilla enthusiasts.
9. Conway The Machine & The Alchemist
LULU 2 (tentative title)
Production: The Alchemist
Guests: unknown
Back in 2020, Conway The Machine got up with Uncle Al to deliver the very strong outing, LULU. Although relatively short in tracks (clocking in at seven tracks), every track packed a wallop. Since then, these two have been collaborated on cuts such as "God Don't Make Mistakes", "Piano Love", "Diego Mardona", and the latest being "Organized Mess" from Machine's crazy dope 2025 offering, Can't Kill God With Bullets. However, the streets have been wanting another chapter from these two artists since LULU six years ago. There's word that LULU 2 (tentative title) could finally see the light of day this year. Conway has been on a tear since the start of the decade especially, and of course Al has had a run the likes of which should be studied and emulated. One can only imagine if this effort is as dope, or better, than LULU in 2020. It would be wise not to bet against them.
8. Roc Marciano
Criminal Jazz
Production: artist, others
Guests: unknown
Aside from his projects with Errol Holden, as well as his very anticipated album with longtime collaborator, AniMoss, Marci is fine tuning his next effort, Criminal Jazz. While heads are still greatly eating off his effort released at the end of January, 656, he's reportedly putting the finishing touches to his next album, which was kicked off last year with the horn-driven and sinister, yet engaging, "Vintage Limo". As one can guess, Marci will blend his tales of pimping, drugs, and shootouts over jazzy instrumentals that would likely resembles a Blue Note Cafe stickup. With images of a forties or fifties gangster/mob flick, better start picturing Marci with a black hat, fur coat, and expensive scarf draped around him with a girl on one arm and an Uzi in another with Criminal Jazz. No reports of guests yet, but this looks to be another crazy effort from one of the game's truly sharp emcees.
7. Stove God Cook$ & Swizz Beats
All This For Me?
Production: Swizz Beats
Guests: Westside Gunn, Pusha T
Definitely one of the most anticipated albums of the year hands down is the full-length debut by Syracuse, NY artist, Stove God Cook$. In 2021, the artist formerly known as Aaron Cook$ delivered one of this decade's craziest releases with his Roc Marciano-produced, Reasonable Drought. His follow-up mixtape, If These Kitchen Walls Could Talk, sounded more noise about how much of a star he was becoming and also how much of an astounding producer Marci was with other artists. What's almost as interesting is his label situations and management deals with Marci, then Westside Gunn and Griselda. His original album, Stove Jesus, has seemingly been shelved and replaced with All This For Me, an album that will be entirely covered and produced by mega Grammy Award-winner, Swizz Beats. However, those that are expecting the traditional sound of Swizzie can perhaps hear something grimier and more visceral, very similar to the type of production SGC is used to rhyming over. The first single, "Welcome to The Garden" is a fine example of this. Will this album meet the expectations of fans that have followed him since Reasonable Drought? It's likely, and one can believe we will see SGC hit another level.
6. Westside Gunn
Flygod Is An Awesome God 3
Production: Daringer, Denny LeFlare, others
Guests: Stove God Cook$, others
It looks like J. Cole isn't the only one looking to hang his mic up this year. Much like Mr. Cole and the aforementioned T.I., Buffalo's high king, Westside Gunn, is set to likely hang his mic up with the release of his much anticipated, Flygod Is An Awesome God 3, album. Delivering some of the most prolific and bumping albums of his career over the last few years especially, Gunn has managed to impact the culture with his brand of gutter production choices and his imagery of the luxurious gangster. Griselda has managed to become one of the game's most in demand labels, and alongside running the label, he has also is an entrepreneur within the clothing and art industry, as well as running his own wrestling promotion, 4th Rope Wrestling. If FIAAG3 is his swan song as an emcee, you can best believe Gunn won't be hanging up his creative hat nor will be just lounging around on a yacht doing nothing. Gunn is too important to the game, and we always like seeing someone emerge from the underground to being among the most intriguing artists in hip-hop.
5. Black Thought & Danger Mouse
Cheat Codes 2
Production: Danger Mouse
Guests: unknown
In 2022, the legendary Black Thought collaborated with Grammy Award winning producer, Danger Mouse, to drop one of the decade's most prized efforts, Cheat Codes. The Roots frontman has been revered for his elite lyricism and almost unmatched breath control, and his solo albums over the years have been highly acclaimed including his albums with 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, and especially his album with El Michels Affair, Glorious Game, in 2024. While there's no single yet, and Danger Mouse celebrating the release of his final album with Cee-Lo as Gnarls Barkley recently, one can't help thinking that this sequel will be every bit as excellent and fulfilling as the first Cheat Codes. As was mentioned earlier in this listing, the mere of Tariq and Mach-Hommy together for the reported Black Hommy album sends chills down fans' spines, but this one is nothing to push the snooze button on whatsoever. With the verbal precision of BT and the relevant and left-brained musical stylings of Danger Mouse, don't bet the farm against them and one should even expect another monument from them.
4. Doechii
Untitled
Production: unknown
Guests: unknown
TDE's latest phenomenon, Doechii, has been a breath of fresh air in the way that the likes of Missy Elliot and Tierra Whack have been. An artist not afraid to push boundaries musically, lyrically, and conceptually. The multi-talented Florida native garnered universal acclaim with her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal in 2024. The Grammy Award winner has yet to deliver her official full-length album, but that will likely change in 2026. Working diligently since the release of Alligator Bites Never Heal, this outstanding artist is ready to truly show the rest of her tremendous talents in ways that will keep TDE in high standings and critical appraisal. With SZA arguably being the biggest star on the label since Kendrick's departure, Doechii is the next in line. Let's not forget that Jay Rock, Schoolboy and Ab-Soul all are planned to drop new efforts this year, but it's highly possible that Doechii's effort may be the most anticipated of them all.
3. Yasiin Bey & The Alchemist
FORENSICS
Production: The Alchemist
Guests: N/A
In 2025, the Internet went wild in anticipation over the much talked about collaborative effort between Uncle Al and highly revered emcee/singer/actor, Yassin Bey (aka the artist formerly known as Mos Def). Around April of last year, they did a livestream preview of their album, FORENSICS, on Bandcamp, and the results were amazing. While the cuts Bey and Al performed weren't necessarily mixed and finished, just the raw versions of the cuts performed were magical enough for heads to want the album the next day. However, we got nothing. No official first single. No teaser single. No nothing. In fact, we also didn't get the highly intriguing collab between Uncle Al and legendary R&B goddess, Erykah Badu, Abi & Alan. It's not official as to whether or not the album will be released, however, if you believe Mr. Maman, both projects will be delivered this year. If you missed the fantastic sounds of FORENSICS during the livestream, trust and believe, you will want to hear this album, especially the finished product. In fact, we all need to.
2. Run The Jewels
RTJ5
Production: El-P
Guests: unknown
After six long years, it appears that the tens' most feared duo, Run The Jewels, may be finally dropping their much-anticipated effort, RTJ5. Throughout the 2010s, nobody delivered as hard-hitting material consistently as Killer Mike and El-P. Their prior four albums (Run The Jewels, RTJ2, RTJ3, and RTJ4) are seen as all-timers, exemplifying the surprising, yet highly fitting, chemistry between Mike's southern, yet commanding, drawl and El-P's in-your-face NY delivery in such a way fans never saw coming. Anytime you have fans debating about which of your four efforts are indeed the best of them all, you're doing something right, especially if none of them would be considered "wrong" answers. With Mike earning Grammy Awards for his outstanding 2023 effort, MICHAEL, and delivering the just as fantastic follow-up, Songs for Saints & Sinners the very next year, heads were eagerly awaiting the reunion of he and El-P for that explosive socio-political material that we've come to know and love. Will RTJ5 be as unbelievable as their prior four efforts? One would be wise not to bet against them.
1. Common & Pete Rock
The Auditorium Vol. 2
Production: Pete Rock
Guests: unknown
It goes without saying that Chi-town's finest, Common, and Mount Vernon, NY legend Pete Rock, are two of the most well-known and revered figures in all of hip-hop. Since the early nineties, these thirty-year vets have been amongst fans' all-time lists. Whether it was Rock's work with former emcee partner, CL Smooth, and working with everyone from Nas to Slum Village to Raekwon or Common's exceptional lyricism and grown man relatability, as well as a very formidable discography, made their debut collaborative effort of '24, The Auditorium Vol. 1, such an anticipated release. The result was arguably the best pound-for-pound hip-hop album so far this decade, with such incredible cuts such as "Dreaming", "We on Our Way", and especially the beyond lyrical "Stellar". With as much acclaim as this Grammy-nominated album received, it was only right that these two legends got back together for the sequel of this album, The Auditorium Vol. 2. It's been reported that the album has been the works since the release of Vol. 1, so chances are we will see this album see the light of day in 2026. Will it repeat the same outstanding aura the first one did? Will it meet, or even exceed, the bar set by the first one? Only time will tell, as Vol. 1 is regarded as a universal classic. Don't put it against these two to repeat the simply tremendous praise as before, if not more so.
Other Rumored/Likely Releases
De La Soul- untitled
Nas- untitled
Quelle Chris & Cavalier- Deathtape 3
Quelle Chris- untitled
Westside Gunn & Stove God Cook$- MICHELLE RECORDS
Isaiah Rashad- All My Heroes Are Junkies
Ludacris- untitled
Rome Streetz & V DON- untitled
Black Thought & 9th Wonder- untitled
Jay Rock- Eastside Johnny
Xzibit- Kingmaker 2
Big Noyd & Havoc- Dunn Language
Cormega & Havoc- Mega Havoc
Joey Bada$$- untitled
YG- untitled
Black Milk & Fat Ray- Food from the Gods 2
Black Milk- Ceremonial
Roc Marciano & AniMoss- untitled
Black Smif-N-Wessun (Black Moon & Smif-N-Wessun)- Black Smif-N-Wessun: The Album
Smif-N-Wessun & Daz Dillinger- untitled
Roscoe P. Coldchain & Nicholas Craven- Play with Something Safe
Conway The Machine & J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League- KING
Boldy James & Nicholas Craven- untitled
Griselda- WWCD2
Rome Streetz & Roc Marciano- untitled
Mach-Hommy & August Fanon- untitled
Ab-Soul & Roc Marciano- Soul Burger: The Odyssey
