As we progress through the new year, we are expecting some great albums to come out. There’s some speculation that Kanye, Jay-Z, and Eminem will all be dropping albums this year, but speculation won’t get you on the list. Here are the 20 confirmed albums we are most excited about:
20. XV – The Kid With the Green Lantern
XV has shown his potential, most recently on his Popular Culture mixtape and Awesome EP, but this will be his opportunity to really prove himself.19. Ab-Soul & JMSN – Unit 6
No one is really sure what to expect out of this collaboration, but if it’s anything like Nibiru, on which they previously collaborated, it won’t disappoint.18. Wale – I Ain’t Perfect
After finishing off 2012 with the appetizer/mixtape Folarin, we’re ready to hear what Wale has been focusing his efforts on.17. Skylar Grey – Don’t Look Down
Eminem as executive producer? Enough said.16. Joe Budden – No Love Lost
He’s come a long way since Pump it Up and has put great work in recent years.15. Action Bronson – Saab Stories
We’re still really not sure what to think of Bronson, but haven’t been disappointed yet.14. Mac Miller – Watching Movies With the Sound Off
Forbes’ 30 under 30? Complex’s ‘Man of the Year’? Don’t let us down Malcolm.13. Big K.R.I.T. and Yelawolf – Country Cousins
These guys both rap with a chip on their shoulder and are always trying to get their states on the map in the rap game.12. Talib Kweli – Prisoner of Consciousness
Kweli is a mainstay in the game, and we’re always ready to hear what he’s been working on.11. Danny Brown – Old
Sure he sounds and looks a bit weird, but the dude can rap.10. Rick Ross – Mastermind
If it’s anything like Rich Forever or God Forgives I Don’t, we’ll be pretty happy.9. Tyler the Creator – Wolf
We’re expecting big things from the leader of the OFWGKTA pack.8. J. Cole – Born Sinner
Cole World: The Sideline Story was a good start, and we are expecting even more on his sophomore effort.7. Juicy J – Stay Trippy
Bandz a make her dance, bandz a make her dance…6. Big Sean – Hall of Fame
SWERVE!5. Gunplay – Medellin
After incredible features on Kendrick Lamar’s Cartoons and Cereal and A$AP Rocky’s Ghetto Symphony, we have high hopes for this one.4. Pusha T – My Name is My Name
He’s made classics with Clipse, and is featured on some of Kanye West’s hottest songs, so we are definitely ready for his solo major label debut.3. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris
After a hiatus from the game, Earl has shown he’s ready to go, with the single Chum and a feature of Frank Ocean’s Super Rich Kids.2. Kid Cudi – Indicud
We’re glad he got his WZRD phase over. Now drop some Man on the Moon shit, Cudder.1. ScHoolBoy Q – Oxymoron
Q has mentioned his competition with label mate, Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick dropped Section.80 in 2011, then Q topped it with Habits & Contradictions in 2012. In 2012, Kendrick blew us away with good kid m.A.A.d City, so we are expecting big things from Q’s upcoming album.