Make no mistake, this year has served up some damn good Hip-Hop albums thus far, from Migos to J. Cole and everything in between (Nipsey Hussle still holds the 2018 crown, in my opinion). Even polarizing artists like Kodak Black, NBA Youngboy, XXXTentacion and — dare I even say, for the sake of argument — 6ix9ine have been joining their peers on the charts with solid releases. There’s plenty more where that came from, too: A$AP Rocky (who just barely missed the below list, thanks to recent developments), Childish Gambino, Drake and more look to keep the party going.

For this post, I decided to reveal some albums that have either been in the works a little longer than the masses would like or (SPOILER) seemingly disappeared at the snap of Thanos’ fingers with half of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Either way, 2018 would be an excellent time to let these bodies of work fly.

Ab-Soul – Longterm 3

A post shared by Ab-Soul (@souloho3) on Jun 4, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT

Now, hear me out on this one: I know this is a bit of a curve-ball, but what better time to receive this than now? Back in 2016, Ab-Soul revealed to the Rap Radar podcast that his highly-coveted Longterm series would be four installments deep — the third would be coming soon and the fourth would be his last album. Longterm 2 dropped 8 years ago, and an album off-shoot — Longterm Mentality — arrived a year later. Given that it’s also been 2 years since Do What Thou Wilt., I’d say that 2018 is the year for another Soul release.

[SIDENOTE: We know that Jay Rock is dropping soon…it would be nice to get some new Isaiah Rashad and ScHoolboy Q as well.]

Pusha T’s King Push (And All Of The GOOD Music Albums That Kanye Promised, Really)

A post shared by Pusha T (@kingpush) on Feb 16, 2017 at 6:44am PST

Yes, I know. You either hate Kanye West, or you really hate Kanye West. With that said, I simply can’t help it: prior to his return to MAGA land, he revealed that he would be producing and dropping albums by Pusha T, Teyana Taylor and freakin’ Nas over the next couple of months. In addition: not only would he be delivering his own follow-up to The Life Of Pablo, but he’d also be liberating a Kids See Ghost joint album with Kid CuDi. Please ‘Ye: Pusha T is supposed to be out this Friday. I hope you’re on schedule in Wyoming.

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter V

A post shared by Lil Wayne (@liltunechi) on Apr 2, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT

Nicki Minaj and Drake are dropping their fourth and fifth albums, respectively, this June. As both artists have remained relatively consistent with their releases, their Young Money boss — Lil Wayne — has literally seen his career in park since 2013’s I Am Not A Human Being II. All that’s happened since is a rather ugly legal and personal battle between Weezy and surrogate father Birdman (there was the Free Weezy Album in 2015, but whether or not it deserves to even count is debatable…also, Dedication 6). A couple of years ago, the New Orleans veteran spoke of a forthcoming album titled Funeral; with that said, everyone is still waiting for the now-mythical Carter V project…the very project that Birdman promised is finally coming. Given that the two have been rather cozy recently, it’s hopeful that the long-awaited album will see the light of day soon.

Travis Scott – Astroworld

A post shared by flame (@travisscott) on Mar 6, 2018 at 2:57pm PST

So, Wikipedia states that this project is expected to drop Friday. If so, it would be a day to rejoice, given that Travis Scott had promised that Astroworld would arrive last year. Now, that isn’t to say the artist-producer hasn’t been blessing his fans with tunes: December’s Huncho Jack — Scott’s collaborative release with Migos‘ Quavo — has been keeping the fans fed this year. With that said, if Astroworld is anything like Scott’s top tier Rodeo and Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight, then I know that it would be of an entirely different caliber…”Watch” is certainly a good sign of things to come. Plus, maybe we’ll get a heartful tribute to daughter (with Kylie Jenner) Stormi.

50 Cent – Street King Immortal

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent) on Jan 22, 2018 at 5:19pm PST

Animal Ambition, Power, The Kanan Tape, Den Of Thieves…50 Cent‘s been working. Hell, he even beat his bankruptcy case like it owed him money. But seriously, it’s been since 2011 at least — when the hell is Street King Immortal dropping? Get the strap.

HONORABLE MENTION: T.I. – The Dime Trap

A post shared by TIP (@troubleman31) on May 1, 2018 at 6:27pm PDT

I loved Us Or Else, but if there’s a better way to truly remind people who invented Trap music (outside of complaining about it in interviews and social media), I don’t know it.

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#50 Cent #AB-soul #Kanye West #kid cudi #kids see ghost #Lil' Wayne #Nas #Pusha T #T.I.#teyana taylor #travis scott

Posted By

Jon Powell

Currently working as Senior Editor of RESPECT. Magazine, I (Jon Powell) have 10 years experience in digital and print media -- this includes writing, photography and video editing production. I have worked extensively in Washington, D.C. and London, England and specialise in urban music and culture.