Today really is Nicki Minaj’s day, but — in addition to what I hope turns out to be a great new album from Hip-Hop’s current reigning queen — don’t forget about these other gems that dropped today:

Nicki Minaj – Queen

Image credit: Young Money/Cash Money Records

After some odd delays, Nicki Minaj has returned. Below lies Queen, the fourth (that’s it?) studio album from the New York Pop star, which sees a whopping 19 tracks (streaming era standard) and appearances from Eminem, Labrinth, Lil Wayne (“Rich Sex”), Ariana Grande (“Bed”), The Weeknd, Swae Lee, upcoming tourmate Future and — wait for it — freakin’ Foxy Brown, an interesting collab given Lil Kim and Remy Ma‘s own recent connections on wax. The big question here: will she hold her own in sales-wise after Cardi B’s own big debut? Does that even matter?

Trippie Redd – Life’s A Trip

Image credit: TenThousand Projects, LLC

Fresh from his inclusion into XXL’s Freshman circle, Ohio star Trippie Redd is finally delivering a debut album (even though it’s hard not to consider his Love Letter series of that caliber). Titled Life’s A Trip, the project — which sees only 14 songs despite Trippie initially saying there would be 26 — also sees appearances from Travis Scott (“Dark Knight Dummo”), Young Thug, Reese LAFLARE and Diplo (for their collaboration “Wish,” which originally appeared on Diplo’s California EP). Check it out below.

AD – Regional Departure

Image credit: 2CC Baby/Swish MGMT/League Of Starz

Don’t sleep on Compton’s AD: the rising star has been dropping quality tunes for most of this decade (I’m still bumping Last Of The 80’s with Sorry JayNari). Today, he delivers a new album titled Regional Departure, which sees 12 tracks and appearances from Maxo Kream (“From The Blocc”), Kap G, Mozzy, Eric Bellinger, Kid Ink and Snap Dogg. Press play below.

Nef The Pharaoh – The Big Chang Theory

Image credit: KILFMB/Sick Wid It/EMPIRE

More West Coast slaps — this time, we head to the Bay area for Nef The Pharaoh‘s new album The Big Chang Theory, the presumed follow-up to last year’s The Change Project (also, Porter2Grape — his EP collab with 03 Greedo — just dropped last month). The Big Chang Project sees 14 tracks and additional appearances from DeJ Loaf, Cuban Doll, OMB Peezy and more.

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#ad #Nef the Pharaoh #Nicki Minaj #trippie redd

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.