2014 had some great albums. Despite everyone saying it was the weakest year for Hip-Hop in ages, these past twelve months gave us some pretty good bodies of work. With that being said, there is a lot to look forward to in 2015. Some of the culture’s biggest names are in all out album mode and their release dates are just around the corner. Take a look at the top five albums that we’re excited for in the coming year.

5. Lupe Fiasco

Lupe has been through a lot of trials and tribulations over the past couple years. He has had friends locked up, relatives pass away, nationwide criticism, label woes, the list really goes on and on. For Lupe, this upcoming album, titled Tetsuo & Youth, will be almost therapeutic in a sense. It will be his last LP on Atlantic Records before he either switches sides or goes independent so expect there to be no holds barred. On top of that, Lupe has been rapping his ass off lately which makes us wonder if this album could perhaps top his triumphant debut. Look for it in stores on January 20th and check out one of the singles below.

4. A$AP Rocky

Rocky has been laying low for a minute now. His debut album Long.Live.A$AP dropped back in January, 2013 and he has kind of been missing in action since. Sure, his sophomore album gave enough more than enough juice to last a year but we’re coming up on 24 months without anything new from Flacko. Luckily, he dropped the first single/song/promo for his follow up entitled “Multiply”. The track gives us a perfect sneak peek as to what his upcoming album will sound like. He brings that classic rapid fire delivery mixed with swaggy lines about upper echelon living. Expect to hear a some edgier beats from Rocky on this one though as he has been producing a lot of his own stuff lately. Peep the track below and see for yourself.

3. Kendrick Lamar

KDot’s sophomore LP might just be the most anticipated album of all time. The expectations for good kid, mAAd city‘s follow up are through the roof; for good reason. Kendrick is one of our culture’s most versatile, honest and talented rappers therefore, his second LP will definitely follow suit. Unlike Snoop Dogg and Ma$e, Kendrick will undoubtedly beat the sophomore slump based on the fact that he’s got a message. Don’t expect the slick talk Kendrick that we’ve seen on a few features throughout the years, instead look for a more pro-positivity Kendrick who is on a mission to uplift the people. His first single “i” has gotten lots of praise from fans and critics alike because it pays homage to the values Hip-Hop was built on. With still no release date, tracklist or second single, all we can do right now is wait.

2. Drake

Coming in at number two is Drizzy Drake’s senior album, Views From The 6. If there has been one rapper this year who has been winning non-stop, it’s Drake. Giving us a year filled with hit features and solo throwaways, it doesn’t feel like Nothing Was The Same came out over a year ago; Drake has stayed hot in these streets. Like every Drake album, it is hard to predict what we are going to get but expect to hear a more sophisticated Drake. He has played the role of timid newcomer, grateful top tier MC, and deserving God MC in past years so this time around he will be rapping at a more confident and proud manner; if that is even possible. Also, expect lots of strange sounds, flows and Canadian features. After all, things are hot up in the 6, boy.

1. Kanye West

 If there is one rapper who has always put everyone’s life on hold when he drops an album, it’s Kanye. Yeezus will be back in 2015 with his seventh solo studio album, yet to be titled. This album could literally go any which way. Who knows if he is going to bring back that Graduation flow or will he be doing essentially a Yeezus Part 2. What we do know is that he’s focused. Kanye has has had a rollercoaster past two years so expect to see an emotional Kanye on this project (is there any other kind?). As unpredictable as this album may be, we all know that the production is going to be flawless. There will be grandocious beats, scripture worthy lyrics and of course a world tour to follow.

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