2012 was a paramount year for hip-hop music. Fresh faces to the rap game like churned out classic albums () while a legend like had the streets buzzing with his critically acclaimed release “Life is Good.” Now, 2013 is shaping up to be a great year for rap releases. We can expect music from heavyweights like Jay-Z, Drake, J.Cole and more. Here are our most anticipated hip-hop albums of 2013.
Drake — TBA, TBA
When released “Take Care” in 2011 to explosive praise, it was clear that rap has a new favorite golden child. Drake used 2012 to move from Toronto to L.A. and churn out hot feature verses for rap friends . Word is, he’s been writing his material for his as yet untitled third LP and truthfully, we can’t wait.
Rick Ross — “Mastermind,” TBA
showed the game who is boss last year with the release of “God Forgives I Don’t” and the reviews were rave. The Miami titan tends to do everything with grandeur (his Instagram handle is “richforever,” naturally), so 2013 isn’t likely to be any different. Recently a trailer for his latest project “Mastermind” popped up on the internet and it promises to be a hot one.
J. Cole — “Born Sinner,” first quarter 2013
Fans couldn’t be more eager for the release of “Born Sinner,” the album slated for a first quarter release from . His debut, “Cole World,” was released in September of last year after what seemed like an eternity of waiting. Cole is known for his realistic rhymes and confident flow so “Born Sinner” will no doubt prove an excellent listen.
Dr. Dre — Detox, TBA
Every seven years or so the discussion about when “Detox” — the vault protected urban legend of an album from — will be released. In 2013, though, the album just might see the light of day. The rap world clamored for more after hearing Dre’s verse on “3 Kings,” the Jay-Z assisted track on Rick Ross’ “God Forgives I Don’t” and judging by his determined flow, we just might get more.
Joe Budden — “No Love Lost,” Feb. 2
stock has gone up tremendously. The New Jersey rapper is starring in VH-1’s “Love and Hip-Hop” and riding high off the acclaim from his Black Friday released mixtape, “A Loose Quarter.” Expect him to detail the growth and the gripes all on “No Love Lost,” slated for a Feb. 2 release.
50 Cent — “Street King Immortal,” Feb. 26
When released “Get Rich or Die Trying,” the landscape of rap was forever changed. Igniting beef and strife among fellow rappers was trendy again and 50 was right in the thick of it, going against Ja Rule, Fat Joe and anyone else standing in his way. Hard to believe that was a decade ago. 50 Cent has gone on to grow his business acumen and hone his rap skills. “Street King Immortal,” his latest LP, will be released 10 years to the day of his first debut on Feb. 26.
Schoolboy Q — “Oxymoron,” TBA
Schoolboy Q was an easy underground rap favorite in 2012. The Kendrick Lamar, Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate toured with his comrades, put out a lyrically classic album with “Habits and Contradictions” and refined his sound. We should expect even more tongue twisting rhymes and intricate verses on his 2013 release, “Oxymoron.”
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Ru Johnson is an arts and culture music writer living in Denver. You can follow her on
