Rihanna, R8
Once upon a time, Rihanna averaged an album every 12 months. With Ms Fenty, you always know what you’re getting: Total domination. She’ll run the pop charts unapologetically, sell out some monstrous tour, remain a paparazzi fixture and social media provocateur and then kill the red carpet and stages at award shows. Forget what you heard, Robin Fenty is the Queen of Pop. There have been rumours of the album dropping soon and there’s also the fact that she’s been hard at work with the likes of DJ Mustard, Ester Dean and Ne-Yo. One tracklist to surface online indicated appearances by Drake, Nicki Minaj, Big Sean and Eminem.
Kendrick Lamar, TBC
Kendrick Lamar is one of the best storytellers in hip hop at the moment. His West Coast tale is particularly important in shaping the perception of an underrepresented region. This album will also be the first offering since his 2013 declaration as the “King of New York”. While that taunt created a frenzy, Lamar went under the radar going on tour with Mr West and working on the follow up to Good Kid M.A.A.D City. He has made some late night TV appearances and released one moderately received single. The hope is that this is the album that takes Lamar from hip hop golden boy to joining the elite league. Anything short will be a grand disappointment.
Drake, Views From the 6
Over the last two years, the light skinned Canadian has been the hottest voice in rap music. Kanye West even admitted it. Aubrey recently earned a couple of Grammy nominations off what had effectively been a Soundcoud loosie. He has also shown signs of a Midas touch choosing his appearances wisely and delivering show stealing contributions. However, one under referenced take is that whilst he has dropped decent albums, there’s not been any undeniable classic. Will he finally deliver? Does he continue doing the sing rap thing or does he finally make a choice? All questions we want to see answered.