The 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2012
By Julian Pereira, Andrew Martin, Jacob Moore | Jan 6, 2012 | 3:39 pm | Permalink
Last year was a great year for music lovers. There was a revival in R&B, a slew of great new independent acts, and some intriguing rappers coming out of nowhere to make a big splash in the hip-hop world. We also saw some heavy-hitters and dearly missed industry veterans get back into the studio and create some of the best work of their careers. All of which has us salivating in anticipation for what 2012 may hold in store for our booming systems.
With so many exciting projects on the way, it can be tough to keep track of everything and make sure nothing slips past your radar. But fret not; Complex has got your back.
We went extra-hard on the research as we put together this list of The 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2012. That's right—25 just won't cut it this year. These are all of the projects that we consider worthy of the hype. To guard against wishful thinking, we've also included out best estimate as to the likelihood of each album actually being released this year. (And no, we're not falling for that Detox okey doke any more.) Our calendars are marked and we couldn't be more impatient—so take a look inside to see why we're hoping that 2012 will be music's best year ever.
jhon January 6th, 2012 at 04:24 PM
the most anticipated album is MADONNA OK!
Ghost February 4th, 2012 at 05:12 PM
Check out our new single YOLO: You Only Love Once - Lysick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6jm30MM9rA
Sam January 6th, 2012 at 04:27 PM
How can you have Jay, Em, Ross, Ye, Cudi, and a rookie with two live performances in the top ten and the legend Nas at thirty seven? Especially when he's been on fire since Distant Relatives as you nicely mentioned. Just sayin.
London Calling January 6th, 2012 at 04:43 PM
Because Nas isn't as big a star as he once was.
Jay-z really? January 6th, 2012 at 05:13 PM
I agree ^ how can Nas be 37? you obviously have a hard on for Jay-Z n Kanye...
suckitmarshall January 7th, 2012 at 08:10 PM
You guys are oblivious to reality, right? Nas is a great artist. A great artist who loses fans every day. He was one in rap's elite and now? Despite still making fine music, he's a B-level draw. Look at the venues he performs in and compare them to The Throne. We all love Nas, but be real with yourself.
Vinone January 10th, 2012 at 01:29 PM
But at least Nas.Com should be on there...
Ricktash January 13th, 2012 at 04:10 PM
You can't say nas has been starting to spit "lately". He has never fallen off or lost skill, hip hop is dead and untitled were meaningful and lyrical. I do agree nas should be higher, but i just think this album is going to be his return to mainstream success. it doesnt matter about where you play and what venues you perform at, what matters is the quality of music and the album you put forth, which is why he should be top ten if not first.
vinone January 10th, 2012 at 01:38 PM
"Excuse the vulgarity, I’m still not fully adjusted Or used to the new fans hearin’ me spit rapidly I never see the whips niggas be claimin’ they drivin’ I guess entertainment means blatantly lyin’ Fake it ’til you make it, I’ve driven those toys Been in the wars, in the streets, cops kickin’ in doors For my deen niggas, your flow cheap as limousine liquor I’m no fake rap CD listener Sit back and roll a mean swisher For my Gs, tell these clowns make room for the king, nigga" This is from his own mouth and says it pretty well.
sean January 6th, 2012 at 04:28 PM
How the hell is Linkin Park not on there?
Mark January 6th, 2012 at 05:17 PM
Exactly what I was thinking! Where is Linkin Park?
Young Scuba January 7th, 2012 at 03:51 AM
Because Linkin Park hasn't been Linkin Park since 2004
hotboxin83 January 12th, 2012 at 04:44 PM
im srry but kudi is not tht good nd idk y it would b tht anticipated. Also wtf r some of those no name people nd wiz should b up there higher nd i agree with the linkiin park statement they suck now.
You sound Stupid January 28th, 2012 at 01:53 PM
Cudi not good? You sound stupid.
Tim January 6th, 2012 at 04:35 PM
I don't think any one but the most hard core, blinkered fans are anticipating what The Killers, Bloc Party, and Eminem have to deliver any more. The xx, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey and Rick Ross are the ones actually creating quality music that could easily surprise anyone and everyone.
haha January 10th, 2012 at 12:44 PM
hahahahaha yeah rick ross what a talent
Luke January 29th, 2012 at 09:21 AM
Agreed^ that guys credability just faceplanted after using the name Rick Ross in that context! >_
buhuru January 6th, 2012 at 04:36 PM
FYI Switch is out of Major Lazer now. Check it.
andrew January 6th, 2012 at 04:48 PM
Link? I am not finding that anywhere.
Buhuru January 6th, 2012 at 08:04 PM
SkerritBoy and Dave Taylor are both out. Tweet at @diplo and ask him
james January 6th, 2012 at 04:56 PM
where the fuck is Cudi's MOTM:3 that shit will be a classic
Wat January 8th, 2012 at 05:20 AM
MOTM 3 is slated to be released sometime in the last three months of this year. Can't wait for it.
Martin Luther Bling January 6th, 2012 at 05:09 PM
More Jay-Z/Kanye West dicksucking. Woo hoo.
curt January 6th, 2012 at 05:20 PM
Most anticipated album is Andre 3000 solo album, Big Boi second solo album and Outkasts new album
Viktor January 10th, 2012 at 01:01 PM
Are you serious? I thought they split up for good? Can you link a source, because this is the best news ive heard for AGES
Anonymous January 24th, 2012 at 09:21 PM
Shit's been around for the longest time. Andre's taking really long on his end. Big Boi wowed everyone 1.5 years ago, and is prob gonna wow everyone again when his 2nd album comes out this year. Probably gonna come out before Andre's first at this rate.
Arron Saunders January 6th, 2012 at 05:20 PM
Where da hell is Meek Mill on this list Asap Rocky has nothing on radio n Meek has been played nationally the past 3 years n Imma Boss is def certified plat by now as well as previous singles pleas read this comment n go over list
ragnarok January 26th, 2012 at 04:43 PM
It is because A$AP is a better rapper than meek mill though he can spit.
Aziz January 6th, 2012 at 05:30 PM
Some pretty anonymous people are there... But where is CHAMILLIONAIRE?? His POSION album is set to drop in 2011
Drewtheman84 January 6th, 2012 at 06:25 PM
anonymous? There is not one act in the 50 that I haven't at least HEARD of
Johnny Gonzalez January 8th, 2012 at 05:26 PM
I know righttttttt!!!! King Koopa all dayyyyy!!!! Cham is going 2 come back strong!!!!! MAJOR PAINNNNNNNNNN