great musicComplex's 25 Most Anticipated Albums of 2011
great musicComplex's 25 Most Anticipated Albums of 2011
#25. Saigon, The Greatest Story Never Told
Release date: February 15
Likelihood of release: Highly likely
Producers: Just Blaze, DJ Corbett, Kanye West, Buckwild
Collaborations: Jay-Z, Faith Evans, Q-Tip, FatMan Scoop, Marsha Ambrosios, Joe Budden
What we know: After a million and one false starts, this album is finally happening. Saigon is no longer constrained by a major label and he’s been busy making moves promoting his album with videos and leaks. We know there are still plenty of skeptics out there, but we’re willing to confirm that this album exists because we actually heard it. Just yesterday, Sai dropped the title track from the album leading us to believe that the February 15 date is for real. We’ve been waiting four years to hear this story, so it better be a good one. Meanwhile, Papoose's The Nacirema Dream? No said date.
#24. The Strokes, TBD
Release date: March 2011
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: Joe Chicarelli (U2, Beck)
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: The garage rock revival of the early Aughts is long over, and while we may have moved on to bigger, brighter trends (yay synths!), there's one relic from that era that still delights fans to this day: The Strokes. Word of the band's fourth album, the follow up to 2006's First Impressions of Earth, broke in early 2009. Since then, there's been a lot of waiting with bated breath for every bit of news as the band chugged along on the LP, all while reasserting themselves on the festival circuit. With the album's completion announced at the end of November, fans of their post-modern New York rock are just months away from another saga in the band's history and a shot in the arm of simple, powerful rock and roll. Long live the kings.
#23. Raekwon, Shaolin vs Wu-Tang
Release date: March 8
Likelihood of release: Highly likely
Producers: Scram Jones, Sean C & LV, The Alchemist
Collaborations: Method Man, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck
What we know: After riding the wave of one of the best albums of 2009, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II, Chef teamed up with his Wu brethren Method Man and Ghostface Killah for their Wu-Massacre project last March. From there, he stayed all over everyone's iPod by collaborating with everyone from Lloyd Banks to Kanye West, and even Justin Bieber. His verse on Kanye's "Gorgeous" was classic, and left us eager to hear what he's got up his sleeve. We may or may not have totally heard this album already (wink, wink), but we’re willing to say that we’re looking for Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang to not only satisfy the long-time Wu fans, but take full advantage of the new ears that are just tuning in.
#22. Curren$y, Muscle Car Chronicle/Pilot Talk 3/Covert Coupe
Release date: 1st Quarter/May/3rd Quarter
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: Sean O'Connell/Ski Beatz/The Alchemist
Collaborations: J.E.T.S.
What we know:: Curren$y's work ethic can be matched by few of his peers. Last year, Spitta built on the buzz he had garnered from working with Wiz Khalifa, Damon Dash, and his DD172 family by dropping Pilot Talk in July, taking a few months to reload, and then dropping the excellent Pilot Talk II in November. Having already released yet another mixtape to start the year with Return To The Winner's Circle, Curren$y has got three projects lined up that are definitely worth checking out. Ski Beatz already let us know that Pilot Talk III and Muscle Car Chronicle are on the way. We expect PTIII to pick up where the last one left off with smooth, laid-back rhymes and beats from Ski. Meanwhile, Muscle Car Chronicle has Spitta rocking with folk artist Sean O’Connell and Covert Coupe has him teaming up with The Alchemist, giving a fresh take on Curren$y's carefully crafted style.
#21. Toro Y Moi, Underneath The Pine
Release date: February 22
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: N/A
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: Chaz Bundick is just following the buzz band formula. He made some noise with singles in 2009 and helped start the "chillwave" genre, released a great album in early 2010, then spent the rest of the year on touring, side projects, and EPs. Now it's time for the 24-year-old California-by-way-of-South-Carolina kid to really prove his worth and make it through the sophomore struggle where so many buzzed-about bands meet their death. He didn't make this album on a laptop, opting for a real studio this time around, a move that proved successful for Wavves last year. While Chaz talks about how he's influenced by Drake and Roscoe Dash, his album art evokes the sexual imagery of '70s rock stars, and half of the last LP sounded like New Jack Swing on acid. Plus, the first single "Still Sound" is currently on repeat. Yeah, we're excited.
#20. Travis Barker, Give The Drummer Some
Release date: February 22
Likelihood of release: Most likely
Producers: Travis Barker
Collaborations: RZA, Raekwon, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz, Lupe Fiasco, The Cool Kids, Slash, Bun B, Tom Morello, Corey Taylor
What we know:: You may know Travis Barker as the man behind the skins for legendary pop-punk outfit Blink-182, but the drumming machine also wants you to recognize him as a solo threat, so he's gone ahead and readied his first solo album, Give the Drummer Some. If you're expecting Blink-esque punk, there's bound to be some of that, but the core of the album sees Barker hook up with several hip-hop heavyweights, including RZA, Raekwon, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz, and Lupe Fiasco. Mix in rock influences courtesy of Tom Morello and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor and you have a rap-rock hybrid that actually sounds like a good idea.
#19. Lady Gaga, Born This Way
Release date: May 23
Likelihood of release: Highly likely
Producers: Unknown
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: After destroying the charts with The Fame (and subsequently The Fame Monster), Lady Gaga is ready to stick her meat-covered nails into our souls with her second full-length LP. Born This Way is slated hit to stores on May 23, and Gaga is already promising that this will be the record of the decade. The first single, also titled "Born This Way," drops on February 13, and if her last two projects are any indication, the pop princess could very well rule the planet by year's end. Democracy is so overrated anyways.
#18. Nas, The Lost Tapes 2
Release date: Whenever he stops fighting with Def Jam
Likelihood of release: Not very likely
Producers: Unknown
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: With The Lost Tapes, Nas may have been clearing out the vaults, but it’s still one of the most significant releases in his catalog. Mostly because it helped redeem him for his late-90s shortcomings by proving that he didn’t really fall off and he had quality records stashed away. After a rough 2010 where he fell into debt, had his marriage fall apart, and got into a feud with his label (which led to him penning the infamous letter to Def Jam), we’re hoping The Lost Tapes 2 can redeem Nas once again. Originally planned for a December 2010 release, it now looks like fans are going to get double for their money when they purchase his next solo project, as he hopes to include TLT2 as a bonus disc.
#17. Tennis, Cape Dory
Release date: January 18
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producer: N/A
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: Arcade Fire's Win Butler and Regine Chassagne currently stand as the Jay-Z and Beyonce of indie rock, but Tennis is the scene's next hot married couple. Last year, Best Coast updated '60s surf rock and scored one of 2010's best albums. Tennis takes it even further back, channeling '50s lounge rock, and the results are impressive. The Denver duo of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore took an eight-month break to travel the Atlantic coast, and as they're both musicians, naturally made music along the way. "Marathon" caught our attention last year, and we're already playing this advance copy of Cape Dory front to back. Watch the band named after the sport we played when didn't make the football team take over the indie scene in 2011.
#16. Ghostface Killah, Supreme Clientele 2
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: It's possible
Producers: Unknown
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: Ghost only recently confirmed that he’s working on a sequel to his classic sophomore set, but we’re excited already. In 2009, his partner-in-rhyme Raekwon dropped Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II—an album that was not only a sequel to a classic, but a worthy sequel. We’re hoping Ghost can follow Rae’s lead and the Wu-Tang empire can strike once again. Although very few details about the project have emerged thus far, the name alone carries a lot of weight for us. Mainly because a lot of rappers these days are like zitti, and Ghost spits that strawberry kiwi.
#15. Radiohead, TBD
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: Maybe
Producers: N/A
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: Don't let Thom Yorke's eccentric behavior fool you; he's a master businessman. Without even hearing a single note, Yorke and the boys of Radiohead have whipped fans into a frenzy with updates regarding the band's follow up to 2007's In Rainbows. We doubt the album's completed, but drummer Philip Selway told us they've started working on it. The band's teased fans by offering up a couple film soundtracks by Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, and a concert film from their recent gig in Haiti. No other band has this much sway with such little output, but it's time to stop playing hard to get—we need that new shit.
#14. The Wizard's debut album
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: Probably
Producers: Kid Cudi, Dot Da Genius, RATATAT
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: Cudi dropped his excellent sophomore album Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager last November, a sequel album that was darker than its predecessor. But despite two stellar albums, Cudder says he has lost his desire to rap, but not his desire to make music. Dot Da Genius let us know that him and Cudi were teaming up to form a rock outfit known as The Wizard. The album will have Cudi picking up a guitar and attempting a project even more ambitious than his first two, by opting to make rock records with his RATATAT bandmates. As Cudi continues to expand upon his tendencies as an artist to make genre-blending, melodic music, we expect less rapping, and more of the wizardry from Kanye's favorite living artist.
#13. Lil B, TBD
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: Cloudy with chance of meatballs *Does the cooking dance*
Producers: Soulja Boy, Young L
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: We don't hide our appreciation for Lil B's unique approach to rap music over here. Whether it's his larger-than-life personality or hilariously vulgar songs, the Berkeley, California native has crafted a solid niche for himself via a tireless grassroots grind, but 2011 is the year his music will reach the masses. It's true that B just signed with Amalgam Digital, but he's only using that lane to release upcoming mixtapes (Angels Exodus, Glass Face) in a more official manner. The Based God is saving his true debut album for a major label release. The hooks, intrigue, and dare we say, swag heard on even his most underground records show serious pop potential, and call us crazy, but when a major is smart enough to sign him, we're willing to bet his LP delivers.
#12. Lykke Li, Wounded Rhymes
Release date: March 1
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: Peter Bjorn and John
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: Ah, an album with actual details. Undoubtedly, the image of Sweden's Lykke Li brings about descriptions like "gentle," but for her sophomore LP, Wounded Rhymes, Lykke Li wants to be in your face.The songbird says the album's mood will be much darker than 2008's Youth Novels. She told Pitchfork that she wants to be "amongst the men, topless, throwing things onstage.” Yes, please. Her first single, the aptly titled "Get Some," should be proof of just that; already remixed by the likes of Beck and the Beastie Boys' Mike D, the provocative jam is an impressive first step towards what we predict will be a bangin' album.
#11. J. Cole, Cole World
Release date: March 2011
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: J. Cole, Elite, No I.D.
Collaborations: Jay-Z
What we know: After watching his peers Drake and Kid Cudi shoot to stardom, J. Cole is looking to make some serious noise this year. In 2010, he dropped bangers like “Who Dat” and acclaimed mixtapes like Villematic and Friday Night Lights. But they seemed like moves made solely to keep the lights on as Cole held his fans down with something small as he put together his debut album. Thanks to Jay-Z’s co-sign and Roc Nation’s support, we’ve all become aware of Cole’s potential. We’re just waiting for him to deliver the goods because we can tell Young Simba has got more roar in him then he’s letting out.
#10. Cut Copy, Zonoscope
Release date: February 8
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: N/A
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: It's been a while, but the Australian act behind 2004's Bright Like Neon Love and 2008's In Ghost Colours is finally back with a new LP. Cut Copy locked themselves in a Melbourne warehouse, recorded the album, and filmed the process. A few singles dropped along with some videos, (they premiered one of the chapters with us). What we've heard so far sounds like a departure from the synth-heavy sound that's dominated previous releases, and while not as immediately endearing, it's hard to count these guys out. We prefer when artists swim upstream.
#9. Lupe Fiasco, Lasers
Release date: March 8
Likelihood of release: Probably
Producers: Kane Beatz, Matthew Santos, Lupe Fiasco
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: When we spoke to Lupe back in September, it seemed like Lasers would be stuck in limbo forever and never be released. But Lupe’s fans finally got fed up and started a petition for the album’s release, and the next thing you know Lupe is all "buddy buddy" with Atlantic Records President Julie Greenwald. Then, much to our surprise, the album actually got a release date. According to Lupe, Lasers has already been done for years. So we figure as long as the Atlantic situation is straight, Lupe—who has always been a supremely talented artist anyhow—should be able to put his album out with relative ease.
#8. Pusha T's G.O.O.D. Music debut album
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: Likely
Producers: Kanye West, Bangladesh, The Neptunes
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: Last July, Pusha sent the rap world into a frenzy after hinting at a possible affiliation with Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music team. Eventually Pusha did indeed get down with Ye’s squad and since then he’s graced a multitude of records with his new G.O.O.D. Music family, and caught some major looks with appearances alongside Kanye West on Saturday Night Live and the MTV Video Music Awards. His first outings without brother Malice, his solo mixtape Fear Of God as well as his solo debut album, are both still on the way. But with an assortment of talented artists surrounding him (including Bangladesh) expect nothing less than bangers from the braided half of the Clipse.
#7. Santigold, TBD
Release date: May 2011
Likelihood of release: Most likely
Producers: Unknown
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: If you made an argument that Santigold's self-titled debut (back when her name was Santogold; lawsuit) was the best album of 2008, not everyone would agree, but no one would think you were crazy. The New Wave-infused pop classics Santi crafted wound up in a gang of movies, TV shows, and commercials—and never got corny (like this season's omnipresent "Holiday" by Vampire Weekend). Absolutely no details about her next project have surfaced, but her team insists it's coming this year. We'll take the quiet approach, rather than hype and delays. As long as Santi's follow-up shows up and blows us away like we expect it to, we're good.
#6. Rick Ross, God Forgives, I Don't
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: Most likely
Producers: Lex Luger
Collaborations: Drake
What we know: Coming off the best album of his career, the Teflon Don is feeling invincible. We may still find Officer Rickey jokes hilarious, but musically he has put it behind him and we’ve all come to accept the fact he’s just going to act like it never happened until he dies. No matter, Ross has come into his own in the past few years by proving himself as a worthy lyricist and an artist with an excellent ear for beats. Ross confirmed the album would be coming soon just the other day (literally) and he’s already got a hot track with Drake out called “Made Men." If that song serves as any indication to what God Forgives will sound like, then we’re guessing Ross is due for another win.
#5. Wiz Khalifa, TBD
Release date: TBD
Likelihood of release: Definitely
Producers: Stargate, Lex Luger
Collaborations: N/A
What we know: We’ve all seen how a dedicated fanbase and a huge Internet presence can lead to dismal sales (sorry Soulja!), but Wiz has a legitimate Top 10 hit on his hands right now with “Black and Yellow.” We wish he had an album ready to go right now, but even if he doesn’t it’s all good. Wiz established himself last year as the next big thing with his excellent Kush and Orange Juice. His current smash has opened up a lot of ears so we know people will be way more receptive to his next single. If he can score another big record, he’ll be good to go and every bandwagon jumper you know will swear they were always reppin' that Taylor Gang.
#4. Dr. Dre, Detox
Release date: 1st quarter
Likelihood of release: We swear it's gonna happen
Producers: Dr. Dre, DJ Khalil, Scott Storch, Alex Da Kid
Collaborations: Snoop Dogg, Akon, Eminem, Skylar Grey, Nas, Game
What we know: Yeah we know Detox has been appearing on Most Anticipated Albums Lists for over a decade, but this time we honestly feel like it’ll actually come out. Mostly because for the first time, Dre has an actual single out, which he shot a video for, and has done some promotion for. And yeah, that single is “Kush.” Say whatever you want about that record (or Dre’s lack of real smash hits these past five years), but this is still a Dr. Dre album we’re talking about. And he’s still one of (if not the) greatest producers in the history of hip-hop. So let us all just wait and see what the good doc has to offer.
#3. Drake, Take Care
Release date: March or April
Likelihood of release: Highly likely
Producers: 40, Boi-1da, T-Minus, 9th Wonder, DJ Premier
Collaborations: T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake
What we know: Drake topped this list last year. And after delivering his first album Thank Me Later in June, Drake established himself as one of the premier artists in hip-hop. The question behind Take Care is if he can avoid the sophomore slump. To his credit, after the hysteria behind Thank Me Later calmed down in the latter half of 2010, Drake stayed on the charts by bodying verses on some of the biggest pop records in the country, including Rihanna's "What's My Name" and Chris Brown's "Deuces (Remix)." Throughout January Drake will be on a European tour with his "In The Morning" co-star, J. Cole, but look for him to get back into the studio shortly thereafter to start readying his second highly-anticipated album release.
#2. Kanye West & Jay-Z, Watch The Throne
Release date: March 1st
Likelihood of release: Highly likely
Producers: Kanye West
Collaborations: Unknown
What we know: Kanye had an absolutely stellar 2010, marked by lyrical beatdowns, memorable Twitter rants, and the best album of the year. Jay, on the other hand, had more of a working vacation—he didn’t drop a new album, but he did drop a book and he killed a number of guest features. Despite the legendary status of both of these icons, and their incredible track record together, this record is the runner-up simply because Weezy's home! However, if and when this does drop, we’ll still be the first to cop.
#1. Lil Wayne, Tha Carter IV
Release date:
Likelihood of release:
Producers:
Collaborations:
What we know:more moneyTha Carter IIIRebirthI Am Not A Human Being