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Here at REVOLT, we’re anticipating 2020 to be a special year for hip hop. Despite some exceptional releases from spitters like YBN Cordae, Freddie Gibbs, Rapsody and many more, for several reasons, 2019 didn’t feel like a necessarily great year for rap. Kicking off a new decade, with many of our favorite artists seemingly locked and loaded with music, we’re excited about what this year will bring.
There are tons of projects we’re looking forward to hearing, but we’ve narrowed down a list highlighting 11 of the albums we’re anticipating the most. Take a look at them below and let us know what projects you want dropped in 2020, too!
Big Sean
It’s been a quiet past two years for Big Sean with his last two projects, I Decided and Double or Nothing with Metro Boomin, dropping back in 2017. With that being said, fans of Sean Don should be optimistic, as all things are pointed toward a strong return in 2020. The rapper dropped off a few appetizers at the midway point of 2019 (“Overtime,” “Single Again,” and “Bezerk”), which increased anticipation for Don Life. Looking to reposition himself in the game as an elite MC, it’d come as no surprise if Sean’s long-awaited fifth solo LP is out before 2020’s second quarter.
Megan Thee Stallion
As a new artist, Megan Thee Stallion had an excellent 2019. All of the hype surrounding her name was supported with high quality music. Her mixtape Fever was well received by fans and critics alike, further establishing her as a star. With a fast-growing brand and a couple of hit records under her belt, she has announced that her first official album will be released this year. We’re ready for it.
Kendrick Lamar
DAMN was released back in April of 2017. Since Good Kid M.a.a.d City, Kendrick has consistently taken significant time in between each project. The results? Classics. The last we’ve heard from him was a dope verse on SiR’s Chasing Summe r single “Hair Down.” Coming up on three years since we last received a full-length effort from K.Dot, odds are that we will get a project this year. The game needs it and he knows that. There’s power in anticipation, and with the quality of music that Kendrick has delivered throughout his career, it’s wise to assume it’ll be worth the wait.
Lil Uzi Vert
Eternal Atake has gotten delayed more times than we can remember. Despite the constant pushbacks, the anticipation from Uzi’s fanbase hasn’t faltered in the slightest. The already hit record “Futsal Shuffle” hit streaming platforms in mid-December, leading fans to believe that the official rollout for Eternal Atake was underway. Lil Uzi Vert is a star with a very loyal audience of listeners, who are ready to celebrate the release of his sophomore LP. Will 2020 be the year?
Childish Gambino
We’ve been waiting on Donald Glover’s final album as “Childish Gambino” for a long time now. With his many other endeavors in film, television, etc., there’s no real timetable on when we will receive this project. Gambino has come a long way in his music career, continually elevating and diversifying his sound each time out. The evolution from his early mixtapes to Camp to Because The Internet to Awaken, My Love! is nothing short of inspiring. Expectations are sky-high for his next offering, and we’re hoping 2020 is the year fans get to hear it.
Drake
Musically, Drake ran the 2010s. His run was one we hadn’t quite seen before. From start to finish, his consistency was undeniable, and even in the one or two releases that one may argue fell below their expectations, he’s yet to have a time out where he completely drops the ball. Drizzy confirmed in his latest interview with Elliott Wilson and B. Dot on the “Rap Radar” podcast that he was indeed in album mode. Rumors of a What A Time To Be Alive 2 are also starting to heat up, especially after the recent release of “Life Is Good.” As Drake enters a new chapter in his career, it will be interesting to hear his direction on a new LP.
Royce Da 5’9
The Allegory is set to be released on Feb. 21 and it will be Royce Da 5’9’s first completely self-produced album. As a lyricist, there aren’t too many names you’ll be able to run off in 2020 without mentioning the Detroit M.C. With features from the Griselda collective, CyHi The Prynce, T.I, YBN Cordae and more, it looks like we’re in for a masterclass in lyricism. Hip hop heads all over should be excited about this one.
Rapsody
Rapsody is in her prime. After dropping off the critically acclaimed Eve in 2019, which REVOLT acknowledged as the “Album of the Year,” something tells us she won’t be taking too much time away. Her projects are always well thought-out, produced and executed. But, considering her style, she’s shown the ability to work rather quickly. The MC stated in an interview with “The Breakfast Club” that she recorded 80 to 90% of Eve in just one month. With one of the best pens in rap, and Roc Nation and 9th Wonder in her corner, it feels like the best is yet to come from the Carolina representative.
Pusha T
Daytona was widely regarded as one of, if not, the best hip hop release of 2018. Recently, Push has been dropping music in small doses. So, not receiving a follow up in 2019 came as no surprise. His verses on Freddie Gibbs’ “Palmolive” and Benny The Butcher’s “18 Wheeler” proved that Pusha’s pen is still potent as ever. With another Kanye West-produced album ready to go, it’s likely another “Album of the Year” candidate could be on the way.
J. Cole
Even with no solo album, J. Cole had a very strong 2019. His Grammy-nominated single “Middle Child” sat comfortably near the top of the charts for a good portion of the year, while Dreamville’s also Grammy-nominated Revenge of The Dreamers III quietly was one of the best hip hop albums last year. Cole has been working on The Fall Off since 2016, and confirmed during his 2019 “Day N Night Festival” set that 2020 would be the year it’d see the light of day. We can’t wait.
Tierra Whack
Whack World was a musical breath of fresh air. Still a very young artist with tons of room for growth creatively, the potential is infinite for Tierra Whack. There’s no way to truly gauge what direction artistically she’ll take us on her sophomore LP, but we can’t wait to go along for the ride. Familiarize yourself with her work by listening to Whack World and her handful of loosies like “Clones” and “Unemployed” that hit the net last year.