If the Internet has changed one thing in the music business, it is the speed at which new hip hop artists can establish their careers. An influx of young performers have built their names in the field over the past decade, with figures such as Lil B and the Odd Future collective essentially breaking through to mainstream success on the back of social networks and sites like Youtube. (Lil B has had a particularly large effect on mainstream culture after bombarding Youtube with hundreds of self-produced music videos.) According to industry leaders Plugged Network, for many new rap fans the new high-speed music industry is creating a feeling of anticipation, especially as new hip hop artists establish themselves alongside big names in the business like Kanye West and Jay-Z. Indeed, the next few months should see a big mix of long-established acts and new voices hitting the charts head-on. Here are just a few upcoming albums that we can’t wait to hear.
1. Flying Lotus — “You’re Dead!” (Warp Records, October 7th)
Bridging the worlds of electronic music and hip hop and featuring appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and no less than jazz-fusion legend Herbie Hancock, “You’re Dead!” is likely to be a break-out release of 2014. Flying Lotus (the performing name of Steven Ellison) has earned fans across the spectrum of popular music; artists such as Thom Yorke of Radiohead routinely praise Ellison’s work in interviews.
2. Lil Wayne — “Tha Carter V” (Various labels, October 28th)
One of the most important hip hop artists in recent memory, Lil Wayne seems ready to expand his sound on this new release. Lil Wayne is commonly regarded as one of the greatest rappers ever, and with appearances by superstar Drake on this album, Wayne is likely to continue his domination of both hip hop radio and the record market.
3. GZA — “Dark Matter” (Release information not published)
One of the most talented members of the Wu Tang Clan, GZA seems to be a musical genius whose “Liquid Swords” LP has established him as a major figure in music for two decades. “Dark Matter” is likely to add to his reputation.
4. Earl Sweatshirt — Title Unknown (Release information not published)
Alongside Tyler the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt is one of the best known artists to come out of the Los Angeles-based Odd Future group, who had a truly breathtaking ascent into popular culture in 2010. Still a new artist, the young rapper is headed for make-or-break time as he builds on the reputation he established with his “EARL” solo LP of 2010.
5. J Dilla — “The Diary” (Release information not published)
Having tragically passed away in 2006, the Detroit producer/rapper J Dilla is now recognized as a musical genius. If it at all sounds like his best work, this posthumous album will likely amaze both long-time fans and new converts.
6. Kanye West — Title Unknown (Release information not published)
While his bizarre public behavior has given him a reputation as a true eccentric, Kanye West is usually given a pass by the public due to the excellence of his music. If West continues to grow by the leaps and bounds his career has taken over the last ten years, his forthcoming release will likely be something special.
7. Pharrell Williams and Mac Miller — “Pink Slime” (Release information not published)
With a talent for composing musical hooks that rivals that of even the great songwriters of the past, Pharrell Williams has seen a major comeback in the last few years, bizarre headwear aside. If Williams’ production work for artists like Daft Punk and Clipse is up to his usual standard on this release, Pharrell and Miller may produce some of the biggest hits of the year.
8. Waka Flocka Flame — “Flockaveli 2” (Release information not published)
Along with Odd Future and Lil B, Atlanta artist Waka Flocka Flame developed his career in the hyper-competitive market of social media mixtapes and Youtube promotion at the dawn of this new decade. Whether he’ll build a legacy out of his unique work will be the major takeaway from his forthcoming third album, “Flackaveli 2.”
With so many major artists scheduling releases in the coming months, this may just be an important time for music. It’s anyone guess which artists will come out on top, but with this level of talent hitting the charts it’s likely to be an exciting period of time for hip hop.
