We received an avalanche of exciting news about incoming album releases over GRAMMYs week – and we think it’s time to reevaluate the Top 10 releases we’re most excited about. Pow:
WAKA FLOCKA FLAME
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJkPNkgbkjk
Waka Flocka Flame revolutionised the trap game back in 2010 with his blazing debut Flockaveli, and is responsible for much of the genre’s newfound crossover popularity. With Flockaveli 2 slated for a release on June 1, the album is set to feature Jay Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake & 50 Cent. All signs point to this being a fucking banger that you should blast in the whip while shirtless.
ALISON WONDERLAND
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6D2mGKzzvhY
Having already sold out multiple Australian tours throughout 2014 , we think that this is the year that Alison Wonderland goes international. With a coveted performance at Coachella on the way, she’ll be releasing her debut album Run on March 20. The first single ‘U Don’t Know’ is bound to be a festival favourite, while underground torch-bearers Lido, GANZ & Djemba Djemba will appear on the album.
BRODINSKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag1NLcFQoas
Having watched Brodinski absolutely dominate hip-hop club set in 2014 (wearing gold grills, of course), we know that the Bromance don is a master of blending sounds. Having recently dropped ‘François Xavier’ with Atlanta spitter Young Scooter, we’re expecting his debut album Brava to be filled with animated vocals and abrasive, warehouse-friendly production. It arrives on March 3.
RIHANNA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt0g4dWxEBo
‘FourFiveSeconds’ is out first taste of new Rihanna in 2015, and her performance of the track at the GRAMMYs was a wonderful highlight. With Kanye West as executive producer, it’s hard to see how this could go wrong – and while you might not agree with his obnoxious antics, remember ‘Run This Town’ and his impressive arsenal of hits . This album would go down a treat with this rumoured co-headline tour.
JACKIE ONASSIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCwx8NoGKrs
Young duo Jackie Onassis smashed the ARIA charts when they released the Mainline album last year as part of One Day, and they look to place Sydney’s Inner-West in national spotlight once again with their debut album. They recently gave us a teaser with the impressive Sushi mixtape, which showcased their preference for eased production and slick wordplay.
DRAKE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYfUVMIEJfs
Drake didn’t drop an album in 2014, but still remained at the top of the rap game with a series of guest verses and free tracks released online. His confidence is almost overwhelming, and he has every right to boast after the reception to tracks like ‘6 God’ & ‘Tuesday‘. With his first Australian tour kicking off in a few weeks, we’re hoping for new material from his incoming album, Views From The 6.
OISIMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD8U5Umd3q4
Australian audiences are definitely becoming more responsive to niche beat-based music, and Oisima is one of the locals championing his own soulful sound. The multi-instrumentalist is also a master of vocal collaboration, and he recruits Mei Saraswati for ‘Sun of Truth’. The thoughtful and considered single will appear on Nicaragua Nights, dropping on April 24.
KENDRICK LAMAR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AhXSoKa8xw
Kendrick Lamar just released the racially-charged, rampaging single ‘The Blacker The Berry’ after the rather light-hearted ‘i‘. It’s further proof that he’s a highly-engaging emcee, capable to catering to a diverse range of rap audiences. We’ve got no word on which tracks will appear on his next album, but it’s going to be tough to beat the masterpiece that is Good Kid, m.A.A.d City.
TKAY MAIDZA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBv94XGsyBs
After experiencing the breakthrough we all knew was coming back in 2014, Tkay Maidza made countless festival appearances and will continue her streak at Groovin’ The Moo in April. She’ll also be undertaking her first ever international support slot with Charli XCX, and we’re promised that her debut album is coming in 2015 – ‘M.O.B.’ is the first dance-friendly single from the project.
BEYONCE & JAY Z
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=copiznIfV3E
While this is still in the borderline rumour stages, there seems to be a lot of talk about a collaboration album between hip-hop’s definitive power couple – Jigga & Queen Bey. Need we remind you how good ’03 Bonnie & Clyde’ still is? How about ‘Crazy In Love’, or even ‘Drunk In Love’? Yes, we would really appreciate a joint effort and further our relationship envy of these two.
Image by Terry Richardson
