Will Playboi Carti drop “I AM MUSIC” this year?
TOP 5
5. A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb
Out of all the albums on this list, Don’t Be Dumb seems the closest to release—it just doesn’t have an official date yet. In recent months, A$AP Rocky has dropped singles like “Tailor Swif” and “HIGHJACK,” and after beating his major assault case, he seems more energized than ever. This album is significant for Rocky because, in the current rap landscape, he feels like the forgotten heavyweight. His last album, Testing, didn’t quite meet expectations, and now, Don’t Be Dumb might be the project that puts him back on track.
4. Ye – Bully
There are several reasons to be excited about Bully. First and foremost, Kanye West recently revealed that he’s going back to the basics while making the album, which could result in his most refined body of work in years. Additionally, Ye has been fostering some unique relationships in the industry, and I’m curious to see how he blends his signature sound with today’s rising talent—something he has always excelled at. That said, with all the recent controversies surrounding him, it feels like he’s intentionally breaking down his public persona in hopes that we’ll fall in love with him again through the music. We’ll see.
3. J. Cole – The Fall Off
Under all our noses, J. Cole dropped one of his best projects ever with Might Delete Later. This came in the midst of one of the biggest blunders of his career—dissing Kendrick Lamar and then publicly apologizing on stage. Regardless of how you feel about Cole after the apology, there’s no denying that he’s rapping at an all-time high. With a story to tell, fans to win back, and possibly a concept album in mind, The Fall Off has the potential to be a classic… and honestly, it needs to be.
2. JID – Forever & A Day
Everyone is debating who the face of the NBA is because no one seems eager to claim the title—that’s exactly how I feel about hip-hop right now. One artist who I believe could easily take that spot is JID. He’s highly skilled, respected by his peers, and consistently drops incredible music. That said, Forever & A Day feels like the album that could elevate him to the next level. And by that, I mean making him a certified household name. The only problem? It’s taking forever (and a day) to drop.
1. Playboi Carti – I AM MUSIC
Playboi Carti might have the most dedicated cult following hip-hop has ever seen—fans analyze his every move. He’s leveraged this by taking his sweet time to release new music, but we’ve now reached a prove-it moment. His upcoming album, boldly titled I AM MUSIC, needs to drop. Not only do we need to see his artistic growth, but there’s still debate about whether he’s a truly great artist. It’s time, Carti—go ahead and drop drop drop.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
