Upcoming Releases: 5 Albums To Look Out For
By: Jonah Weintraub
Flawless Like Me - LUCKI
After releasing one of the more underappreciated projects of 2021 in WAKE UP LUCKI, LUCKI is coming back with his second studio album on Sept. 23. After establishing himself as one of the leading figures in alternative hip-hop, the Chicago trapper has shown no signs of slowing down and warrants attention with every release. While LUCKI is an artist that will give you exactly what you expect (as proven by his recent lead single “GEEKED N BLESSED”), anyone who appreciates his unique sound will surely need to give this upcoming project a look.
Bin Reaper 3 - BabyTron
Though there is no official release date for the third installment of the “Bin Reaper” series, BabyTron has confirmed that the project will come sometime in October. Fresh off of earning XXL Freshman honors, the Michigan-based emcee has officially reached a cult-legend status. Bin Reaper and Bin Reaper 2 are Tron’s two best projects and feature some of the most memorable one-liners and beats you’ll find. BabyTron certainly isn’t for everyone, but this is likely going to be his most commercially successful release yet and will definitely be worth monitoring.
Laughing So Hard It Hurts - Mavi
It’s been three years since Mavi released his breakout LP Let The Sun Talk. While that project’s dusty and looped samples were impressive, it was Mavi’s pen that stole the show. On Oct. 14, he’ll be releasing his first full-length album since, and it will be interesting to see what creative direction he takes on it. One should expect the type of rap that requires multiple listens to digest, as is usual with Mavi, but the lead single “Baking Soda” suggests that the album will take on a less dense sound than his past releases.
Heroes and Villains - Metro Boomin
The follow-up to 2018’s NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES, this project (releasing Nov. 4) has the potential to be one of the most popular albums of the autumn. Metro Boomin is one of the most accomplished hip-hop producers of the modern age and always finds a way to bring out the best in his peers. So much like its predecessor, Heroes and Villains is expected to have another star-studded roster with features from artists such as 21 Savage, Travis Scott and Gunna. This album has platinum written all over it because of Metro’s ear for beats and fantastic cast.
$oul $old $eperately - Freddie Gibbs
Freddie Gibbs has cemented himself as one of the most talented rappers of our generation. His run in the 2010s is simply remarkable: Pinata, Bandana, and Alfredo are rapping excellence, and $$$ will look to continue that trend. The album hits streaming services on Sept. 30 and is rumored to feature familiar collaborators such as Pusha T and Rick Ross, as well as new faces like Offset and Moneybagg Yo. There appears to be a wider variety of styles on this project than in his past efforts, but with Freddie’s elite beat selection, there should be no reason to not believe $$$ will be solid.
