Ty’s 10 Most Anticipated Albums Of 2011

People always ask me, “What projects are you looking forward to this year?”, so I figured why not list ’em and share. Before people start the “why isn’t (insert random rapper name) on here?” comments, this is only the top ten projects that I am looking forward to hearing. Of course I listen to music from artists outside of Chicago and the Midwest , but this isn’t the place for that. Sit back, hit the jump and check out the joints I’m waiting on. Feel free to let me know what you’re waiting on too.

10.  The Cool Kids – When Fish Ride Bicycles

With the following that Sir Michael and Chuck have, most would assume that the duo have a successful album under their belt, but that’s not the case. Originally due out in 2008, the album’s release was delayed due to issues with the pair’s former label. Fast forward to now and the album’s due on July 12th, making it the only album on the list that actually has a definite release date. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who’s ready to hear what it’s like When Fish Ride Bicycles.

 

9.  Mikkey Halsted – Chicago: The Photo Album

Mikkey’s Dark Room album was definitely one of my favorite projects from last year, but it only fueled the hunger for The Photo Album. Since it’s announcement in 2009, the album has faced the typical delays that albums these days face and was preceded by countless videos, snippets, a mixtape and an album. Any project executive-produced by No I.D. is definitely worth the wait. I’m just ready to step out of the dark room and get a look at the developed pics.

 

8.  Kidz In The Hall – Untitled fourth album

Let me begin by saying this: Land Of Make Believe was a very dope and slept on album. With a web-series currently on MTV2.com, their recent Brain Candy series and an EP on the way, Naledge and Double-O have definitely been keeping busy. While there hasn’t been any formal announcement of a new album, I find it hard to believe that these two aren’t planning to drop one soon. I just hope to get that 4th effort sometime this year.

 

7.  L.E.P. Bogus Boys – Now Or Neva

After listening to Don’t Feed Da Killaz Vol. 3, how could you not be amped to hear the album? To say that Count & Moonie have been grindin’ would be an understatement. While details have been scarce, one can only assume that the duo’s collaborations with Mobb Deep, Rick Ross, Jim Jones and the legendary Pete Rock will find a home on the album. I do know that J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Honorable C-Note and others have contributed production. I’m expecting this one later this summer or in the fall. Let’s hope I’m right.

 

6.  GLC – Cathedral

A GLC album produced entirely by The Blended Babies? Yes, please. No word if that’s the project that GL will be releasing through Dame Dash’s BluRoc or not, but I’m sure it’ll be dope either way. Each collaboration I’ve heard from GL and The Blended Babies has been pretty nice, so I’m interested in what a full-length project would sound like. This should impact some time later this year, but you never know with the way projects get pushed back these days.

5.  Freddie Gibbs – Baby-Faced Killa

Baby-Faced Killa is slated to be Gangsta Gibbs’ proper full length debut.  A Cold Day In Hell has been pushed back, so I don’t expect to hear too much about this project until that’s dropped. With Hi-Tek, Ski Beatz, Jim Jonsin and DJ Premier on board production-wise, I’m sure we’re in for something serious. I hear Gibbs’ joints with ALC are pretty nice too..

 

4.  Chip Tha Ripper – Untitled

Sure, Gift Raps dropped a few months ago. That doesn’t mean that you won’t hear any new Chip soon. Actually, I hear Chip’s next project is finished and is unlike anything we’ve heard from him. Guess we’ll have to wait and listen for ourselves, huh? No official news yet, but expect something soon.

 

3.  Kanye West – Untitled sixth album

With Watch The Throne living on a July release date, his ‘summer album’ as it’s been called probably won’t be dropping in the summer. Although details have been scarce, I’m expecting MBDTF part deux. Word has it that The Black American Psycho is the title being bounced around and that a short film, much like Runaway, may debut with the album. Of course, nothing is to be trusted on these e-streets so only time will tell if this is even partly true.

 

2.  Lupe Fiasco – Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album

Lasers wasn’t that bad. It really wasn’t. It was just a switch from the Wasalu we’ve grown used to and there’s nothing wrong with a little change every now and then. “Go To Sleep” was only a taste of what to expect. Word has it that Lu even went back in with ‘Ye for this one. Either way, we’re in for something special people. Winter maybe? Someone make it happen.

 

1.  Common – The Dreamer, The Believer

Two words: Ghetto. Dreams. If you’ve heard the snippet, then you understand how serious this album is going to be. No I.D. and ‘Ye are the only known producers on the project so far with Nas being the only known feature. Universal Mind Control dropped in 2008 right? Com, it’s been way too long.