Soundcheck: Fall Music Preview
posted in: Music News • Urban
As the warm weather fades away and summer comes to a close, there’s still one thing to look forward to; a new season meansnew music. Now that J. Cole has dropped Cole World: The Sideline Story, and Weezy finally released The Carter IV this month as well, the bar is already set pretty high for this season’s set-lists. Here are a few projects we can’t wait to get our hands on.
B.o.B. gave fans a taste of what’s to come last week when he released Strange Clouds, the first single off his upcoming sophomore album of the same name. While no drop date has been set, the song features Lil Wayne and a markedly more aggressive Bobby Ray. He told HipHopDX, Hopefully fans will be able to hear the new album very soon. I’m as impatient for you to hear it as you are. It’s a more mature sound but nothing too experimental, he said. It’s a happy medium between the sound of B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray and the mixtapes, so everyone should be able to enjoy it.
Drake will release his sophomore effort, Take Care, on October 24 under Young Money Records. Just last week, he released the cover art to the album with a note to fans:
Feels like it’s been so long. Is life moving so fast in this generation that when we desire something it begins to move in slow motion? Are we just used to getting what we want right away? Or do we require one another to feel right about all that is going on around us? Maybe our anticipation is justified by the fact that we genuinely cannot wait to share a moment again? Either way, your life and mine are scheduled to meet on October 24…I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Neither would we, Drake. Wonder if this little note was meant to distract fans from the fact that the album was due out October 4, and has been pushed back. Still, if his singles, Headlines and his latest, Free Spirit featuring Rick Ross are any indication of what’s to come, it’s definitely worth the wait.
Yelawolf is finally ready to release his debut studio album, Radioactive this month. After the success of his single, Hard White (Up In Da Club) fans are gearing up for a treat when his album hits shelves October 25. With features from Eminem, Slaughterhouse, Tech N9ne, Lil Wayne, N.E.R.D., Travis Barker and Big Boi among others, the album includes heavy production from Jim Jonsin”three of his tracks made the final cut including an ode to Yelawolf’s hometown, Alabama.
GRAMMY-nominated Melanie Fiona may still be a new name for you, but she’s no newbie. The Canadian-born beauty heated up airwaves this year with her singles, 4 A.M, toured with Kanye West and Alicia Keys and was co-signed by RocNation. Now, she’s ready to fire up the urban market with her sophomore album, The MF Life on October 25.
Wale is gearing up for the release of his sophomore album, Ambition with a sexy new single. Lotus Flower Bomb, featuring R&B crooner Miguel, is the perfect intro to the new music Wale is promising on November 1. It’s clear that this time, there’s something in it for the ladies. He raps: “No disrespectin’, baby, just tryna make you smile/ Tryna keep my spirits up, that’s why I lays it down/ Tryna keep your spirits up, lil vodka, whatever/ Took ya forever to get dressed, I acknowledge your effort.” Fans will have to wait to hear the rest when the album drops on November 1 under Rick Ross’ Maybach Music imprint.
Common dropped Blue Sky, the second single from his upcoming album, The Dreamer, The Believer, last week. Produced by No I.D., the track is an instant reminder of just how talented the Chicago emcee is. The project’s first single, Ghetto Dreams featuring Nas, is already heating up the airwaves. Incidentally, the hip hop veteran’s debut memoir, One Day It’ll All Make Sense, landed at Number 20 on the New York Times Best-Seller list.
Bow Wow will release Underrated, his first project under Young Money Records on December 6. After abandoning the original November 1 release date, Bow Wow is ready to show the world he’s all grown up. We can’t wait to see how this boy wonder has blossomed into a new father. Let’s hope his new single, Heaven off his latest mixtape, I’m Better Than You is an accurate tasting of what’s to come when he drops Underrated December 6.
Young Jeezy was originally slated to drop his album, Thug Motivation 103 in September, but opted to release a mixtape, The Real Is Back 2, instead. Now, with a December 20 drop date, Jeezy is ready to give the rap game a run for its money, again. Looks like this run may be his best showing yet.
With Nicki Minaj promising new music in the new year, and an upcoming debut from Tyga, it looks like Young Money Records is gearing up for a big year. Here’s to colder weather and hotter hip hop.
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