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Most Anticipated Albums of 2023

 Only just finished putting together my 2022 year end list and back again with a list of my most anticipated rap albums of 2023. Some of these have been announced - with or without firm dates - and some of have not, but there is a good chance they will come out in 2023. Let’s get into it!


Skyzoo & The Other Guys: The Mind of A Saint


Inspired by the TV show “Snowfall” which recounts the story of one of the most prominent drug dealers, the album will be tapped from the perspective of a fictional character, Franklin Saint, who has gone from through the trials and tribulations of a major trafficker. But unlike many rap albums that glorify the life, Skyzoo plans on addressing the harsh lessons of the life of crime and use it the album as a vehicle to show the double-sided reality, which is something many rappers fail to tackle. Knowing Skyzoo’s skills and with his 2021 album still in rotation, I’m sure we’ll be in for a treat. Dropping January 13th, 2023.


El Michels Affair & Black Thought: Glorious Game


Fresh off the release of his 2022 album with Danger Mouse, Black Thought is already back at it. Teaming up with the creator of Cinematic Soul Music, El Michels Affair, the recording process for “Glorious Game” kicked off during the pandemic. The result is a 12 track album which they’re looking to serve us in full this year. Dropping April 14th, 2023.


Canibus & Johnny Slash : S.L.I.C.C. (Self Licking Ice Cream Cone)



Canibus has been going through a career revival these last couple of years. It started with the HRSMN album finally releasing in 2021, and then a string of solo releases - 2 solo albums, a couple of compilations and fully remastered versions of 2 of his most hard to find old albums - and he is showing no sign of slowing down. First announced as a limited edition EP, “Self Licking Ice Cream Cone” turned out to be revisited as a full-length LP now due to release early 2023. With production from Johnny Slash and features from HRSMN, Ab Soul or KXNG Crooked, this will sure be an interesting album. Dropping in February 2023.


KXNG Crooked: TBA

For this yet untitled and not officially announced project, the COB boss is looking to partner with A&R Almighty M80 which may be his last solo offering. He said that much in interviews while promoting his joint projects with Joell Ortiz and that he would be going out with a bang. He for example said he’d try to get a verse of Eminem himself for the album. No matter what and when, I know I’ll be there for it.


50 Cent: TBA

Fifty has announced before that he would not release a new solo album, but given that this year will mark the 20th anniversary of his classic “Get Rich Or Die Tryin” and that he’s been inspired by Eminem’s work ethics, this year could be the year. Speculation already is in high gear as he’s mentioned being ready to get back in the studio with Dre himself so who knows? I have high hopes for a last hooray.


Stefflon Don: Island 54

The British female rapper has some big hits in the US back in 2017-2017 and her project “Secure” which came out in the same year was a massive one. Hard to believe that she has yet to put out a debut album. 2023 is looking to be the year as she’s been doing the rounds announcing a March release. With her Caribbean music influences and mix of raps and singing plus ear for great beats, we should be getting a massive album. Dropping in March 2023.


The N-Matez (Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, RBX and The Lady of Rage): TBA

Announced late last year by Daz Dillinger along with a new website and warm-up single in “Warning”, this album will consist of 14 tracks and should release in 2023. This project will have a lot going for it, between the nostalgia of the Death Row Records days and the usually stellar production courtesy of Daz (remember 2018 “Dazamataz”). I’m hoping it will actually come out this year.


A$AP Rocky: Don’t Be Dumb

The A$AP Mob frontliner has been more in the news for his legal troubles and of course his highly publicized relationship with Rihanna than for his music since his 2018 album “Testing”. But he recently announced he would be back in 2023 with an album, and judging from the first single as well as from the string of features on the Black Thought, Nas or Westside Gunn albums, it should be a great project. I’m waiting!

Do you think these rappers will all drop a new album this year? Do you have any other rappers you think should be on this list? Let me know in the comments!


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