Since I’m still in the mood of end of year / beginning of year things, I figured I would make a list of what I think have the potential to be some of the coolest albums this year.

1.  Lasers by Lupe Fiasco

I am a huge Lupe stan and have been dying for this album, so I don’t care if it doesn’t meet expectations.  I just want to be able to listen to it.

2.  Detox by Dr. Dre

I was kinda hyped at the idea of another Dre album even if it didn’t live up to his past work, but now I am excited.  I really liked the song Kush, and news that he is working with amazing up and comer Kendrick Lamar has me psyched.

3. Watch the Throne by Kanye West & Jay-Z

Kanye is already behind some of Jay-Z’s best production to date.  Any project that is Kanye’s is classic or borderline classic.  Jay-Z is one of the best to ever touch the mic. The G.O.O.D. Friday tracks between the two and the leaked track “That’s My Bitch” are all amazing. Need I say more?

4. Tha Carter IV by Lil Wayne

Not because I am a huge Lil Wayne fan, but because I want to see if it can live up to the expectations.  I find Lil Wayne stans annoying, and they usually know little about hip-hop.  Lil Wayne is good, but he isn’t one of the best…sorry

5. TBD by J. Cole

I have high hopes for J. Cole.  Everything he touches is great.  No, he isn’t the next Nas like some people like to say, but he has hot bars and has a good ear for song writing.

6. TBD by Pusha T

Pusha T is one of my favorite rappers.  He has the talent to make his way into the conversations of greats.  He just needs the multiple classics and widespread appeal.  He already has one undeniable classic, I want him to go for the classic solo on this one.  The G.O.O.D. Friday tracks set him up well for his mixtape, “Fear of God” and then hopefully a solid single then the album.  I just pray he doesn’t sell out.

7. Take Care by Drake

I find Drake to be a guilty pleasure.  I have no problem with his subject matter, but I wish he went back to Comeback Season level of lyricism.  Maybe it’s me just being whiny.  Anyways, I bet he steps up his lyrics for his upcoming album.

8. TBD by Jay Electronica

Who knows if this dude will ever release an album.  But if he does, watch out.  His signing to Roc Nation has me hopeful.

9. TBD by Nas

He has said he was working on or going to work on stuff.  I hope he does.  New Nas is always awesome (if he picks a decent beat).  He has so much to talk about since his divorce from Kelis.  You could hear it in the tacked on end verse of “Strong Will Continue” off his and Damian Marley’s album.

Yeah, I can’t think of a 10th that can stand up to the other 9 I listed.  I might be forgetting someone though.