Frank Ocean – Title TBD (Spring): The breakout Odd Future crooner made a big impact with mixtapes last year. Now we’ll see if his first official album will live up to the hype.
Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (Feb. 14 2012): Nicki Minaj’s debut Pink Friday had real staying power on the charts, so naturally she’s releasing this surefire sequel.
DMX – Undisputed (March 26 2012): After legal troubles sidelined a once wildly successful rap career, DMX hopes to make a clean and sober comeback this year. Where his dogs at?
Estelle – All Of Me (Feb 28 2012): After making a splash with her hit single “American Boy” four years ago, things have been kinda quiet for Estelle. We’re glad she’s finally back with a full-length album.
Chris Brown – Fortune (March 2012): Chris Brown may not be giving any interviews this year, but he won’t be completely silent in 2012. On the heels of his hit F.A.M.E. comes this new album.
R. Kelly – Black Panties (TBD) The self proclaimed Pied Piper of R&B has promised a return to the raunchy on this new release. Some of us can’t wait while others are already SMH-ing.
B.o.B. – Strange Clouds (March 13 2012): Bobby Ray’s brand of pop-rap may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if his first album is any indication it’ll like have its share of ubiquitous hit singles.
Good Music Collaboration – GOOD Music The Album (Spring 2012) Kanye’s GOOD Music collective has long been home to some of the best rappers in the game. So this should rise above the quality of your average label compilation.
Rick Ross – God Forgives, I Don’t (TBD): Rick Ross’ official follow-up to Teflon Don was actually supposed to come out last year but health problems set it back. With a well-received mixtape building excitement, this album should have no problem selling big in 2012.
Black Star – Title/Release TBD: For years now hip-hop heads have been salivating for a reunion of Mos Def and Talib Kweli and we’re told this year we’re finally going to get it. Our fingers are crossed.
Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon III (TBD): Can Kid Cudi continue his moody winning streak? The third part of his sensitive and striking hip-hop series is rumored to have a 2012 release date.
D’Angelo – James River (TBD): One of black music’s biggest disappearing acts, D’Angelo hasn’t put out a new album since 1998. Buzz has been building that 2012 will mark his return.
Now that 2011 is behind us, it’s time to focus on the music which is sure to be bumping in our headphones in 2012. In this tumultuous political year, R&B and rap fans will find comfort in the chilled out sounds of Frank Ocean, the hard-driving beats of DMX and the silky vocals of Estelle — just to name a few.
