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Drake, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole: Which New Album Are You Most Excited For?
Though 2020 has gained instant historical notoriety for obvious reasons, hip-hop has done its part in holding it down for the masses. The year has seen the arrival of many strong albums, from Eminem’s Music To Be Murdered By to Freddie Gibbs’ Alfredo, Conway’s From King To A God to Benny The Butcher’s Burden Of Proof, Lil Wayne’s Funeral to Royce Da 5’9’s The Allegory to 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’s Savage Mode 2. The list goes on, and it’s likely the album of the year round-up discussion will be a tough one.
And to think, three of the rap game’s biggest artists — all of whom have been rumored to drop before the year’s end — have yet to deliver their highly anticipated albums. We’re talking about Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. Of the three, only Drizzy has concretely confirmed an album title — Certified Lover Boy. Cole has dropped a few warm-up singles in “The Climb Back” and “Lion King On Ice,” though since then it’s been quiet on the Dreamville front. And Kendrick’s future remains as uncertain as ever, with the lone detail pointing toward a “rock-inspired” sonic direction.
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While each of the three artists has long earned the right to be judged on their own merit, it’s still hard not to examine them as a trifecta, a “Big Three” of an aging hip-hop generation. For Drake, Certified Lover Boy will mark his sixth studio album. For Cole, his sixth as well. For Kendrick, whatever he lines up will be his fifth. Combined, the number of classics they’ve created is up for debate. Nobody doubts that a new classic remains a distinct possibility — particularly in the case of Kendrick, who has yet to miss with any of his major releases. It’s not to say Drake and Cole have underwhelmed, but Kendrick’s appeal has proven to resonate on a universal level. That, and his elusivity all but guarantee that his new album release will feel like the biggest spectacle.
Of course, Drake’s gargantuan following may very well place him ahead of the pack when it comes to the charts — but he is coming off the rather lackluster release of 2018’s Scorpion. While that may have hampered expectations for some, it can be argued that Drizzy will be coming out swinging when he does decide to release. Though perhaps we’ve already seen a glimpse at what’s to come with “Laugh Now Cry Later,” a Lil Durk-assisted single that seems destined for an album placement. It’s enough to perhaps theorize on a potential creative direction, though some have feared the biggest hurdle Drake may have to overcome is that of complacency; in these times leading up to Certified Lover Boy, it can feel like he simultaneously has nothing and everything to prove.
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Cole’s situation is rather unique, in the sense that he’s effectively spent the last two years effortlessly bodying guest appearances. His feature spree energy transitioned into the Revenge Of The Dreamers III project, where it felt like he was having more fun in the booth than ever before. As such, many have been eager to see where he takes his next album, the glories of his epic run still shining bright. Whether he’ll expand the scope of his guest roster, perhaps including some of those same collaborators he recently blessed, remains a major point of interest. Others have looked to him for guidance in these troubled times, though his recent “Snow On The Bluffs” seemed to indicate a disinterest in being a thought leader. Suffice it to say, there’s plenty of material for Cole to tackle on this go-around, and fans are eager to see what he’s been cooking up.
That leaves Kendrick Lamar, who has not delivered a full-length album since the Pulitzer Prize-winning DAMN. A heightened bar if ever there was one. Seeing how Kung-Fu Kenny returns to the game has remained one of hip-hop’s most buzzworthy mysteries. Known for his constant artistic innovation and top tier technical prowess, it can be argued that the hype surrounding his untitled project is the highest of the three. And with great hype comes great expectations, the likes of which are difficult to resolve. To his credit, Kendrick has yet to stumble and has for the most part retained the benefit of the doubt. Should Punch’s projection of a “Soon Soon” release date hold true, perhaps further enlightenment will arrive before the year wraps up.
Three hip-hop legends, all of whom have new albums due in the near future. Which one are you most anticipating to be the best?
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50 Cent’s Legacy “Candy Shop” Video Racks Up 1-Billion Views on YouTube
In a year filled with achievements and a music scene where videos come and go, 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” has cemented a lasting legacy that many artists aspire to. Nearly 20 years after its release, the iconic music video features a captivating Olivia and catchy lyrics that people can’t help but remember, and it has reached an impressive 1 billion views on YouTube. This milestone places “Candy Shop” alongside his hit “In Da Club,” which also crossed the billion-view mark earlier, highlighting 50 Cent’s enduring popularity.
Released in 2005 as part of his album “The Massacre,” “Candy Shop“ quickly took the world by storm, spending nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became famous for its mix of daring lyrics, an infectious beat, and a sultry video that everyone was talking about. It featured appearances from artists like Lil Scrappy, Young Buck, and Lloyd Banks, showcasing the G-Unit crew. Now that the song has hit 1 billion views, it’s evident that nostalgia and great music keep fans returning for more.
This milestone comes as 50 Cent prepares for his first-ever residency in Las Vegas, which is set to begin next month. He’s excited about this new venture and told fans, “My first Vegas residency is going to be an experience; you don’t wanna miss this!” He will be performing six exclusive shows at Planet Hollywood from December 27 to January 4, and he even teased a special New Year’s Eve celebration featuring his own Sire Spirits, making it a highly anticipated event for fans.
While fans are eager for new music, 50 Cent’s focus has shifted slightly. At a recent event, he shared, “I have to tap into the st*pid side of me to write the right thing,” explaining that today’s music landscape doesn’t always inspire him. With so many projects on the go, including TV shows and business endeavors, it’s clear that 50 Cent is building his legacy far beyond just music, and this latest achievement is a testament to his impact on different generations.
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Vybz Kartel’s Engagement To Sidem Öztürk From Behind Bars, A Tale Of Love Forever
In a story reminiscent of a romantic movie script, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, after nearly a decade of resilience defying the odds, has taken a heartfelt leap in his relationship with longtime girlfriend Sidem Öztürk. Engaged since his days in incarceration, Kartel’s recent proposal to Öztürk exemplifies a bond that’s been tested, strengthened, and made all the more resilient by love, loyalty, and redefined devotion.
Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014, a development that significantly altered the trajectory of his life and career. While many presumed that his influential voice would be silenced within the confines of his cell, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Öztürk emerged as a beacon of dedication, captivating music fans worldwide during this challenging period. As Kartel articulated on social media, she provided steadfast support throughout his most difficult times, conveying messages of encouragement and affection across the barriers of incarceration. Their relationship, sustained through regular phone calls, prison visits, and unwavering loyalty, evolved into an unconventional yet profoundly impactful love story.
Following his recent release, Kartel didn’t miss a beat in reaffirming his commitment to Öztürk. On November 4, he took to Instagram to share a deeply personal, celebratory video, flashing a ring with excitement before kneeling in a hotel room to officially propose. With Öztürk visibly stunned, the moment encapsulated years of shared devotion, further enriched by Kartel’s caption: “You were there when I needed you most, and I’ll never leave you, baby.” He reminisced on moments they laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, and now celebrate together even during periods when freedom seemed unattainable.
The genesis of their romance dates back to a bold move by Öztürk in 2015 when, as she later revealed, her admiration for Kartel’s music and persona led her to track down his Instagram profile. What started as admiration quickly evolved into a profound connection, one she describes as an “obsession” that felt decidedly destined. Almost a decade later, her instincts have proven right, and the two are now engaged, looking forward to building a life beyond the confines of prison walls together in a love forged through extraordinary circumstances.
This evolving saga reflects a resilience that mirrors the trajectory of Kartel’s music career. Vybz Kartel and Sidem Öztürk are ready to start their future together, not constrained by bars but united by a promise reaffirmed multiple times.
