10 Most Wanted Hip-Hop Albums of 2010

As we ease into 2010, here are 10 hip-hop albums worth keeping an eye on this year. The list includes eagerly awaited releases from Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, and OutKast.

Honorable Mention: Jean Grae's Cake or Death, Dr. Dre's Detox, Chamillionaire's Venom

10. Reflection Eternal - 'Revolutions Per Minute'
© Michael Buckner/Getty Images


The early verdict on Reflection Eternal's sophomore LP is that it could be one of the year's most memorable albums. The duo of Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek unleashed "Just Begun," a compelling posse cut with Jay Electronica and J Cole, to whet our appetite.

Street Date: April 6, 2010



9. Madlib & DOOM - 'Madvillainy 2'

Madlib is quietly having a run as one of hip-hop's greatest producers. He was highly instrumental (excuse the pun) to Mos Def's successful outing on The Ecstatic. He has now teamed up with the elusive DOOM (formerly known as MF Doom) to rekindle their Madvillainy series. If you're still on the fence, treat yourself to this hard-hitting sample of Madvillainy 2. Street Date: TBA

8. Eminem - 'Relapse 2'



Relapse was originally intended as a double album, but Eminem changed his mind at the last minute. The second installment is supposedly more personal than the first. Eminem re-released Relapse in December 2009 with 7 bonus cuts as a holdover to "tide the fans over until we put out Relapse 2 next year." Guest List: Dr. Dre, Eminem
Street Date: Unknown

7. Jay Electronica - 'Abracadabra'



Without an album or a hit single to his name, Jay Electronica already boasts buzz unheard of since 50 Cent's debut. Jay is set to record a group album with Mos Def and Curren$y, which will be followed by his own solo debut. Guest List: Mos Def, Just Blaze
Street Date: Unknown

6. Drake - 'Thank Me Later'
© Atlantic Records

Thank Me Later is drake's eagerly awaited debut LP. Expect the Toronto hotshot to seamlessly merge the worlds of rap and R&B on his first outing. Guest List: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Sade, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy.
Street Date: Spring 2010

5. J Cole - 'TBA'


J Cole was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation imprint. His hunger is undeniable. In a recent interview with Rap-Up TV, the NC native was quoted as saying, "One year from now I see myself at the Grammys up for best new artist hopefully, best hip-hop album hopefully and I'ma walk away with 18 Grammys. I'ma walk away with best country album and everything man." Street Date: TBA

4. Big Boi - Sir Luscious/Andre 3000 - TBA


Big Boi's first official solo LP has produced three hit singles in the last two years, yet there's no sign of the album on the shelf. There's a good chance that we'll finally see it on shelves this year. Andre 3000 is also rumored to be working on his own solo disc. According to Big Boi, the fans' response to both albums will ultimately determine the future of OutKast as a group.

3. Kanye - 'Good A-- Job'



Kanye West was hoping to finalize his college-themed series with Good A-- Job, but he placed that project on hold to experiment with auto-tune and drum blasts 808s & Heartbreak. With 808s & Heartbreak and all its eccentricities now out of the way, 'Ye has returned to the studio to focus his energy on Good A-- Job, the final installment of the college series. Guest List: Big Sean Street Date: Unknown

2. Nas & Damian Marley - 'Distant Relatives'



Nas and Damian Marley have been hard at work on Distant Relatives since 2008. The duo also tapped the services of a live band for the project, so expect it to be musically rich. Nas has said that he'll start working on his 10th solo album, following the release of Distant Relatives. Proceeds from the records will go toward building a school in Africa. Guest List: Stephen Marley, K'Naan, Erykah Badu, Joss Stone
Street Date: March 2010

1. Lupe Fiasco - 'Lasers'
© James Knowler/Getty


After going through a laundry basket worth of suggestions, including Lupe Fiasco's LupE.N.D. and The Great American Rap Album, Lupe has finally settled on Lasers as the title of his third album. The album finds Lupe experimenting more than ever. Guest List: Soundtrakk, Matthew Santos, The Neptunes
Street Date: March 2010

via: henrys blog