People have already been talking about 2026 releases in the 2025 thread. So here we are. We roll again.
What are you looking forward to? Is 2026 the year someone finally releases a popular rap album that moves the needle after a few years? There was lots of boring talk about hip hop’s mainstream demise in 2025, but in rap music, it’s always darkest before dawn, and there’s plenty bubbling along in the underground. That and discussing Boldy James albums and stuff. 
8 days into the new year and still nothing from Boldy James.
Slacker.
Pretty slow start to the year in general, album wise, don’t see much out this Friday… Basically next week’s A$ap Rocky album is the first thing of note
Not too much on my radar releases-wise as yet.
Going to try to get to more shows this year. Went to a few last year, but was easily swayed by things like bad weather which I now regret.
So far, Open Mike Eagle (Jazz Cafe, May), YOD and Rome Streetz (Jazz Cafe, April)
Very few records actually confirmed, but some big name things that have been rumoured and may or may not drop in 2026:
Doechii, Stove God Cooks, Denzel Curry & Working on Dying, Veeze, Baby Keem, Ken Carson, JID & Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, Freddie Gibbs & Kaytranada, D’Angelo, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Lil Uzi Vert, Yasiin Bey & The Alchemist, The Roots, Boldy James & Futurewave, By Storm, Death Grips, IDK, Isiah Rashad, Noname, Glorilla, Black Thought & Dangermouse, Droogie Otis, E-40, Erykah Badu & The Alchemist, Key Glock, Lil Yachty, Pharoahe Monch, Roc Marciano, RZA & Juice Crew, Juvenile, Mach-Hommy & Conductor Williams
Enjoyed this release from DJ Dremond on New Year’s Day, featuring Boldy James, Tha God Fahim, Cannibal Ox, Estee Nack, Planet Asia, Elcamino, Mickey Diamond and more.
New to me. Definitely worth a check on the strength of the features alone
Oh yeah. I checked and I put this on my list of “things I’m looking forward to” in 2024 and 2025. More or less given up hope. Although I have heard the project he did with Real Bad Man and it was quite good, so he’s clearly making music but I assume unable to release it?
First 2026 release for me. Like it.
Decent single with Push and Kaytranada
Finally getting into him after the reminder from the AOTY thread. Could see both Sunday Service and The Beautiful Malaise making my list had I got there in time.
Oh yeah, there’s a new thread. Was about to bump the old one.
I have nothing to say about anything new, but I’m listening to him now and I just wanna say that I think that Evidence is one of the most underrated rappers there is. His run since Cats & Dogs has been amazing.
This may be my favourite song from the past 10 years. The way it starts is perfect
The album from last year was very good. Would have made my top 10 had I not imposed the rule that that slot has to go to a veteran.
He is definitely underrated, but I think he’s maybe just not distinct enough as a rapper? He’s such a good writer, great producer, and just knows how to craft an album perfectly. If I put Unlearning 1 or 2 on, I have to play the whole thing - the sequencing feels really considered, well curated selection of producers, there aren’t tracks that feel like they don’t belong.
yeah, like him a lot more as a producer than a rapper. not that he’s bad, he’s just kinda… fine, i guess? solid but not particularly exciting maybe.
Yeah, I totally get that. He’s got that monotonous flow down to a tee and has beats that suit his voice perfectly and that’s musical catnip for me. I think it’s the fact his flow sounds cool, if that makes sense. You can’t mistake him for anyone else IMO.
I think there’s some nostalgia for him too through his time in Dilated Peoples as well. The Platform and Expansion Team are two albums that give me that good nostalgia buzz.
quite like. think it could be an enjoyable album. video is good fun
Here’s hoping…based on the caption alongside their upcoming track, calling it the “final single”… they’re either releasing an album or packing up for good 
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTfz9qukUHK/?igsh=bGNidGViczRjd2xx
By Storm album coming on 30/01
