Upcoming albums for 2015

Nicholas Chupka & Michael Lyday
News Editor & Editor-in-Chief

Nicki Minaj - The Pinkprint

On December 12 New York based rapper Nicki Minaj released her third studio LP The Pinkprint. The album features a variety of musicians including Ariana Grande, Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and many more. Debuting at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, Minaj’s third studio LP was greeted with generally positive critical reception, receiving a 7.5/10 on Pitchfork and a 7/10 from Spin Magazine.

Charli XCX – Sucker

British singer-songwriter Charli XCX’s sophomore LP Sucker dropped December 15.  The 22 year old musician cites bands such as the Ramones, Weezer, and the Hives as sources of inspiration for the upbeat power pop sounds explored on this LP. 

Panda Bear – Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper

Animal Collective co-founder Panda Bear’s fifth studio album Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper was leaked onto the Internet this week just days before its planned release on January 9. The Lisbon based musician began promoting the album in October with the release of the EP Mr. Noah. Though Panda Bear’s signature layered sound and lush production style is present on this record, he also leans toward the sounds of traditional psychedelic rock much like fellow Animal Collective member Avey Tare has in his latest endeavor Enter the Slasher House.

Rae Sremmurd – SremmLife

Mississippi hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd have been launched into the spotlight following the releases of the massively popular singles “No Type” and “No Flex Zone”, peaking at 16 and 36 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100 chart respectively. Their debut LP was officially released on January 6, despite being leaked about a week prior.

Death Grips – The Powers That B Part 2: Jenny Death and Fashion Week

Though Sacramento based industrial hip hop trio Death Grips announced their official breakup sometime last year, they have yet to release their final LP The Powers That B Part 2: Jenny Death. The album was initially planned for release on New Year’s Eve, however the recording has yet to surface on the web. Earlier this week the group put out a surprise instrumental album Fashion Week, which is available for free download on their website Thirdworlds.net.

Kanye West – Only One

Released on New Year’s Eve, Kanye West’s latest single comes as a tribute to his daughter North. The song is written from the perspective of his late mother who died in 2007. Among those present during the recording process were British musician and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and Los Angeles based hip hop artist Ty Dolla Sign. The single is the first of many expected to be dropped leading up to West’s seventh studio album which currently has no set release date.

 

Title Fight – Hyperview

The group first premiered the song “Chlorine” December 1 of last year, the second track off of the album whose release date is set for February 3. The post-hardcore band has cited Dinosaur Jr. and the Beach Boys as influences during the recording of the album. Title Fight is also scheduled to perform at Cat’s Cradle on March 24.