2015 has brought us countless great albums, and some not so great. Looking forward, there are a few artists who we are expecting to take 2016 by storm and anxiously awaiting their arrivals. Find out who after the jump!
Usher
Flashback to the summer of 2014, the ‘Climax’ star released his first single for his 8th studio album. With the promo train in full force, ‘Good Kisser’ blasted into homes but maintained minor success.
It wasn’t until the project’s 3rd single, ‘I Don’t Mind,’ hit airwaves that interest into the project started to build. The track featured Juicy J, and was well received by listeners. Peaking at #11 on the Billboard charts, ‘IDM’ oddly didn’t receive the push it needed to fulfil its commercial potential. No accompanying video nor any live performances were rendered (outside UR Experience Tour). After allowing the potential hit to fade into the background, the album received multiple push backs and is now set for release in early 2016.
Here’s hoping the LP gets the appropriate promotion and backing that is needed, especially with R&Bs current state in music.
Beyonce
Will the Queen return to take her thrown in 2016? If her recent showings in New Orleans are anything to go by, the 20-time Grammy award winner already has a few things in the works. It begs the question of what direction will Yonce take with her 6th studio album?
What role, if any, will TIDAL play in the album’s release? How will she top her world stopping surprise album drop from 2013? With music’s landscape always changing, it will be interesting to see how Mrs Knowles-Carter will disrupt the industry once again. We are here for every moment of it.
Rihanna
Rih Rih, we just don’t know what to say at this point. The #R8 train left the station at the start of 2015, but where is the final stop?
With 2016 all but upon us, it appears ‘ANTI’ won’t be hitting shelves until next year. Blame is being distributed to everyone (including the star herself), as such it’s difficult to decipher what is going on within Rihanna’s camp.
Now with rumors of her Roc Nation relationship being rocky, one has to wonder about the timeline and the quality of the product given how overcooked the process has been. How long will the Navy continue to wait? Will the finished LP taste like a fine wine or an mushy mess?
Tinashe
Tinashe plans to take the masses on a ‘Joyride’ in early 2016. Prompted by the singles ‘Player,’ and fan favorite ‘Party Favors,’ the 22-year-old has come strong with her promo plan this go around.
Having drummed up buzz from Chris Brown assisted ‘Player’ beginning to fizzle, we expect the triple threat diva to give us her third single before rolling out this album in the first quarter. Though we feel Ms. Kachingwe was snubbed this year at the Grammys, with her work ethic we feel 2016 could be her year.
Kehlani
Most well known from her singles ‘FWU,’ and ‘The Way’ featuring Chance the Rapper, Kehlani is really making waves of late. With her unique blend of pop R&B, the Oakland bred star has caught the sights of many including the recording academy; so much so that the 20-year-old received her first Grammy nomination for her mixtape entitled ‘You Should Be Here.’
With her debut album to be released early 2016, the young songbird has some big shoes to fill. We are excited to see what the skilled songwriter brings to the table.
Notable Mentions
Missy Elliott – TBA
Rita Ora – TBA
Britney Spears – TBA
Iggy Azalea – Digital Distortion
JoJo – TBA
Christina Aguilera – TBA
Fifth Harmony – TBA
Fantasia – TBA
Ariana Grande – TBA