Drake
Let’s be honest – did Drizzy season ever end? Two years ago the 6-God gave us Views, a sprawling epic that boasts numerous jams that we’re still bumping today. You’d think it’d be fine if Drake took some time off, but that didn’t happen. In 2017 Drake followed it up with the More Life mixtape, and he’s already dropped two fire singles in 2018 – ‘God’s Plan’ and ‘Nice For What’. It’s almost too much to handle, but we’re not complaining. Just over a week ago Drizzy took to Instagram to announce that he’s been hard at work on a new album – one that we’re likely to see around mid-year. Scorpion is the name of the record, which could drop as early as June. We’re ready, Drake. Bring it on.
Image: DJBooth

Nicki Minaj
The reigning queen of rap is about to defend her title once more, four years after her crown-snatching record The Pinkprint. Nicki Minaj has been drip-feeding us content in the form of features here and there (most recently on Migos track ‘MotorSport’), but earlier this month Nicki dropped two singles of her own (‘Chun Li’ and ‘Barbie Tingz’), signifying something big is on the way. Although there has been no official word on a record release date, Nicki has revealed in interviews that she is indeed hard at work on lots of new music (and a documentary), which is enough to make us lose our minds with anticipation, regardless.

Arctic Monkeys
Rock’n’rollin’ Sheffield lads Arctic Monkeys announced a return to the scene with a recent news bomb relating to a an imminent album release. The crew have come a long way from mischievous party band to smooth guitar-rock crooners, and we are certain the evolution hasn’t stopped there. The band’s new collection of tunes – called Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino – will follow up 2013’s acclaimed AM and will arrive on May 11. We’ve already been given a look at the track list and even a teaser trailer, but it’s looking like we’ll only get a taste of the new sounds closer to the release date. Thankfully we don’t have long to wait.

Courtney Barnett
Australia’s own Courtney Barnett is weeks away from releasing her new record Tell Me How You Really Feel, and no one is more excited than us. After wowing the world with her Grammy-nominated debut LP Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit and following it up with a joint record with Kurt Vile called Lotta Sea Lice, Courtney is set to make the world fall in love with her music all over again with her new record. By the sounds of the singles we’ve heard so far (‘Need A Little Time’, ‘Nameless, Faceless’ and ‘City Looks Pretty’) there’s going to be a lot to like. Tell Me How You Really Feel will drop on May 18. Keep your ears peeled.

Kanye West
Any ‘most-anticipated music’ list must have a mention of Kanye West. Since the aural firestorm that was The Life of Pablo, Yeezy has been keeping busy with his fashion line and his ever-growing family, but he has unfortunately failed to keep his promise of new music. Well, that could all change by mid-year, as word has come from Yeezus himself that new tunes are on the way. After a long absence from Twitter, Kanye returned to the social media platform to make some huge announcements. Of course, when Kanye speaks, we all listen – but this is different. Two tweets set the music sphere alight with talk – announcing a seven-song album will arrive on June 1. This news – straight from the horses mouth – has got us in a tizzy, but Kanye didn’t leave it there. He also said that a joint album with Kid Cudi will be released on June 8, and that he was directly involved with the new Nas record. Yeezy season is upon us again, pals. Time to strap in for the wild ride.
Image: Billboard

Honourable mentions: We’re also keeping an eye out for new albums from Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, Father John Misty, Chvrches, Grimes, Lykke Li, and Panic! At The Disco. It’s going to be a good year for music, folks!