It’s a new year, and we have new 2023 Black albums to look forward to.
Some albums have been in the works for an eternity, while others will probably be announced at the last second (looking at you, Beyoncé).
Either way, these are the 2023 Black albums we can’t wait for because we know they’ll be as good as we hope and maybe even better.
Cardi B
Cardi B had to take care of some business first, but she promised she was working on new music.
According to Billboard, the rapper signed to new management, Full Stop Management.
The management company’s other high-profile clients include Lizzo, Jon Bon Jovi, and Harry Styles, so the rapper is in good hands.
Rumors have been rampant that Cardi B has been working on her new album for years.
Since her last release, “Hot Shit,” came in July 2022, this is the year we hope she will finally release that album.
A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb
Rihanna’s beau seemingly shared the name of his upcoming album on the Amazon Music Live series.
We still aren’t sure when the album will come out, but the rapper set out minds at ease when he revealed he’s already finished it, and we won’t be waiting long.
The rapper has released two tracks, “Shittin’ Me” and “D.M.B.” with Rihanna.
“Don’t Be Dumb” is something we’re at least confident we’ll hear in the coming months.
Kelela – RAVEN
Kelela likes taking her time, and fans even joked that she had vanished when she went on hiatus from social media.
However, we can’t blame the singer because her music is ethereal.
In September 2022, Kelela finally announced her return.
She released “Washed Away,” her first single in five years.
And, on November 15, the sultry songstress announced her new album, “RAVEN.”
With 15 tracks, “RAVEN” is Kelela’s exploration of aspects of dance music she has always found exciting.
Normani
Normani was among the highlights of Fifth Harmony.
When she went her way, though, she stood out.
The singer released several one-off singles over the past few years, like “Motivation,” “New to You,” and “Fair.”
These songs garnered hundreds of millions of streams, dispelling doubt that the singer’s debut project would be anything less than a mammoth success.
Fans have clamored for Normani to release her debut album, but she’d delayed it several times.
This year, however, we are optimistic that she will finally release the whole thing.
Chance The Rapper – Star Line Gallery
Chance The Rapper’s last project was 2019’s “The Big Day.”
Since then, he’s featured on tracks like “The Highs & the Lows” with Joey Joey Bada$$ and “Wraith” with Vic Mensa.
This year, the rapper is releasing his next project, “Star Line Gallery.”
Chance revealed to XXL that it would sound like him since he makes his distinct type of music.
However, the rapper draws influences from Black lineage, culture, and legacy.
Nicki Minaj
Female hip-hop legend Nicki Minaj hasn’t graced us with an album since 2018’s “Queen.”
However, she released “Super Freaky Girl” and “We Go Up” with Fivio Foreign in 2022.
There’s fire where there’s smoke, and with the release of these singles, we expect her latest album to drop this year.
In a recent interview with I-D Magazine, the rapper revealed she’s happy, and that’s when she makes the best music.
For her latest album, the rapper is returning to the essence of hip-hop, which she showed in “Super Freaky Girl.”
Nicki Minaj’s latest release is coming sooner than later, but we know one thing: if it drops this year, it will be among the hottest 2023 Black albums.
2023 Black Albums Will Be Massive
With such an impressive and diverse line-up, 2023 Black albums are gearing up to be the best we’ve heard in a while.
Time will tell if all these albums will release this year, but we’re optimistic.
And who knows, we might get some surprises along the way!
