T.I., Ghostface Killah among rappers dropping new albums over December
It's been one tumultuous year for Atlanta-based rapper T.I. After his release from prison late last year, he seemed poised for a comeback, releasing the well received "F--k a Mixtape" and two promising singles, "Get Back Up" and "Castle Walls," from his upcoming album, "No Mercy." That all tumbled down as the rapper was sentenced in October to an 11-month sentence following parole violations. Regardless, "No Mercy" is still slated for release this month and looks set to match the rapper's past commercial and critical successes.
Michael Jackson — "Michael" (Dec. 14)
Posthumous album releases are nearly always controversial affairs, so one can imagine the uproar surrounding the upcoming release of "Michael" by Michael Jackson. Accordingly, opponents of the release have called into question if the album is respectful to the late musician, if the production is in line with his intents and even if the vocals are actually Jackson's own (they are, we're assured). While buyers shouldn't expect "Michael" to be the new "Thriller," it's hard to resist a new collection of the singer's previously unreleased work.
Ghostface Killah — "Apollo Kids" (Dec. 14)
In addition to his work as a member of classic rap group The Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah has built a solo career that's notable and significant in its own right. Indeed, after releasing both his solo record "Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City" last year and "Wu-Massacre," a collaboration with fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man and Raekwon, earlier this year — both to favorable reviews — Ghostface is back with "Apollo Kids," the rapper's ninth solo album. The rapper has a knack for quality production and insightful lyrics, and his latest release is sure to provide nothing less.
Celebration — "Hello Paradise" (Dec. 22)
Katrina Ford and Sean Antanaitis are a prolific duo. The husband and wife duo has worked together on projects such as Jaks, Love Life, Birdland, and most recently, Celebration. Celebration joins the two with percussionist David Bergander for a sound marked by unique experimentation, a broad variety of sounds and is consistently engaging listening throughout. The group's third effort, "Hello Paradise," promises much the same, as preview tracks feature an eclectic mix of organs, synthesizers, cymbals, drums and Ford's incredibly dynamic vocals.