A$AP Rocky: 'Long.Live.A$AP' (Jan. 15)

The 2011 mixtape Live.Love.A$AP, featuring the hypnotic hit "Peso," was practically heralded as a debut album. But this release will be the first proper studio album from the much-hyped Harlem rapper with the Southern swagger. It already has critics declaring its "great sequel" status because it features coldhearted anthems such as the album's title track and the haunting minimalism of "Suddenly." Look for cameos from the likes of Santigold, Schoolboy Q, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz.

Major Lazer: 'Free the Universe' (Feb. 19)

The dancehall-reggae fusion act spearheaded by producer Diplo (who has worked with Usher and Beyoncé) is set to return with a sophomore album in February. While its first full-length release, 2009's Guns Don't Kill People ... Lazers Do, was made in conjunction with producer Switch, Major Lazer is now a production trio (Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire).

50 Cent: 'Street King Immortal' (Feb. 26)

The Queens, N.Y., rapper has been known more for igniting beefs and promoting energy drinks than recording rhymes over the past few years, but people still hope for a return to form with this fifth studio effort from Curtis Jackson. The jury is still out over the album's first single, "My Life," which features Adam Levine and Eminem. Street King Immortal is set to drop the same month of his 2003 debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Can you believe that release is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year?

M.I.A.: 'Matangi' (April 15)

The album release date on M.I.A.'s latest effort was delayed from last year to this spring, the result of her record label deeming the work too positive and telling her to "darken it up," she told Australian media outlet Gold Coast. The new date falls on the Tamil New Year in her family's native Sri Lanka.

Kanye West: 'Cruel Winter' (TBD)

While West has yet to confirm this album in the midst of his baby-making news, some of his collaborators on last year's Cruel Summer collection have hinted that Cruel Winter might be coming soon. Q-Tip first hinted about the existence of the project at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards, and Big Sean recently told MTV as much, saying, "All right, well, you might get it."

Earl Sweatshirt: 'Doris' (TBD)

The Odd Future member gained his freedom from a Samoan boarding school in 2012 and came home to unexpected international fame as a rapper. Last month's release of a new single called "Chum" adds fuel to the rumors that his album will drop this year. Expected guest stars include Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams and Tyler, the Creator.

Beyoncé: Untitled (TBD)

While there has yet to be an announcement about a title or a release date for Mrs. Carter's fifth solo album, the speculation as to what it will be like has already started. Studying her Tumblr as well as interviews from producers who have talked about working with her, MTV has guessed that it could feature the likes of The-Dream, Miguel, Justin Timberlake and even hubby Jay-Z.

Maxwell: 'Summers' ' (TBD)

Maxwell appears to be ready to release the follow-up to 2009's BLACKsummers' Night this year, the second of a three-album trilogy of tunes. On Jan. 3 he tweeted out a partial track listing of seven songs with titles like "Beware of Smiles," "Hostage" and "Gods." Still not convinced? You can listen to a snippet of "Gods" on his Facebook page.

Mariah Carey: Untitled (TBD)

After 2009's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, Carey was busy dropping a double release in the form of her twin babies, Moroccan and Monroe (nicknamed Roc and Roe). Her lucky 13th studio album is rumored to be coming in March, since she released three versions of the single "Triumphant" last August, but it has yet to be confirmed.

D'Angelo: 'James River' (TBD)

After a successful tour with Mary J. Blige in 2012, the soulful crooner is poised to bring his sexy back. An album called James River has been rumored to be in the works for at least the past four years, and this title may or may not stick. He's been performing new songs "Sugar Daddy" and "Charade" in concert, adding fuel to the speculation that he may finally put out an album in 2013.

Tamara Palmer is a San Francisco-based freelance writer and the author of Country Fried Soul: Adventures in Dirty South Hip-Hop. Follow her on Twitter. 

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