They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but for fans of musicians who take their sweet time in between projects, that fondness oftentimes seems to evolve into an excruciating longing for fresh sounds from their faves.
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Whether it’s classic 90's artists who aren’t too fond of being in the spotlight like D’Angelo or contemporary stars like Frank Ocean who do the same, it’s undeniable that they’ve left a void in the music industry and it’s about time they come back to fill it.
It’s in that vein, we thought we’d look at a handful of other artists who need to hop in that studio and release some heat for our speakers sooner rather than later.
Let’s start with the ever-elusive Ocean. We haven’t taken a good dive in his sea of music since he last dropped “Blonde” in 2016 and much has happened since then. We know we’re in the majority when we say a new Frank Ocean project might actually start nature to healing again and for things to feel alright in the world. Frank if you’re reading this, it’s not too late!
Kendrick Lamar
With the way Kendrick Lamar took over 2024 with “Meet the Grahams,” “Euphoria,” the absolute banger “Not Like Us” and his forthcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show Performance the following year, it would behoove the Compton rapper to continue to capitalize on this moment and drop an album immediately.
Cardi B
It’s be almost seven years since Cardi B. dropped her debut studio album “Invasion of Privacy.” We understand she’s been spending her time being a beautiful mommy to her kids but Cardi, it’s time to paint the town “Bodak Yellow” again and remind the streets who you are!
D’Angelo
Do we really have to explain this one? It’s been 10 years since D’Angelo’s last album “Black Messiah” and a 14 year gap before that. There is no one like him and only he alone can do what needs to be done: Drop another album to bless our souls once again.
Sade
It’s been 14 years since Sade sent her soulful sounds out to the masses in “Soldier of Love.” We think we’ve been in battle long enough, Miss Adu...please bring us some respite with a new body of work. Thank you in advance.
Lauryn Hill
Much like D’Angelo, it should go without saying why the streets are in need of a new Lauryn Hill project. While it’s amazing to still have grand impact off one album that came out over 20 years ago, it would be indescribable to listen to her music evolution now.
Ari Lennox
While Ari Lennox may be saying goodbye from social media for good, we hope that doesn’t mean she’ll taking time away from the studio. We need to hear her gorgeous vocals on another project not now but RIGHT NOW.
Solange Knowles
When we get home, we better find a new Solange album sitting at our table. Okay...that sounded a bit demanding but for an artist as amazing as Solange who dropped not one but two dope projects back to back, there’s no wonder why we want to hear from again.
Joey Bada$$
Back in 2022, Joey Bada$$ blessed us with “2000.” But it feels like 2000 years since we’ve gotten a new project so at the risk of us all potentially checking up out of her...Joey, can you do us a favor and drop some heat one more time?
Smino
Much like Joey, it’s been just two years since we last got an album from Smino. And while we do believe good things do take time, we think Smino’s had time to cook long enough. Unleash the bars, sir!
Steve Lacy
The way Steve Lacy’s 2022 album “Gemini Rights” went quadruple platinum in this author’s home should be proof enough that he needs to grab that guitar and that mic and go make magic again. It’s a one-of-a-kind sound that the masses need to hear from again!
Syd
From the first sounds of Syd’s 2022 album “Broken Hearts Club,” we knew this was something special. And despite it getting no love at the Grammys that year, that doesn’t mean we don’t want—no, need—another serving of this goodness. It’s been two years, our hearts are stitched back together again and we can handle it.
Silk Sonic a.k.a. Anderson .Paak & Bruno Mars
The fact that Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars just dropped “An Evening With Silk Sonic” and never followed up should be a crime punishable by stoning (Okay, maybe that was a little extreme). Or better yet, maybe their punishment should be to lock them both in a studio until they come out with a second project that’s equally as good — if not better — than the first one. The silky smooth drought has gone on long enough!
Amine
Yes, “Kaytramine” just dropped in 2023 and it’s only nearing the end of 2024, but that album was TOO GOOD. We deserve a part two expeditiously, since those vibes were truly immaculate.
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