Album Covers

Dec
3
A$AP Rocky Reveals Album Release Date, Cover Art

Long.Live.A$AP

A$AP Rocky appeared on “106 & Park” today to premiere the video for “Fuckin’ Problems” and announce a release date for his long-awaited debut Long.Live.A$AP.

Read the rest of this entry »

Dec
1
Young Jeezy Announces ‘Its Tha World’ Mixtape

Its Tha World

Young Jeezy has been dropping hints about his mixtape, but he’s finally making it official. The Atlanta rapper has announced the title and release date for the project.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nov
21
Album Cover: Dawn Richard – ‘Whiteout’

Whiteout

Dawn Richard gets cheeky on the black-and-white cover for her Christmas EP Whiteout. The “’86″ singer poses in a chainmail helmet and leotard with her back to the camera in an outttake from her Armor On cover shoot. Due December 1, the project includes her 2011 single “December Sky” and four new tracks.

“This is strictly for the Die Hearts out there,” said Dawn, referring to her loyal fan base. “The focus is on the album, but we wanted to do something special for the movement that has been following us for a while.”

See the tracklisting and look for Dawn’s full-length debut GoldenHeart at the top of next year.

Nov
20
T.I. Reveals ‘Trouble Man’ Cover Art, Tracklisting

Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head

There is no shortage of star power on T.I.’s eighth album Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head. The Atlanta rapper has revealed the illustrated cover art and star-studded tracklisting as part of his “Trouble Man Tuesdays” series.

The 16 tracks include appearances from Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, André 3000, Pink, CeeLo Green, Meek Mill, and more, plus production by Pharrell, No I.D., DJ Toomp, T-Minus, and Rico Love.

“I think it’s a lot more urban than Paper Trail, and less apologetic than No Mercy,” said Tip of the follow-up to his 2010 album. “I think it’s more diversified than T.I. vs. T.I.P. though. It’s got a lotta heart, it’s got a lotta edge. It’s a creative album. It’s probably harder than most of the shit that’s coming out right now.”

Trouble Man arrives just in time for the holidays on December 18. See the tracklisting below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nov
19
LL Cool J Unveils ‘Authentic Hip-Hop’ Cover, Tracklisting

Authentic Hip-Hop

LL Cool J pledges his allegiance to hip-hop on the cover of his 14th studio album Authentic Hip-Hop, due February 12, 2013. In the photo, the brawny rapper/actor sits in front of a black-and-white flag with his name on it. He has dedicated the project to his loyal fans, who have grown with him throughout the years.

“I’m not trying to compete with 17-year-olds on the radio, but I am talking directly to the folks who came up with me,” LL tells ESSENCE. “We may not be teenagers anymore, but we do still like to have fun.”

The album, his first since 2008’s Exit 13, has already spawned the singles “Ratchet” and “Take It” featuring Joe.

UPDATE: Check out the official tracklisting, which includes an appearance from Monica.

Read the rest of this entry »

Nov
12
Mixtape Cover: B.o.B – ‘Fu*k ‘Em We Ball’

Fuck 'Em We Ball

B.o.B throws up the middle finger on the cover of his new mixtape Fuck ‘Em We Ball. The free project drops Thursday, November 15, featuring the single “We In This Bitch” with T.I. and Juicy J, plus the song “Dynamite.”

“Can’t wait for y’all to hear this! All-tracks custom made! No filler songs… it’s basically a free album,” said Bobby Ray of the follow-up to his 2011 mixtape EPIC (Every Play Is Crucial).

Nov
12
Album Cover: Game – ‘Jesus Piece’ [Standard Edition]

Jesus Piece

Game ignited a firestorm of controversy with the deluxe cover for Jesus Piece, which featured a portrait of a tatted Jesus wearing a bandana and Jesus piece chain. But the Compton rapper takes a different approach with the standard cover, paying tribute to his late brother.

The black-and-white artwork features a photo of Jevon Danell Taylor’s obituary with the words “In Loving Memory Of…” above it. Jevon was only 20 when he was murdered at a gas station due to gang violence. Game explained the decision behind the cover.

“I let my son write my name & the album title on it & in that moment I felt a connection between who I knew my brother to be when he was Harlem’s age & my son now,” he wrote on Instagram. “That moment was the closest my son will ever be to my brother & that alone is the reason I felt I should share it with you.”

Due December 11, the star-studded Jesus Piece features the single “Celebration,” plus appearances from J. Cole, Young Jeezy, Future, Trey Songz, Kanye West, and more.

Read the rest of this entry »

Oct
29
Brianna Perry Readies ‘Symphony No. 9’ Mixtape for Halloween

Symphony No. 9

Brianna Perry has a treat in store for her fans this Halloween. The “Marilyn Monroe” raptress will drop her mixtape Symphony No. 9 on Wednesday, October 31. The 20-year-old Miami native crouches in all black with painted wings and musical notes behind her on the cover art.

“(((Symphony #9))) October 31st Trick or Treat,” she tweeted.

Earlier this summer, Brianna dropped freestyles to Jay-Z’s “Dear Summer,” 2 Chainz and Drake’s “No Lie,” and Juvenile’s “400 Degreez.”

UPDATE: The tape has been delayed until November 20. “My label [Atlantic] has stepped in to make this mixtape a more memorable experience,” she told her fans in a handwritten letter. “I promise I won’t disappoint!!!”