The first week of January 2025 has been eventful in the hip-hop world, with notable album releases, legal developments, and upcoming tours. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings:
Album Releases
- Lil Baby’s “WHAM”
On January 3, 2025, Lil Baby released his fourth studio album, WHAM (an acronym for “Who Hard as Me”). The album features collaborations with artists like Young Thug, Future, GloRilla, and Travis Scott. It serves as the final installment in his “Hard” series, following the 2022 release of It’s Only Me. - The Weeknd’s Upcoming Album
Anticipation is high for The Weeknd’s album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to release on January 24, 2025. This project is expected to conclude his trilogy that includes After Hours and Dawn FM.
Legal Developments
- Sean “Diddy” Combs Scandal
Sean Combs, known as P. Diddy, is facing multiple federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, along with numerous civil cases alleging sexual abuse, kidnapping, rape, and sexual extortion dating back to the early 1990s. The charges could result in life imprisonment, with a trial set for May. Combs has pleaded not guilty, and his defense team maintains his innocence. - Dawn Richard’s Lawsuit Against Diddy
Dawn Richard, a former participant on Diddy’s 2004 MTV show Making The Band, has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse and misconduct by Combs. She details incidents of groping and other inappropriate behavior, as well as witnessing violence against his former girlfriends. Combs has not yet responded to these allegations.
Tours and Performances
- Mary J. Blige’s “For My Fans Tour”
Mary J. Blige has announced her 2025 tour, featuring special guests Ne-Yo and Mario. The tour will cover arenas across the U.S. and Canada from January to April 2025, supporting her upcoming album Gratitude. The 27-concert tour includes stops in New York and New Jersey. - Drake’s “Anita Max Win Tour”
Drake is set to tour Australia and New Zealand, with performances beginning on February 10, 2025. The tour will cover seven cities, coinciding with the Super Bowl Sunday.
Industry Trends
- Globalization of Hip-Hop
Hip-hop continues to transcend borders and languages, with international artists reaching global audiences through platforms like TikTok and Spotify. Collaborations across continents and the incorporation of cross-cultural sounds are becoming increasingly prevalent, reflecting the genre’s expanding definition. - Anticipated Albums of 2025
The year promises a diverse range of album releases across various genres. In hip-hop and R&B, fans can look forward to projects from Central Cee, The Weeknd, and a collaboration between Saba & No ID. These releases are expected to contribute significantly to the year’s musical landscape.
Chart Toppers
- Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
As of January 4, 2025, “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA has secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The collaboration has garnered significant attention and acclaim from both fans and critics.
Miscellaneous
- Playboi Carti’s “I Am Music”
Fans continue to await the release of Playboi Carti’s album I Am Music, initially announced in early 2021. Despite teasers and cryptic social media posts, the album remains unreleased as of late 2024, leading to growing anticipation and some frustration among his fanbase.
The hip-hop industry remains dynamic, with artists pushing creative boundaries, engaging in significant legal battles, and preparing for major tours. As 2025 unfolds, fans can expect a year rich with new music, performances, and developments that will continue to shape the genre’s evolution.