Rap music had a strong year in 2025, and 2026 is coming with even more new music. Big stars are getting ready to drop new albums. The lineup of the most anticipated rap albums of 2026 is packed with projects, and we are breaking down their release dates.
From DaBaby to Playboi Carti and from J. Cole to Kanye West, many famous rappers are returning. 2026 is set to be a year full of new songs. Below are the albums fans are waiting for and why people are talking about them.
6 Most Anticipated Rap Albums of 2026 & Their Release Date
1. DaBaby — Be More Grateful
Release Date: January 30, 2026
DaBaby is back with a new album called Be More Grateful. He shared the news in early January 2026. At the same time, he released a video for his new song “DON’T INSULT ME” which features his daughter. In the video, DaBaby raps about being strong and caring for family, while his daughter stands beside him.
The songs released before the album show a new side of DaBaby. The music feels calmer and more serious than his older work. Many fans say he sounds more grown and focused now. Be More Grateful is already getting a lot of attention and people are talking about it everywhere.
Fans have also heard songs like “LETTER TO MY YN,” “PAPER LOW,” and “OUT YA BUSINESS” before the album drops. These songs talk about family, growing up, and learning from life. Many can relate to the messages in the music.
2. Gorillaz — The Mountain
Release Date: February 27, 2026
Gorillaz, the animated music group known for mixing many styles, will release The Mountain in late February. The group is known for blending rap, rock, and electronic sounds. This new album is expected to include rap artists and exciting music features. Fans are excited because Gorillaz always brings something new.
Even though Gorillaz are not a rap group only, they have worked with many rappers before. Their music sounds fresh and different every time. Many people believe The Mountain will include artists from the hiphop world and surprise listeners again.
3. Playboi Carti — Baby Boi
Release Date: No official date yet (expected in 2026)
Playboi Carti has been teasing his next album Baby Boi for a long time. On April 4, 2025, Carti hinted that the album was finished and “on the way.” Fans quickly shared the news online and began talking about it. Around that time, an Instagram post also suggested the album was ready, but no release date was given.
Carti likes to stay quiet when it comes to new music. Still, every small hint he drops makes fans more excited. He is one of the most talked about rappers today. His last album Music showed that he can change how trap music sounds.
Even though there is no date yet, many fans believe Baby Boi will come out in 2026.
4. Skepta — Fork & Knife
Release Date: Expected 2026
UK rapper Skepta is getting ready to release his album Fork & Knife. The first single, “GasMeUp (Diligent)”, will be released on January 26, 2026. The snippet gave fans a taste of what is coming next. Many music writers say this album is important because Skepta has helped UK rap and grime music for many years.
Skepta’s last full album came out in 2019. Fans have been waiting for new music since then. With a new single out and more songs on the way, Fork & Knife could become one of the biggest rap albums of 2026.
5. J. Cole — The FallOff
Release Date: February 6, 2026
J. Cole has talked about The FallOff for many years. He first mentioned it in 2018 on the song “1985 (Intro to The Fall Off)”. Since then, he has spoken about the album in interviews and audio talks. He explained that the album is about his life, growth, and thoughts about music.
Fans are very excited because this album has taken a long time to finish. J. Cole is known for telling real stories and using honest words. Many people believe The FallOff will be deep and personal.
6. Kanye West (Ye) — Bully
Release Date: January 30, 2026
Ye is set to release Bully at the end of January 2026. He first talked about the album in 2024. Since then, he has shared unfinished songs and studio clips online. Fans have seen these moments on Instagram posts and livestreams.
The album has changed many times, but people are still very interested. Ye is known for big ideas and bold music sounds. Many fans are waiting to hear the final version of Bully.
2026 is looking like a strong year for rap music. These albums bring real stories, new sounds, and fresh ideas. Fans will be talking about them from the start of the year to the end.
IMAGE CREDITS:
Josh Brasted / Contributor | Getty Images
Prince Williams / Contributor | Getty Images
