Top 5 Rap Album Release Dates of Fall 2009

The most anticipated rap albums are yet to be released for the Fall of 2009. Rap superstars will be returning to end the year with real music to remember for years ahead. New styles, new methods, and guaranteed critical acclaim. Here are the release dates for the top 5 rap albums upcoming in the Fall of 2009.
Release dates are subject to change.

Dr. Dre - Detox - Release Date: TBA 2009

Dr. Dre has been hard at work producing his third and final album, Detox. While originally due to be released in 2004, the album has been delayed because he decided to produce for the many artists under his label, Aftermath Entertainment.

Many rumors have flown by about the completion of this album and whether or not it can overcome the expectations of millions of fans, especially after Dre's last two classic albums. The artist has stated that he plans for Detox to hit the shelves right after Eminem releases his latest album, Relapse (which has already been released), and after 50 Cent's new upcoming album, Before I Self Destruct (to be released on September 29^th, 2009). There are many artists involved and it seems Dre intends to make his final debut on the market a memorable one. He has even made a joint business project with Drinks America to release a drink called "Aftermath Cognac" within 60 days after Detox hits the stores.

The rumors keep flying but Dre had this to say in an interview with MTV:

"I'm not talking about low riders and blunts and all that anymore... I mean, that's played. As a matter of fact, I'm tired of hearing other people talk about it, to tell you the truth... I had to come up with something different but still keep it hardcore, so what I decided to do was make my album one story about one person and just do the record through a character's eyes, and everybody that appears on my album is going to be a character, so it's basically going to be a hip-hop musical."

Eminem - Relapse 2 - Release Date: Q4 2009

Eminem has already released Relapse this year, his first studio album since 2004. To date, many of his singles have made the top 40 list and the album itself sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide. Eminem has had his share of struggles after the death of his close friend and fellow rapper, Proof, and his subsequent addiction to sleeping pills. However, he recovered from his addiction and unleashed his memorable sharp lyrical wit, and the album content also showcased the return of his fictional alter-ego, Slim Shady, which he's been acclaimed for.

Relapse 2 will be the continuation of his 'return' to the music industry. Eminem has recorded a large amount of music with Dr. Dre for this release, stating, "Putting out Relapse 2 will let everyone get all of the best stuff." It is currently planned for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3 - Release Date: September 11^th, 2009

It seems a lot of rappers have made use of sequels to their hit albums. Jay-Z now intends to make his legendary album series, The Blueprint, into a full fledged trilogy. The Blueprint 3 will be produced by Shawn Carter, Kanye West, Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Mr. Hudson, and No I.D.

The album's 'cast' has some of the best artists in the industry and Jay-Z's track record has been formidable. The Blueprint 3 is set for release on September 11^th, 2009.

Lil Wayne - I Can't Feel My Face - Release Date: TBA 2009

Lil Wayne quickly established himself as one of the leading emcees of rap and collaborated with countless other artists since then. His latest album, Tha Carter III, is his most commercially successful album to date.

Lil Wayne is now working on releasing his upcoming album, I Can't Feel My Face, a collaboration project with Juelz Santana. Two mixtapes, Blow and My Face Can't Be Felt, have already been released. However, the rapper expressed interest in making an "official" album installment. Most recently, Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana have attributed the album's delay to the contractual issues with Cam'ron, regarding the music labels they've been trying to choose.

It has been reported that all the tracks are finished and ready to be released; independently if a major label release isn't acquired.

Bone Thugs N Harmony - Uni5 - Release Date: September 22^nd, 2009

Hailing from Cleveland, the legendary rap group Bone Thugs N Harmony have reunited and are now working together for the first time in years after Flesh-n-Bone was released from prison on July 12^th, 2008. Bone Thugs N Harmony have achieved global praise in the 90's with hits such as "Thuggish Ruggish Bone," "The Crossroads," and numerous albums that portrayed their unique melodic flow of speed rap.

DJ U-Neek and The Neptunes will be producing and Lupe Fiasco and Tech N9ne are confirmed to make guest appearances. Uni5 will be the first album this decade featuring all five members of the group and the expectations are set high for this Fall 2009 release.