Albums We’re Excited For in January
From A$AP Rocky to Ari Lennox, here are the month’s hottest releases.
Photos by Cindy Ord, Michael Simon, Leon Bennett, Johnny Nunez, Michael Buckner, Araya Doheny, Getty Images.
January means a fresh start and with the new year comes new music. 2026 is getting off to an eclectic and exciting start – with an interesting mix of high-profile releases and highly anticipated indie heaters.
A$AP Rocky is dropping his long-awaited fourth studio album, Don’t Be Dumb, and fans of soul siren Ari Lennox are looking forward to her upcoming project, Vacancy — her first since inking her new deal last year. Lexa Gates delivers her sophomore album I Am, 42 Dugg returns with Part Three, and soul/’R&B is making serious noise throughout the month, with releases from Elijah Blake and Jordan Ward.
Here are some of the albums we are looking forward to this month.
THE KID LAROI - ‘BEFORE I FORGET’
(Jan. 9)
His evolution has truly been something to see and his sophomore album comes with heightened expectations. He started teasing the 15-track project in October and he’s already called it his most personal work.
DOPE KNIFE - ‘DARK WOKE’
(Jan. 12)
His unique sound has led to the development of a devout following, and his left-of-center lyricism truly puts him in a class of his own. He’s one of alt-rap’s most provocative and his latest singles show he’s only gotten sharper.
A$AP ROCKY- ‘DON’T BE DUMB’
(Jan. 16)
It’s been almost 8 years since he released Testing. It’s not like he hasn’t been busy (his growing family with Rihanna, that burgeoning film career) but fans are eager for the Harlem star to be back in the booth.
LEXA GATES - ‘I AM’
(Jan. 16)
“I am discipline, strength, sex, power. I am everything anyone wants to be.” She is as creative as she is unique, and her new album takes a personal look at her persona — informed by her experiences as a first-generation American.
ELIJAH BLAKE - ‘THE GEMINI’
(Jan. 16)
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is all about embracing his duality — the lover and the loner, the poet and the performer. Each song is a reflection of that yin/yang, capturing the emotional complexity that defines him.
ARI LENNOX - ‘VACANCY’
(Jan. 23)
Her departure from Dreamville made headlines, but she’s always been about putting the music first. She reconnected with hitmakers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox for the title track and lead single, and her first album under her new deal looks to be a sophisticated affair.
IDK - ‘EVEN THE DEVIL SMILES’
(Jan. 23)
He’s got production from Madlib, Kaytranada, No I.D., Goldie, Joey Valence & Brae and more. And it hearkens back to the heyday of mixtape culture while rapping into IDK’s own history.
42 DUGG - ‘PART THREE’
(Jan. 23)
The streets are ready. He’s been one of Detroit rap’s MVPs for years and he’s already got fans buzzing after making his return with "It Is What It Is," a collaboration with Lil Baby and Rylo Rodriguez.
CAMPER - ‘CAMPILATION’
(Jan. 23)
It’s a who’s who of top tier artists on this one. The acclaimed producer/DJ has pulled in some legendary voices for his debut album: from Stevie Wonder to Jill Scott to Brandy, Jeremih, Ari Lennox, Tank and more.
JORDAN WARD - ‘BACKWARD’
(Jan. 30)
Following his critically acclaimed debut, the singer-songwriter out of St. Louis returns with his follow-up. His soulful approach belies a personal and musical self-awareness, felt in songs that explore growth and self-discovery.
