10. Raekwon - Only Build 4 Cuban Linx II (9/8)

Raekwon seems to have invested so much time into the sequel to his 1995 classic. And the album cover w/ Ghostface in the background brings back some oh so good memories.

9. Pearl Jam – Backspacer (9/20)

For it’s 9^th album, the last grunge band standing is back working with Brendan O’Brien, who last produced Yield for Pearl Jam.

8. Slaughterhouse – self-titled (8/11)

In this case you have four MCs who each have, at one point, been labeled hip-hop’s next big thing. Now that they’re all together, perhaps they actually are.

7. Flaming Lips – Embryonic (9/29)

The first double album from one of the more complex and unique rock bands of all-time. If that isn’t enough to make your list of anticipated albums for the rest of 2009, you’re crazy!

6. Clipse – Til the Casket Drops (10/20)

If Pusha T and Malice have shown anything in their career, it’s that they’re getting better as time goes on. Here’s hoping the third time’s the charm for mainstream success.

5. Drake – Thank me Later (late 2009)

I’m a natural skeptic. For  a lot of people, Drake’s debut would be #1 on this list, but I’m doubtful of a guy people are saying is the biggest thing since Kanye and 50 Cent. Still, there’s no denying “Best I Ever Had” is a great hit-record. But does Drake seemed poised for the kind of monumental career people are anticipating. I just don’t know. Thank me later? I just might eat some humble pie.

4. Lupe Fiasco – Lasers (December)

Dude just seems to have that thing about it – the kind of drive that pushes you to be better and better each time around. The only other artists you see that in nowadays is Kanye West, in my opinion. So, I expect Lasers to be better than The Cool, which might just blow my mind.

3. Paramore – Brand New Eyes (9/29)

After hearing the thumping first single “Ignorance” (a lil more chuggy than “Misery Business”), it seems like Brand New Eyes might take Paramore to the next level – producer Rob Cavallo (Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day) can’t hurt.

2. Vampire Weekend – TBD (Fall 2009)           

When you produce your own records and are one of the most carefree bands in the world there really isn’t much info about your album that you don’t let out yourself. Vampire Weekend keep things close to the vest because I’m not sure they even believe the help themselves. Which is what made their excellent debut all the more delightful last year.

 1. Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3

What’s riding on The Blueprint 3? Well, it’s the second sequel to the greatest album of this decade (I’ll accept an argument for Radiohead’s Kid A also). I get the feeling we may spend the rest of Jay-Z’s career watching him try to match The Blueprint. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m up for the ride.