As summer approaches, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a fresh playlist of the latest hits. From soulful R&B and hard-hitting rap to electrifying rock and soothing country tunes, summer is the ideal time to dive into diverse musical genres. While some artists surprise us with sudden releases, others tease their fans with snippets and build excitement for their upcoming albums. Here’s a rundown of the most anticipated summer albums that will surely soundtrack your sunny days and warm nights.

Cardi B, TBD

It’s been almost six years since Cardi B released her seminal, Grammy Award-winning debut album Invasion of Privacy. Her fans have been patiently waiting for the next official LP. So far, in 2024, she released her latest track, “Enough (Miami),” which came with a visual as a tease for the new album. The Bronx bombshell confirmed that the album is dropping this year during an interview with “Ebro in the Morning.” on Hot 97.  "Everything just has to be like perfect from everything because I feel like people are expecting so much," she said. It will surely be one of the most talked about projects whenever she finally releases the album.

As a follow-up to 2019’s The Big Day, Chance the Rapper has announced the forthcoming release of his newest project, Star Line Gallery. The album is inspired by his trip to Ghana and Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line In June, Chance spoke about the project during an appearance on Audacy’s “Check In” podcast. “It’s one of my proudest projects in terms of writing and artistic vision,” Chance told host Julia. “There’s an immense amount of work to be done with it.”

Kash Doll, TBD,

Detroit's finest Kash Doll is set to release a forthcoming untitled sophomore album. Leading up to the project, she recently released her latest anthem, "Kash Kommandments,” where she shares her “powerful message of empowerment and self-assurance.” Produced by Go Grizzly, the scorching track will keep her fans occupied until the album's official release. The track is a follow-up to previous singles "Power," "Big 1/Fawk Em," and "Pressing," which are all slated to be on the LP.

Lenny Kravitz, Blue Electric Light,  May 24

Rock icon Lenny Kravitz is preparing to release his 12th album on his label, Roxie Records. The project is his first since Raise Vibration in 2018 and was recorded in his studio in the Bahamas with his frequent collaborator Craig Ross. Two singles,  "TK421" and “Human,” have been related as the album’s first singles.

Mary J Blige, TBD

Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and she is still passionate about making music. While no official details about the project have been released, she confirmed the project should be available in an interview with BET.com.“I’m working on a project,” she said. “Something nice for my fans.” “Gone Forever,” featuring Remy Ma and DJ Khaled, will be included on the album.

Megan The Stallion, TBD

While touring the world as the headliner of her tour, Megan Thee Stallion will be releasing what she described as the most “important album of her career.” In February, “Hot Girl Meg notched her very first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with her scathing diss track “Hiss” that many believed was aimed at Nicki Minaj and Drake.“Hiss” as the lead-up of her third album. The untitled album will follow previous projects, 2022’s Traumazine in 2022, and her debut album Good News in 2020. Check out her announcement below.

After releasing BLACKsummers'night in 2009 and blackSUMMERS'night in 2016, R&B Maxwell has announced the completion of the trilogy with his forthcoming blacksummers’NIGHT. The project also marks the 15th BLACKsummers'night. After leaving his longtime label Columbia Records, he announced his new partnership deal with BMG through his Musze imprint in November 2021. Although details about the album have been sparse, Maxwell is heading out on tour this fall with Jazmine Sullivan and up-and-coming crooner October London.

Miguel, Viscera, TBD

As one of the faces of modern, alternative R&B, Miguel will officially return with a new album slated for release this summer. Titled Viscera, it’s been six years since the release of his last album, War & Leisure. Interestingly, Miguel’s 2011 single “Sure Thing” went viral on TikTok and re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 11 which is his highest-charting single. While the details about Viscera are limited, last year, he released  “Give It To Me” and “Number 9,” as his latest singles.

Moneybagg Yo, Speak Now, May 24

Memphis rap star Moneybagg Yo is looking to maintain his position as one of the major players in hip-hop with the announcement of his new album. Titled Speak Now, Moneybagg is set to arrive on May 24, according to an Instagram post.

Normani, Dopamine, June 14

Having released Normani x Calvin Harris and several blazing hot singles, including “Wild Side,” R&B/pop starlet Normani is set to release her debut album, Dopamine, on June 14. Taking to Instagram, she posted the cover of “Dopamine,” with her riding a jet-black rocket against a white background. The caption read, “Cryingg typing this rn. DOPAMINE THE ALBUM.” With that news, Normani fans are looking forward to an epic summer.

Slum Village, May 2024

What up doe? For the first time in seven years, hip-hop legends Slum Village are back in the game with a new album. Originally comprised of T3, Baatin, and J Dilla, Young RJ and T3 now carry the legacy of one of rap music’s most acclaimed groups into the future. The group’s lead single “Just Like You,” along with other tracks “Request” and “Factor,” Guest appearances on the project are Abstract Orchestra, Brittney Carter, Larry June, Cordae, and Robert Glasper.