Fall hip-hop albums

With the semester now in full swing, it’s time to look forward to the big releases dropping this fall. There are plenty of anticipated albums on the way, with some of the most popular artists in the genre making their return.

As every hip-hop fan should know, album delays are almost a guarantee within the genre, so don’t be surprised if some of these records don’t get a proper release until 2014.

2 Chainz — “B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time” (Sept. 10)

No one should go into a 2 Chainz record expecting social commentary or immaculate wordplay.

Lead single “Feds Watching” isn’t some political, NSA-allegory. It’s the same old 2 Chainz, spitting braggadocio raps over excellent production.

What 2 Chainz lacks in lyrical skill, he makes up with charisma and punchlines.

Surprisingly, “BOATS II” has yet to have a popular major single like his breakthrough album from last year.

Is 2 Chainz’s reign of popularity over? This album should answer some questions about 2 Chainz’s potential and whether he’s here to stay or just a one album fad.    

Maybach Music Group — “Self Made Vol. 3” (Sept. 17)

Maybach Music Group (MMG) has firmly established three major artists: Rick Ross, Meek Mill and Wale.

“Self Made Vol. 3” aims to introduce their lesser known artists, such as Stalley, Omarion and the underrated Gunplay. Don’t fear MMG fans — there will still be plenty of Meek Mill and Rick Ross verses scattered throughout the compilation, with plenty of the system-bangers that the group have been known to deliver.

If lead single “Poor Decisions” is any indication of what’s to come, then it’s looking as though the MMG empire isn’t going to fall any time soon.

Drake — Nothing Was the Same (Sept. 24)

“Nothing Was the Same” might be the most anticipated rap album this year.

With two great albums and a classic mixtape under his belt, Drake has proven himself to be the most popular rapper of the new era.

Drake has the most No. 1 rap songs ever on the Billboard chart, despite entering the rap game just four years ago. The singles off the album have been excellent and diverse, with “Hold On, We’re Going Home” being a true standout in Drake’s accomplished career.

If there’s one rap album to hear this fall, it’s “Nothing Was the Same.”

Danny Brown — “Old” (Sept. 30)

Underground hip-hop fans rejoice! Danny Brown is finally releasing his heavily anticipated follow-up to “XXX.”

Brown has dropped several singles over the last year, but it’s unclear whether month-old singles like “Kush Coma” will actually make the cut.

We can surely expect some forward-thinking production and an eclectic group of collaborators ranging from A$AP Rocky to Purity Ring. You can plan on hearing some cuts off of “Old” at Danny Brown’s show at the Bluebird Nightclub Sept. 24, a week before the album drops.

Pusha T — “My Name Is My Name” (Oct. 8)

After spending the last few years playing Kanye West’s sidekick on tracks like “Runaway” and “Mercy,” Pusha T is finally getting a chance in the spotlight.

While he’s failed to deliver much quality solo material since signing to Kanye’s GOOD Music label in 2011, this album will hopefully return Pusha to his triumphant lyrical days when he was a member of Clipse.

Single “Numbers on the Boards” is an addicting piece of minimalistic rap swagger that proves a flashy beat isn’t always necessary.

But make no mistake, there is sure to be plenty of heavy hitting production on the way, with “Yeezus” collaborator Hudson Mohawke providing his brand of electric trap beats on a few tracks.

Eminem — “MMLP2” (Nov. 5)

Since Eminem’s return from retirement, he’s made questionable moves at nearly every turn.

First, there was 2009’s “Relapse,” an odd, anti-pop record that found Eminem rapping in peak form, but with an annoying accent and playing up his shock raps. 2010’s “Recovery” was more of a course correction, and its overly poppy nature had some fans crying “sell-out!”

“MMLP2” is perhaps the gutsiest move in Eminem’s career: a sequel to his most acclaimed album in an era when most of his original fans have moved on. This Rick Rubin- and Dr. Dre-produced comeback just might work though, with lead single “Berzerk” sounding like nothing else in Eminem’s catalog.

Remember that sequels are nearly impossible to pull off. I don’t need to remind you of Jay-Z’s “Blueprint 2.”

M.I.A. — “Mantagi” (Nov. 5)

“Mantagi” was so heavily delayed that M.I.A. threatened to leak it herself. The album’s lead single “Bad Girls” had one of the best music videos released last year, but very little information on the album has surfaced since.

Upon reflection, M.I.A.’s career has been disappointing. It feels like ages ago when “Paper Planes” became the surprise hit of the summer. A few bad PR stunts and 2010’s disappointing “MAYA” have left M.I.A. devoid of hype.

Still, it’s not M.I.A.’s controversial politics that made her great — it was her forward-thinking music. Hopefully, “Mantagi” gets M.I.A. back on track, if it ever actually sees the light of day.

Schoolboy Q — “Oxymoron” (TBA)

No release date has been set for the Top Dog Entertainment rapper’s third album, but it’s looking like a November release is likely.

Schoolboy takes himself less seriously than label-mate Kendrick Lamar, which allows for more fun tracks.

However, to call him TDE’s “party rapper” isn’t fair. As his last album “Habits & Contradictions” proved, there’s more to Schoolboy than meets the eye, with his hazy conscious tracks working well alongside his party songs.

“Oxymoron” should give Schoolboy the opportunity to step out from behind Kendrick’s shadow and prove he’s a capable artist.