While Charter students may struggle with the daily grind of endless responsibilities and the daunting preparation for the future, the promise of new rap albums helps fade some of that stress away. With a new era of rap on the horizon, the anticipation for upcoming releases brings an unmatched feeling to Charter’s students. And for many, these albums are cultural events that give each listener a window into the minds of the artists who created them.

Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Doja Cat constantly prove that musical artistry is timeless and versatile. They defined the 2010’s era of music and continue to carry their legacies in 2023. PPCHS students share their hopes of what’s to come this year from some of their favorite artists:

Drake: For all the Dogs (10/6)

“I’ve been waiting for his album since the day after he dropped Her Loss. I love Adonis’s cover art, and hopefully I get to see him perform a few songs from For all the Dogs when he tours in Miami. Slime You Out was a great start, but I’m also hoping for more rap Drake this time. Whatever he comes out with is going to be good!” –Keira Tejada, Senior

“I’m not as big of a fan [of] Drake’s new music as I was with his older songs. But since he keeps teasing that For all the Dogs is going to be similar to Take Care, I just want there to be more features. At least a collab with Carti or Yeat, but I’m just looking for more rap Drake this time.” –Ricario Marcel, Senior

“Drake’s been my favorite artist for as long as I can remember. Since he dropped Slime You Out, I hope we get to hear more R&B Drake instead of rapping. He sounds good enough on his own, but I’d fall to the floor if he got a feature with Bryson Tiller.” -Gianna Burbridge, Junior

Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday 2 (11/17)

“I want to hear the nostalgic beats from her first Pink Friday album. Her continuing the legacy is like a full circle moment, and hopefully she has some songs with the Young Money trio. Her music never disappoints though, so I can’t wait to see what she comes out with.” -Coralie Richardson, Senior

“I’m not the biggest Nicki Minaj fan myself, but my sister and I have always bonded over her music. Since her album’s going to be a continued version of Pink Friday, I can’t wait to listen and find connections between them.” –Gianna Marte, Sophomore

“I just know the album’s going to have throwback references and beats, and I’m such a big fan of her old music. I’m so excited to hear a new collab with Drake; she just has to have one. I’m hoping she blows him out of the water to win Album of the Year.” -Yezmar Miranda, Junior

Doja Cat: Scarlet (9/22)

“Her image has definitely changed, but her music has always been great. That’s why you still hear her name on the Billboard top 10, at award shows, and so on. Her visuals for Scarlet are definitely… interesting, but it also makes me more excited for the visuals and the actual songs. I don’t think anyone’s sure of what to expect, but she never seems to disappoint!” –Casey Ameerally, Senior

“As long as her music is good… I’m not sure how it’s going to sound, especially after she released her visuals. I’m hoping for one last feature with The Weeknd, but even without that, I just want music I can vibe to!” –Caitlin Cabrera, Junior

“I’m a huge fan of the Planet Her album, but since she’s changed her style I’m not sure what to expect for the next drop. Regardless, she always has really catchy beats, so I’m looking forward to anything she creates. I’m just curious to see how her new aesthetic will tie into the album!” –Marina Conklin, Junior