Eminem: Relapse

Release: 5/19

Guess who’s back… back again. Shady’s back… tell a friend. Yup, after a five-year hiatus, Em is back with his riveting, infuriating, and often times hilarious lyrics that touch on everything from pop culture to the core of his family issues. Relapse, Em’s sixth studio album, is the first Slim Shady album since 2004’s Encore, and this record promises to be much edgier, even though the first single, “We Made You,” is a more tongue-in-cheek, poppy song that displays Em’s typical boyish humor. Guest appearances on Relapse include 50-Cent and Dr. Dre. Relapse was produced by Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records and Shady Records, with Dre, himself, handling most of the mixing.

Ciara: Fantasy Ride

Release: 5/5

R&B/pop singer Ciarais dropping her third studio album early this month. The record’s first single, “Go Girl” featuring T-Pain, was released early last year to much delight from Ciara fans nationwide. Fantasy Ride will showcase tons of top-line guest appearances, including Young Jeezy on “Never Ever” and Justin Timberlake on “Love Sex Magic.” Both of those singles have also been released to rave reviews. Expect to hear cameos from Ludacris, Chris Brown and The-Dream as well.

Green Day: 21st Century Breakdown

Release: 5/15

After the critically acclaimed American Idiot album wowed fans everywhere, Green Day knew they had to step it up for their eighth studio album. “We could take a sideways step or go back to our roots. We chose to move forward. It’s about reflecting what’s been happening the past three years and putting it to melody with some bold statements,” said frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. Influenced by Queen, The Who, The Beatles and The Clash, 21st Century Breakdown is a musical tour de force that will touch on themes of religion, politics, society and hope. The title track from the album, according to Rolling Stone, is the “most epic Green Day song yet.”  We’re sure you’ll agree!

Busta Rhymes: Back On My B.S.

Release: 5/19

Busta returns with his insane lyrics and unparalleled rapping speed to shred the competition to bits. With a slew of guest stars, including Mary J. Blige, Pharrell, Common, T-Pain, Ludacris and many more, Back On My B.S. promises to be another head-banging, partying album full of thoughtful and well-constructed rhymes. “Don’t Touch Me” was the record’s first promo single, while “We Made It” featuring Linkin Park became the album’s first official single. According to Busta himself, “You’re gonna get your traditional Busta Rhymes and Pharrell collabo. My man Focus from the Aftermath crew, Dr. Dre and the late, great J Dilla [all] got work on the album. It’s gonna be great!”