Only days into 2011, the year promises to be as momentous as its predecessor. Gucci Mane's been sent to a mental health facility, his partner Waka Flocka Flame turned himself in on a gang-load of charges – pun intended – and Jazmine Sullivan's already retired and changed her mind. Yes, 2011 is off to a fast start. BET.com makes predictions for 2011 along with a few things we'd like to see in the new year.
Keri Hilson Will Date a Rapper
Ms. Keri made headlines when she told Chelsea Handler she doesn't date rappers. She’s apparently too brainy and “a little bit more than they can handle.” Well, “conscious rappers” are stereotypically smart; perhaps one can provide the “bird’s eye view” Keri’s been looking for and prevent her from making mistakes like her “The Way You Love Me” video. Just one word of advice, Keri: If he invites you to a Hennessy-sponsored party, run!
Erykah Badu and Rick Ross Will Become a Couple
There's something about the way Rick Ross opened the door for Erykah Badu in her "Window Seat" remix video. The unlikely pair has already produced two bangers, "Seat" and Ross' “Maybach Music III." There's no reason their chemistry shouldn't translate romantically. Can't wait to see Rozay wearing crocheted wife beaters.
“Detox” Will Finally Come Out
We've heard it before: Dr. Dre says “Detox” is finally coming. Dre clearly needs more people at this point, but the mythical project may actually hit stores this time. Over the years, there have been leaks and "Detox" songs have reportedly ended up on other artists' albums, but now Dre has released an official single, "Kush" featuring Snoop Dogg and Akon, accompanied by a video. “Coming soon" finally means something. Will it be any good, though?
Wiz Khalifa Will be Rookie of the Year
Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow" recently peaked at no. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Not bad for an underdog who couldn't get a release date from his label a few years ago. Don't be surprised if you see Wiz holding a trophy on stage at the Hip Hop Awards this fall.
Diddy Won't Stop
What else is new? The man who wants you to go to the club wearing Sean John with a splash of Unforgivable, to drink Ciroc and dance to "Last Train to Paris" will make headlines some way, somehow. Also look out for the Bugatti Boyz (Diddy and Rick Ross) EP to be one of the year's best rap releases.
Weezy Gets Baby
Lil Wayne's proven to be fertile, lyrically and otherwise. He was barely out of jail when a woman accused him of being the father of her 8-year-old daughter and demanded he submit a DNA test. He's yet to be linked to anyone romantically post-jail, but another alleged baby momma should surface on Bossip or TMZ any time now ...in about nine months or so.
Willow’s World
If the “Whip My Hair” frenzy is any indication of the magnitude of her upcoming debut, Willow Fever is poised to sweep the nation in 2011. Like father, like daughter.
Kanye Will Spazz Again
Kanye West may have all but disappeared at the tail-end of 2010, but he’s far from done. Not only is the Louis Vuitton Don still promoting “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” but “Watch the Throne,” his collaboration with Jay-Z, will be in stores soon. Yeezy may just have to start doing interviews again, and questions about one of these ridiculous outfits he’s been sporting as of late may just set him off. We’ll wait….
Retirement Plan
Jazmine Sullivan beat this prediction to the punch. The R&B singer joins a growing line of young artists (Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi) who announce their retirement only to take it all back in a single bound.
We'll Lose Another Icon
It’s inevitable. Sadly, every year we lose another icon. Michael Jackson in 2009, Teena Marie, Teddy Pendergrass and Guru in 2010. Unfortunately, as new stars began to shine, older ones will likely fade. Let’s not wait until our legends are gone to celebrate them.
Drihanna
Drihanna: That’s most likely what the tabloids will call Drake and Rihanna when they become official. These two had a fling and moved on, but with Matt Kemp out of the picture, the door's open for Drizzy to sweep RihRih off her feet. The chemistry in the “What’s My Name” video wasn’t just for the cameras, it was the real thing. On Rick Ross’ newly leaked “Made Men,” Drake spits, “One of my baddest women ever I call her Rihanna… but that’s ‘cause her name is Rihanna.” Drake may have been literal.
Rappers Will Keep Going to Jail
Rappers just can't seem to stay out of trouble. At least a dozen rhyme spitters were locked up in 2010 and this year should be no different. Gucci Mane has already been ordered to a mental health facility and sources say he could be sent to jail for up to 17 months. Let's hope this prediction doesn't come true.
Cee Lo Will Win a Grammy
Cee Lo's "Forget You" was one of the biggest crossover hits of 2010. In addition to peaking at no. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and being performed by Gwyneth Paltrow on "Glee," the song is now featured in the trailer for Vince Vaughn's new comedy, "The Dilemma." Come February 13, the song will earn Cee Lo a Grammy Award, most likely for Record of the Year or Song of the Year.
“Watch the Throne” Will Exceed Expectations
Kanye West and Jay-Z's collaborative track record is pretty impeccable. And with both MCs at the top of their game, their highly anticipated joint LP, "Watch the Throne," should be no different. Look for this LP to top Billboard and year-end lists for Album of the Year.
Jay Electronica's Roc Nation Debut Won't Come Out
It's not uncommon for underground MCs to drop five songs in one week. Jay Electronica barely drops five songs a year. The New Orleans MC is notorious for doing things on his own time, and appeasing his fan base probably isn't part of his New Year's resolution. Jay's already dropped two songs since signing with Jay-Z's Roc Nation late last year. Let's hope it's a sign of things to come.
Write It Down
Not writing your lyrics down used to have a certain cachet, but it’s not so cool anymore. Even T.I., Kanye West and Lil Wayne have gone back to writing lines down to superior results. More rappers will follow suit in 2011.
Female MCs Will Make a Comeback
Between labels trying to find the next Nicki Minaj and Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Eve and Lauryn Hill working on new music, female MCs will continue their way back to prominence.
No Hand
Drake's been praised for his music just as much as he's been ridiculed for his ridiculously idle hand. In case you haven’t seen it, the Drake Hand comes alive whenever Drizzy performs. It alternates between dormant and seismic stages depending on the track, but appears to be independent of the rest of Drake’s body. It deserves its own Twitter… like Drake’s knee. Someone in the Young Money camp will get into Aubrey's ear and tell him to break his laughable habit. The Look-Away's next!
Chris Brown Will Reign Supreme
Chris Brown's comeback story has yet to be written...at least the final version. First, he set the world ablaze with a breathtaking tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2010 BET Awards. Then, he released the “Fan of a Fan” mixtape featuring "Deuces," one of the year's biggest singles. Next, he reclaims his rightful position atop the R&B herd with a critically acclaimed, commercially successful fourth album. The end.
“The Carter IV” > “Tha Carter III”
Anyone who's heard Lil' Wayne's "6'7" knows he's on a mission. Wayne's continued to give his fans stellar verses despite his eight-month bid, but it's been two years since he's released an official LP. "Rebirth” was a rock experiment gone bad and "I Am Not a Human Being" was clearly cluttered with throwaways. While matching the success of “Tha Carter III” will be a hard task, “Tha Carter IV” will be one of the year's best-selling albums and will become Wayne's ultimate masterpiece.
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