January 2025 Music Releases: The Weeknd, Lil Baby, and Mac Miller’s Posthumous Work Set Pace for New Year

January 2025 is poised to launch the year with a significant wave of new music, particularly within the realms of Hip-Hop and contemporary R&B. Anticipated releases from major artists such as The Weeknd and Lil Baby are scheduled to arrive, alongside a notable posthumous project from the late Mac Miller, according to recent industry reports.

Key Hip-Hop and Rap Offerings

Among the first major releases of the month was Hip-Hop artist Lil Baby’s new album, titled WHAM (Who Hard as Me). The project officially dropped on January 3rd, offering fans a substantial 15 tracks. WHAM features a roster of high-profile collaborators, including contributions from Young Thug, Future, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, and Rod Wave. Production on the album is credited to prominent figures in the genre such as Southside and London on the Track, among others, contributing to the project’s sonic landscape.

Looking ahead, Lil Baby has also indicated plans for a follow-up project. A second album, reportedly titled Dominique, is slated for release in February, signaling an active start to the year for the Atlanta-based artist.

The Weeknd’s Trilogy Conclusion and Expanded Universe

Marking one of the most highly anticipated releases across genres, The Weeknd is set to unveil his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. This album is scheduled for release on January 24th through XO and Republic Records. Hurry Up Tomorrow holds particular significance as it is expected to conclude a conceptual trilogy of albums that began with the critically acclaimed After Hours in 2020 and continued with Dawn FM in 2022.

The release of Hurry Up Tomorrow will be supported by a multifaceted rollout extending beyond the traditional album format. The Weeknd is scheduled to perform at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., on January 25th, the day following the album’s release, an event that is expected to draw a large audience. This performance is also anticipated to be part of a larger tour in support of the new album.

Furthermore, the Hurry Up Tomorrow project includes an ambitious cinematic component. A related film, also titled Hurry Up Tomorrow, is scheduled to debut in theaters on May 16th. The film is set to star notable actors Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, expanding the narrative and artistic universe associated with The Weeknd’s latest musical endeavors.

Posthumous Release from Mac Miller’s Estate

January also brings a significant release for fans of the late artist Mac Miller. His estate is scheduled to release Balloonerism on January 17th. This album marks the second posthumous project to be released under the direction of Miller’s estate since his passing.

Balloonerism is presented as a 14-song LP. The material featured on the album was reportedly recorded over a decade ago, offering insight into a different period of the prolific artist’s career. While the project had not been officially released prior to this date, versions of the recordings had reportedly circulated online, making the official release a notable event for preservation and accessibility.

Other Releases Expected in January

In addition to these prominent releases, January 2025’s music calendar includes other notable projects. Artists Joey Trap and Johnny Blaze 2 are expected to release their collaboration on January 24th, aligning with The Weeknd’s album drop. Veteran Hip-Hop artist Busta Rhymes and UK rapper Central Cee also have projects anticipated within the month, contributing to a diverse array of new music arriving at the start of the year.

The concentration of releases from both established superstars and respected figures across various subgenres positions January 2025 as a pivotal month, setting an active tone for the music industry in the year ahead and providing listeners with a wealth of new material to explore.