Artists face plenty of pressure when releasing music. Due to the high standards that fans hold them to or other outside circumstances, some artists have more on the line with their upcoming albums.
Here are three artists who have something to prove in 2023.
Chance the Rapper
Chance was once a highly celebrated artist due to his positive style, gospel influence, and unique melodic style. Albums such as "Acid Rap" are considered classics of the early 2010s, and his 2016 album "Coloring Book" received plenty of praise.
However, it went downhill for the Chicago artist three years ago when he released "The Big Day," which was poorly received. By some, it was exaggeratedly titled one of the worst hip-hop albums of its time. This led to online bullying and a public view which momentarily stained Chance's name.
Throughout the past year though, the rapper has been steadily releasing singles and features that hint at his return. The singles display that the rapper is not out for the count yet, but if he is truly trying to make a comeback, this upcoming album must be some of his best work.
Gunna
At the beginning of 2022, the Atlanta rapper released his studio album "DRIP SEASON 4EVER," it seemed as if he was on top of the world. The album featured hit songs such as "pushin P" feat. Young Thug and "P power" feat. Drake.
Gunna had everything he needed to create a successful music career. That all changed when he, along with fellow label mate Young Thug, were hit with a RICO case due to their YSL label affiliation. After following months of legal battles, the artist is now free after negotiating a plea deal. Taking this option came with the cost of being titled as a snitch and falling out with many mainstream artists including Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and others.
Without the support of his peers, it will be interesting to see if Gunna can replicate past success.
Travis Scott
Houston star Travis Scott's Astroworld concert was one of the most horrific concert experiences in the past couple of years. This traumatizing event left a blemish on his career and led to the artist's withdrawal from the limelight.
As time passes, there are more signs of light that the release of his upcoming album "Utopia" is on its way. From the small serving of singles and features released last year, it seems the artist has not lost his touch.
Scott still faces the pressure of repeating the past success of albums such as "Astroworld," but the reception of this project can make or break his future.
Plenty of artists are being closely watched for their upcoming projects. These three face an absurd amount of pressure with the release of each single. Other artists in the past have bounced back from the bottom, so hopefully these artists can as well.
