1998 was a huge success for the hip-hop and R&B industry. With the releases of many popular albums, the trend looks to continue on into 1999. As we have seen, the rate of production of albums has steadily increased. Several artists, such as DMX, produced multiple records in the same year. The hip hop culture has been brought to the American forefront and now is also atop the major musical genres of the nation.

The new year looks bright, almost as much so as 1998, with a list of well-known artists scheduling the releases of their albums. The first major release of the year is "I Am the One" by Nas. Unfortunately, this album, ready for release soon, does not live up to the level of Nas' previous album, "Illmatic." Basically, it will probably be his last album, but was not a strong finale to his career.

Also to release an album is Keith Murray of the Def Squad Crew. The record features guests such as LL Cool J on "Incredible" as well as Erick Sermon and Canibus on other tracks. It is hard to predict the success of this album, however. It is difficult to tell whether fellow Def Squad rapper Redman's previously successful album ("Doc's da Name 2000") will overshadow Murray's or help increase its success.

A+, who has been rapping since he was 14, will release his second album in January. Known for the hit "Enjoy Yourself" and other songs with the Lost Boyz and Canibus, A+ is on his way to the top with the new release. Entitled "Hempsted High," it is sure to be a solid album, considering the hip hop protégé has matured and developed. Appearing on the album as well are other superstars such as Chico DeBarge, Canibus, and Erykah Badu. It is surely a step forward for the rising star.

Ready or not, they're back again. The Fugees are scheduled for the release of a new album to be titled "Class Reunion," an appropriate name, considering that the last album they published was "The Score" in 1996. "The Score" was one of the best hip hop albums ever produced and was a milestone for the industry. With this high standard, we can expect the new album to be a hit as well.

Jay-Z is one of the most prominent rappers today, and that should be reinforced by his forth coming album, "Reasonable Doubt." As his previous albums were huge successes, this one looks to follow the same pattern. With its release, Jay-Z will further secure his spot at the top. Jay-Z is also to be featured on Ja Rule's album "Venni, Vetti, Vecci." Best well known for his support in the hit "Can I Get A..." from the "Rush Hour Soundtrack," Ja Rule comes forth with an album of his own. However, just as Pras' album was a flop back in the fall after his success in "Ghetto Superstar," the same may happen to Ja Rule.

These are some of the more prominent albums which are to be released during the year. Along with them, of course, we will definitely see big artists from last year such as DMX, Noreaga, Big Pun, and many others producing singles and being featured in other songs. 1999 is sure to be another great year and a big step forward for hip hop.

"The hip hop culture has been brought to the American forefront and now is also atop the major musical genres..."

" ...1999 is sure to be another great year and a big step forward for hip hop..."

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