Here we are just a month and a half into 2015 and guess what? 2015 in hip-hop has already destroyed 2014. When you hear that you may think it’s a lofty statement until you look at what has rolled out this year in comparison to what was lacking last year as a whole.

First, let’s examine 2014. We had a lukewarm summer that was dominated by “Hot Nigga” and “No Flex Zone,” there wasn’t a go-to album that defined the warm months of the year. During the early months YG provided a debut that is heralded in some circles as a classic, while raising the question of how did it get excluded from this year’s Grammys. Jeezy filled the fall gap, then the last couple of months became Cole World. What did I miss? Sure there was a couple of moments sprinkled here and there but nothing to write home about.

Now taking it to this year, we kicked off the year with new music from Kanye West and Paul McCartney on “Only One,” which slid us deep into Yeezus season with more releases pairing the Chicago emcee with Rihanna, Vic Mensa, Sia, Big Sean and more Sir Paul.

Ye, per usual, has been keeping things ambiguous but he wasn’t the only one, no pun intended. Who knows when Kendrick Lamar is dropping, but he is making the waiting game fun with a powerful track like “The Blacker the Berry.” After speculation, Drake released a mixtape that will kill 95% of other projects, which broke some records, and still has Views from the Six on the way.

As for his Young Money counterparts, Lil Wayne may not be 100% satisfied with his label situation but he definitely grabbed attention with Sorry 4 The Wait 2 and Nicki Minaj is still on a tear with tracks from her Pinkprint album.

Looking down the scope of the year we have Big Sean in our near future, Meek Mill looming and more on the way.

As for the tours, J. Cole is ready to take off, Travis Scott and Young Thug are already rolling and if you plan to hit any festival the aforementioned Drizzy will be there to greet you at the doors and tell you all about the 6.

Aside from the new music what’s making this year take off? Stars. While new artist recieved a shot to shine the lack of A-list hip-hop star power from last year is already fixed and making hip-hop competitive. Numerous random or planned releases and events have brought back the excitement and unpredictability. Most importantly hip-hop is once again commanding the attention that it deserves.