December 2025 closes out the year with a handful of noteworthy new albums, spanning all genres. From long-delayed albums to deluxe editions, from long-anticipated collaborations to compilations born from viral leaks, these six releases promise to be the year’s finale. Below, a deeper look at the projects dominating fan conversations as December begins.
The Leaks – Lil Baby
Lil Baby leads the month with The Leaks, arriving December 3 on his 33rd birthday. The compilation transforms years of snippets, leaks, and previewed tracks into a polished, cohesive album. Many of these songs circulated online as far back as 2019, including collaborations with Playboi Carti, Lil Yachty, and G Herbo. The tracklist features previously released singles like “All on Me” with G Herbo, “Try to Love,” “Otha Boy,” “Real Shit,” and “Middle of the Summer.” Originally teased for an August release and scheduled for September 5, the project was delayed while Baby finalized mixes and replaced rough demos with fully finished versions.
That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore (Deluxe) – Jade
December 5 brings one of the most anticipated pop releases of the month: That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore (Deluxe) by Jade. The expanded edition of her September debut adds eight fresh tracks—seven originals plus a cover of Madonna’s “Frozen.” Already a breakout project for Jade, the album’s theatrical pop foundation and bold visual era helped her carve out a clear solo identity.
The Navy Album – Roddy Ricch
Also arriving December 5 is Roddy Ricch’s The Navy Album, his long-awaited third studio effort. Released via Atlantic Records and Bird Vision Entertainment, the album has endured multiple schedule changes since its initial 2024 target. Lead single “Survivor’s Remorse” dropped in May 2024, followed later that year by “Lonely Road.” Ricch has kept the tracklist and collaborations secret, fueling speculation about the project’s direction. As his first proper album since 2022’s Feed Tha Streets III, expectations are high, though some fans remain skeptical that the LP will meet its scheduled release date given its history of delays.
Ghost World – Alison Wonderland
On the electronic front, Ghost World, the fourth studio album from Alison Wonderland, arrives after being pushed from its original October 3 release date. The 14-track project blends her signature trap-driven sound with glitchy industrial textures, introducing a darker chapter in her catalog. Collaborations with Memba, Dylan Ragland, and Quix shape a soundscape grounded in tension and high-energy production.
Bully – Kanye West (?)
The month also includes one massive question mark: Kanye West’s Bully, which may or may not drop in mid-December. The album has been delayed multiple times, with rumored dates shifting from September to November, then to December, then back to November, and reportedly again to December 12. Despite the uncertainty, anticipation remains high given West’s unpredictable creative cycles and the intense online interest around any potential new music. Whether Bully materializes this month remains to be seen.
Light-Years – Nas & DJ Premier
Rounding out the list is the most significant rap collaboration of the year: Light-Years, the long-awaited joint album from Nas and DJ Premier, arriving December 12 via Mass Appeal Records. The project fulfills nearly two decades of teases, dating back to 2006, when the duo first hinted at a full-length collaborative effort. For fans of New York rap, Light-Years represents a historic pairing—one that unites one of the greatest lyricists of all time with one of hip-hop’s most influential producers.
Photo: Conor Cunningham
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