‘Born Sinner’, ‘Talk a Good Game’ and ‘Yeezus’

Today is the big day for the first major chart showdown of the summer. Kelly Rowland, J. Cole and Kanye West have all released their new albums, and the trio is preparing to battle the top slot on the Billboard 200. Yet, which of these artists will emerge as the victor?

First up is Rowland with her fourth studio album, Talk a Good Game. Including contributions from The-Dream, Kevin Cossom, Danja, Mike WiLL Made It Boi-1da and Pharrell, the record is a return to Rowland’s R&B roots as she ditches the Dance anthems that made her a mainstay on the European charts while being widely ignored in the US.

Singles: “Kisses Down Low” and “Dirty Laundry”

In the second corner is Cole and his Born Sinner sophomore set, which has already earned rave reviews from both fans and critics across the industry. Relatable, honest and lyrically driven, this album will undoubtedly be ranked among the best releases of 2013 by the end of the year. Who needs controversy or media fodder when your music speaks for itself?

Singles: “Power Trip” and “Crooked Smile”

Finally, bolstered by the timely birth of his daughter with Kim Kardashian and a string of outrageous performances, West has issed Yeezus. The album is weighted with the samples and egotistical rants that made Roc Nation’s #2 famous but may be too “artistic” for casual fans of the rapper to understand. Naturally, critics at all major publications have given the record glowing reviews.

Singles: Baby Kimye

Now, it’s time to place your bets. Who will top the Billboard 200 next week? Vote in our poll and let us know which album you will buy in the comment section below!