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Between label politics, personal challenges, and quickly changing trends in the music industry, a number of talented rappers have found their albums repeatedly pushed back. Artists on this list have had completed projects sit in their label’s vaults, only to be later released, while others entirely scrapped albums that were finished. Most included on this last were able to drop while the album was still highly anticipated, but few were not as fortunate.
- 50 Cent- Get Rich or Die Tryin’
His Columbia Records debut, The Power of the Dollar was already completed when the label terminated his contract after being shot in 2000. 50 quickly returned to the mixtape circuit until Guess Who’s Back reached Eminem who signed 50 Cent to a deal with Shady/ Aftermath. Eminem placed 50’s single Wanksta on the 8 Mile soundtrack, which was his first single since 2000. Dr. Dre produced the album’s first single, the smash hit, In Da Club that quickly rose to the top of the charts. Other notable singles include P.I.M.P and 21 Question featuring Nate Dogg. The album earned strong reviews and sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
Listen to Get Rich or Die Tryin’
2. DMX- It’s Dark and Hell is Hot
