By Hip Hop Wired
Rather than ponder over just how impressive 2012's release roster will be (new music from T.I., Rick Ross, Jay-Z, etc.), we've decided to take a different approach. Instead of hyping what has the potential to be another great year for Hip-Hop, we're going to mull over whose music is teetering on the edge of, "Who cares anymore, anyway?" Thanks to reasons like artist ambivalence and record label shenanigans, and the fact that new music drops everyday, in most cases these 10 albums missed taking advantage of striking while their mics were hot. No shots.
10) 50 Cent "Black Magic"
If there's one thing that we know about 50 Cent, it's that he doesn't accept defeat. Nearly three years after he touted his forthcoming Black Magic album as some of his best work—first influenced by his travel's overseas—he then scratched the concept to get back to his rap roots. But constant bickering with Interscope sapped our interest in hearing this project. At least we got The Big 10.
9) Busta Rhymes E.L.E. 2: End of the World
Jumping on Chris Brown's “Look At Me Now” with a standout, speedy 16 bars, reminded us of Busta Rhymes' lingual fury, but it did little to draw excitement for a new project. In November he was announced as the newest signee to Cash Money Records, but with a roster consisting of the likes of Nicki Minaj, Tyga and Drake, the competition is so stiff for Busta's E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) 2: End Of The World to shock the Hip-Hop globe.
8) Lil' Kim Hardcore 2: All Hail the Queen
Some rappers are able to turn beef into album sales. But the ploy has had the opposite effect on Lil' Kim. Despite attempting to cash in on her hatred for Nicki Minaj, the quality of the Queen Bee's music—as heard on her Black Friday mixtape—has been lackluster. Definitely not the type of appetizer that would make us want to digest a sequel to her classic Hardcore debut.
7) Ludacris Ludaversal
Seven albums deep and there's no denying that Ludacris is a clever wordsmith. But the first clue to a false start was the decision to delay Ludaversal in lieu of his 1.21 Gigawatts: Back to the First Time mixtape. Unfortunately, a diss record like "Bada Boom" was more of a tremor than a full grown quake.
6) Bow Wow Underrated
Bow Wow's love/hate relationship with Hip-Hop is proof that he might want to find another day job. After retiring a couple years ago, the pint-sized MC sought to reinvigorate his career by latching onto the YMCMB train. Although the alliance seemed promising, nothing coming out of Bow's music lab has connected with fans, leaving little interest for Underrated.
5) Jadakiss Top 5 Dead or Alive
As a lyricist, Jadakiss is second to none. However, when it comes to album sales, he continuously in the back of the pack. The Yonkers, N.Y. native dropped his I Love You (Dedication to my Fans) mixtape in May, but after three cracks at making a classic LP, the odds aren't in his favor for his fourth album, Top 5 Dead or Alive.
4) Jay Electronica Act II: Patents of Nobility
Jay Electronica had long been bubbling under the radar before signing to Jay-Z's Roc Nation to a great level of notoriety. The New Orleans-bred MC momentum has stalled out after after announcing the completion of Act II: Patents of Nobility' over the summer. Only a handful of people, including Hov, Bun B, and Erykah Badu, have heard the record, but the sluggishness behind releasing a proper single has dulled the excitement for his Roc Nation debut.
3) Tyga Careless World: Rise of the Last King
An early Young Money signee, Tyga has since been overshadowed by his labelmates Nicki Minaj and Drake. Even with his hit "Rack City" and with expected features from Big Sean, Drake, and Pharrell, this Young Money MC has a lot more growing to do before we can really check Careless World: Rise of the Last King.
2) Kreayshawn Untitled Debut
No matter what her YouTube numbers make you believe, Kreayshawn is not an artist to watch. The adolescent ignorance of her cringeworthy "Gucci Gucci" single is so unimportant in the grand scheme of music's landscape that landing an actual deal with Columbia Records is still a fool's bet. A falling out with the Based God and the utter wackness of her sidekick V-Nasty only hinders her cause.
1) Dr. Dre Detox
At this point, Dr. Dre's Detox album is officially a Hip-Hop urban legend. After guaranteeing a 2011 release, we only got more Beats By Dre headphones. These days Dr. Dre is “taking a break from music” and letting his perfectionism get the best of him by delaying the album, yet again. At this point, it'd be better if he just kept the whole thing to himself.
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