Avoiding The Sophomore Slump: 9 Rappers Who Will Have Successful 2nd Albums

A lot of artists get caught up in the hype of a breakthrough debut album and usually follow up with a not so par second attempt known as the Sophomore slump.

However, some artists actually take the opportunity and resources to follow up with an even better or equally as well album that help determine the longevity of a career.

Whether their first album was a number one album or not, the second determines a lot for the artist, and these 9 will have make sure that they will deliver.

Peep the page #’s below to see which 9 artists will not suffer through the sophomore slump.

Since the release of his debut album, Drake has only become a more rounded artists both lyrically and vocally.

Figuring out a perfect blend of singing and rapping, Drake’s sophomore album is easily one of the most anticipated of the year, and that’s saying a lot with a The Throne and Lil Wayne release in the same quarter.

While his singles may have not been radio smashers like his previous albums, we have a feeling the emotional sweater wearing artist is preparing to take over the winter with Cuff Season music Galore!

Attention Deficit was either loved or hated by most Hip-Hop heads, but we have a feeling Wale’s sophomore effort will have a more positive manner.

Already showing his ability to produce a club banger and also slow it down for the ladies, Wale’s versatility is what separates him from the other rappers.

Now that Wale has explored different styles of Hip-Hop with different people (MMG), we think Wale’s “Ambition” may be as good as a sleeper as his debut.

B.O.B. gained a lot of steam from his debut album “The Adventures of Bobby Ray,” and it doesn’t seem like he’s planning on slowing down anytime soon.

Being able to produce both radio smashers and street bangers, B.O.B.’s success seemed to skyrocket in a short amount of time.

However, with the recent release of his new single “Strange Clouds” already reaching number 1 on Itunes, it seems that Bobby Ray could be here to stay.

Maybe it was because of the way his debut album was marketed that many people aren’t aware that Asher Roth can actually spit.

However, this leaves for the perfect “shock” album as Asher is currently working on his second effort “Is This Too Orange?“

While not too much information has leaked about the album, as long as Roth is working with producer Nottz, we can expect some great Hip-Hop music.

Brooklyn Bodega recently caught up with Fashawn to discuss his recently announced sophomore album The Ecology.

The Fresno rapper said that this while he’s taken some time off since his acclaimed 2009 debut Boy Meets World to work on mixtapes and take care of his newborn daughter, The Ecology will find him getting back to the classic sound that he and Exile created on their frst project together.

“[The Ecology]’s coming together great. I’m working on it with Exile,” he said. “I’m doing my second album with Exile and that’s it. I know I did Higher Learning 2, I did Grizzly City 3, Ode To Illmatic and I kind of threw n*ggas off track like, ‘Yo, what is he going to do next?’ I’m going back home to my n*gga Exile and we’re already in the midst of making a classic.”

Big Sean’s “Finally Famous” had the perfect blend off mainstream appeal, his lifestyle lyrics, and dope production that any Hip-Hop listener could enjoy.

While the wait for the debut album was a long one, we think the 2nd effort won’t take nearly as long but won’t disappoint as well.

Now that Sean has had a bit of the good life, we think that lyrically Sean will grow, being able to keep his current fans and make new ones as well.

Yes the first album is considered a “digital album,” but have you heard it?  Trust us, it’s an album!

Kendrick seems to only be getting better and better, and as he prepares for his first Hip-Hop studio album, and it’s easy to see that the Hip-Hop community is definitely watching Compton’s most wanted.

Before you start loading your guns to shoot me, I’m not saying her debut album “Pink Friday” was a good Hip-Hop album.

But numbers don’t lie, and as the most highest selling female rapper in over a decade, Nicki Minaj is only just beginning a career that shows signs of longevity.

After touring with Britney Spears and dominating the Pop charts with her Pop/Hop, Nicki Minaj has shown she can spit a hot 16 and put out a poppy song at the same time.

With a growing fan base and a larger portfolio, we can’t guarantee it will be a good album but it will be a successful one.

Recently released on Tuesday, J.Cole’s long awaited debut album was certainly one that didn’t disappoint any of his fan base or Hip-Hop heads.

Already buzzing to sell 225K units his first week, Cole’s numbers and album ratings show that the hype of Cole wasn’t overrated.

Now that he’s gained attention of many, while it could be a bit away from now, we are all anticipating a Cole World takeover with multiple albums to come.