Summer 2013 has been a memorable one for Hip-Hop, but just as things have gone right, others went awry. We continue to celebrate releases from Jay Z, Kanye West, J. Cole, Wale, and Mac Miller, but we can’t help but ask ourselves what happened to a bevy of their peers?
We were promised mixtapes and albums — many that have been pushed back and some that have yet to materialize. There also isn’t a clear cut anthem for the season. What gives?
Of course we have a month of hope, but the halfway mark of the season dedicated to parties and socializing has passed. Can anything that releases in the coming weeks truly be attributed to the good vibes of June through August?
Hit the jump to see 10 ways Hip-Hop fans were cheated this summer (so far). Feel free to share your thoughts or contribute additional things we may have missed in the comments section.
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Photo: YouTube
Where’s Young Jeezy?
Doesn’t the Snowman know that he flourishes in the summer? Perhaps rebuilding his CTE World imprint is taking up all of his time — Y.G. was a worthy addition by the way — but this year was wide open for the Georgia native to reclaim a space in rap dominance. You dropped the ball, bro.
Controversy Killed The Track
Both Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.,” featuring Rick Ross and Future’s Lil Wayne-assisted “Karate Chop (Remix)” could have made a major impact — despite releasing a bit early in the year for our liking — but were ultimately cut short due to controversial lyrics from the respective guest artists.
Ill Timing
Building on something we pointed out in our last selection, 2013 will be known as the year the biggest rap singles impacted way before June hit. It’s a blessing for rapper to top the charts at any time, but that leaves fans with a list of songs they’re tired of by the time the weather breaks.
Dom Kennedy Has Yet To Release Get Home Safely
Cookouts and chill nights on the stoop aren’t the same without a proper soundtrack from the Leimert Park MC. Granted that Dom could very well drop his long-awaited project tomorrow, but that has no bearing on the passed time we can’t get back.
Where’s The Street Rap?
Because Hip-Hop has become glossier and glossier over the years, we appreciate any quality street music we can get. Many up and comers like Troy Ave are keeping the sound alive, but we can’t help but yearn for that sound on the radio. Meek Mill and Pusha T, this lane was all yours.
Too Many Tours At Once
With the price of concert tickets rising and festivals becoming more popular, how do artists expect fans to attend so many shows back to back? Just last week Justin Timberlake and Jay Z performed the NYC show of their Legends of Summer tour the same night Nas performed in Queens and Lil Wayne, T.I. and 2 Chainz ripped the stage at Jones Beach Theatre. What do you expect us to do with that?
Yeezus Was Only 10 Songs
We wholeheartedly respect Kanye West’s minimalist lifestyle and how that affected his creative process on his latest project. We can’t help but to think about how two extra songs could have changed the feel of the album, though.
No MMG Takeover
Since forming a power circle, when has the house that Rick Ross built ever been known to slow down the pace? Aside from Wale’s The Gifted, Rozay and co. haven’t flooded the streets with product that’s connected like we’ve seen past summers. Perhaps that will change with Self Made Vol. 3.
Build Up At The End
So, who thought it would be a great idea to have half of the good albums come out in early in the season and let the remainder of the highly anticipated LPs release in August/September? In the wise words of Ed Lover, “C’mon son!” The summer is about waves — no pun intended. Music should come out week after week.
Jay Z’s “Beach Is Better” Is Less Than One Minute Long
The god MC can apparently giveth and taketh away in one brutal swoop. Being deprived of an unanimous summer anthem is one thing, but to have a certified candidate be cut short voluntarily is just plain old wrong.
