It’s completely understandable that the rap stars of today have carved their lane with classic mixtapes opposed to the groundbreaking retail releases. One-hit wonders still show up and now and then but if an entire collection of material catches on with fans, a real career is inevitably born.
In lieu of Drake breaking all sorts of records with his new project, take a trip down memory lane to peep the freebies that made the current relevant rappers household names. Starting with the current torchbearer of the Roc.
J. Cole – The Warm Up (2009)
Best Songs: “Dollar and a Dream”, “Lights Please”, “Til’ Infinity”
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Photo: WENN
Wale – The Album About Nothing (2008)
Best Songs: “The Kramer”, “The Artistic Integrity”, “The Vacation from Ourselves”
Big Sean – Finally Famous Vol. 2: UKNOWBIGSEAN (2009)
Best Songs: “Supa Dupa”, “Million Dollars”, “Love Story”
Kid Cudi – A Kid Named Cudi (2008)
Best Songs: “Day N Nite”, “Cleveland Is The Reason”, “Down & Out”
Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap (2013)
Best Songs: “Cocoa Butter Kisses”, “NaNa”, “Juice”
Wiz Khalifa – Kush & Orange Juice (2010)
Best Songs: “Never Been”, “Visions”, “In The Cut”
2 Chainz – T.R.U. REALigion (2011)
Best Songs: “Spend It (Remix)”, “Riot”, “Letter to da Rap Game”
Big K.R.I.T. – K.R.I.T. Wuz Here (2010)
Best Songs: “Moon & Stars”, “Hometown Hero”, “Country Sh*t”
Freddie Gibbs – midwestgangstaboxframecadillacmuzik (2009)
Best Songs: “How I Feel,” “Iodine Poison”, “Murda On My Mind”
A$AP Rocky – Live. Love. ASAP (2011)
Best Songs: “Bass”, “Peso”, “Brand New Guy”
50 Cent & G-Unit – 50 Cent Is The Future (2002)
Best Songs: “The Banks Workout”, “Bad News”, “Bump dat Street Mix”
Yelawolf – Trunk Muzik (2010)
Best Songs: “Box Chevy Pt. 3”, “Speak Her Sex”, “Trunk Muzik”
Stalley – Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Truck Music) (2011)
Best Songs: “Pound”, “Hercules”, “Slapp”
Meek Mill – Dreamchasers (2011)
Best Songs: “Ima Boss”, “House Party”, “Don’t Panic”
Tyler, The Creator – Bastard (2009)
Best Songs: “Bastard”, “Odd Toddlers”, “Session”
Drake – So Far Gone (2009)
Best Songs: “Successful”, “Little Bit”, “The Calm”
Young Jeezy – Trap Or Die (2005)
Best Songs: “Trap Or Die”, “Get Ya Mind Right”, “Get Em Jeezy”
Lil Wayne – SQ1-7 (2002-2003)
With the Cash Money sinking well before Hurricane Katrina, Weezy F. upped his game and in turn, stamped his own ballot of Hip-Hop hall of fame.
