Uncle Baby Billy
All Star
Spinning of the Gunna thread.
I think Snoop’s The Last Meal was pretty cool.
ChatGPT lists these:
I think Snoop’s The Last Meal was pretty cool.
ChatGPT lists these:
1. 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct (2009)
- Context: Fulfilled his 5-album deal with Interscope, Aftermath, and Shady Records.
- Signs: Limited promotion, tension with Interscope, delayed release.
- Aftermath: 50 Cent went independent and launched G-Unit Records.
2. Lil Wayne – Tha Carter V (2018)
- Context: Delayed for years due to Cash Money Records disputes.
- Legal Battle: Wayne sued Birdman/Cash Money to be released from the contract.
- Release: Eventually dropped after settlement, marking his exit from the label.
3. Nas – The Lost Tapes 2 (2019)
- Context: Fans hoped for a classic; Nas later admitted it was a contract-ender.
- Quote: “Lost Tapes 2 was just clearing out my contract.”
- Result: Received mixed reviews; felt like a compilation of leftovers.
4. Frank Ocean – Endless (2016) (Not rap but relevant for context)
- Why it matters: An innovative move — he dropped Endless to complete his Def Jam contract, then immediately self-released Blonde the next day, keeping all profits.
- Impact: Inspired other artists to rethink label deals.
5. Lupe Fiasco – Drogas Light (2017)
- Context: First of three albums announced after years of conflict with Atlantic Records.
- Quote: “This is a contractual obligation album.”
- Reception: Seen as weaker than his best work.
6. Joe Budden – Mood Muzik 4.5 and No Love Lost
- Context: Joe has been open about releasing projects to wrap up his obligations with E1 and later with Shady.
- Aftermath: Transitioned into media (The Joe Budden Podcast) and became independent.
7. The LOX – We Are the Streets (2000)
- Context: After disputes with Bad Boy Records, the LOX publicly demanded to be released (remember the “Free The LOX” campaign). Eventually dropped the album via Ruff Ryders/Interscope.
- Motivation: Get out from Diddy’s control.
8. A$AP Ferg – Floor Seats II (2020)
- Context: Rumored label tensions and creative differences.
- Reception: Fans and critics noted it felt rushed and not on par with earlier work.
9. Chief Keef – Nobody (2014)
- Context: Released during a rocky period with Interscope.
- Label Status: Dropped shortly afterward.
- Feel: Low-budget and experimental, almost a protest against the industry.
