7 extremely anticipated rap albums that completely missed the mark

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In August, I wrote an article listing seven surprising disappointments among rap albums. As I worked on the piece, it became apparent to me just how often such a letdown happens in the genre.

It’s fascinating to note that numerous hip-hop projects have puzzled fans, leading them to question the missteps taken. Given this, it seemed appropriate to expand on the original compilation with a fresh, updated version.

Without delay, let me share seven highly anticipated hip-hop albums that unfortunately fell short of expectations upon release. I apologize in advance for potentially reviving any disappointment felt towards these records.

7 more rap flops that didn’t meet the moment

Eminem – Revival (2017)

After enduring years of personal hardships, it appeared that Eminem was making a comeback to his creative prowess with the release of The Marshall Mathers LP2 in 2013. However, his subsequent album, Revival, made it seem like this return to form was less likely than ever. This project received significant criticism for its poor hooks, production, and some cringe-worthy lyrics that were among Eminem’s worst yet.

Roddy Ricch – LIVE LIFE FAST (2021)

Anticipation ran high for Roddy Ricch following his breakthrough in 2019, particularly with the release of the chart-topping single “The Box”. Unfortunately, his subsequent album LIVE LIFE FAST did not live up to these expectations. While there were some appealing instrumental elements, the overall content was average compared to “The Box”, failing to leave a lasting impression.

A$AP Ferg – ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER (2016)

This new album is quite different from Ferg’s 2013 album “Trap Lord”. While they have the same runtime, “ALWAYS STRIVE AND PROSPER” fell short compared to its predecessor when it comes to delivering hits. Ferg seemed misplaced with a highly commercial selection of instrumentals, and his energetic performances in this album were more comical than impactful.

Goodie Mob – World Party (1999)

Goodie Mob, hailing from Atlanta, set an exceptional standard with their initial two albums. However, they fell significantly short of it with their third album titled “World Party.” The heartfelt melodies and thought-provoking lyrics that defined them were scarcely present, and this absence had a detrimental impact on the music quality overall. This decline in quality is likely why CeeLo Green chose to depart from the group during the making of this album.

Jadakiss – The Last Kiss (2009)

For ten years leading up to this project, I found myself captivated by the talents of Jadakiss, whether it be his solo work or as part of The LOX. Yet, unfortunately, The Last Kiss fell short compared to his previous releases. The trendy, late-2000s production felt mismatched for Jada, and despite a good number of collaborations with familiar faces, it didn’t rekindle the magic we were accustomed to.

YG – STAY DANGEROUS (2018)

For some time now, YG had been experiencing an uptrend, and it truly seemed like he’d stumbled upon something unique with the vibrant west-coast beats and spellbinding song concepts on Still Brazy back in 2016. However, by 2018, his album STAY DANGEROUS indicated a creative decline for YG. He opted for a much more conventional and safe trap style, which fell short of expectations.

Young Thug – Punk (2021)

Given the impressive roster of stars on the album and Young Thug’s successful streak before its release, it’s surprising that Punk turned out to be so forgettable. However, upon closer listening, it doesn’t seem quite as bewildering. This record lacked a standout track that left a lasting impact, and was filled with average tunes and half-baked concepts.

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2025-08-27 15:00