Published: Wednesday - May 12, 2004
Words by Matt Barone
The days of summer are nearly upon us, and experienced hip-hop fans know what that means: major labels will be releasing high-profile albums filled with star power and sure-shot radio smashes. Artists aim to serve up the latest club favorite while the accompanying music videos flaunt beautiful women and warm climates. Streets are jam-packed with rides pumping heavy bass and karaoke-inducing hooks from the latest long-player to drop on the previous Tuesday.
Record labels know how many dollar signs lie within the months of June to September, so all stops are pulled as each label's biggest gun is cocked and rap heavyweights drop new discs. The summer of 2004 will definitely be following this tradition, with the upcoming release schedule hot enough to make any hungry listener salivate. Here are the most notable of this summer's major albums, with the tentative release date for each following:
Jadakiss - Kiss of Death
Equipped with amazing lyrics and a flawless delivery, Jadakiss seems poised to sit on top of the rap throne in due time. Each verse he spits impresses, and faithful Lox fans know that Jada consistently outshines every MC that dares to share a beat with him. So it baffles both his fans and rap insiders that Jadakiss continues to be avoided by platinum plaques and mainstream acceptance. If the sounds heard from his sophomore effort Kiss of Death are any indication, though, J-A-D-A should have the industry on lock this summer. His 2001 debut, Kiss The Game Goodbye, was a hit-or-miss affair favoring radio acceptance over true-to-self creations, but Kiss of Death shows a much more focused and mature artist. Guest shots from Eminem, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and his Lox brethren are expected over production from Havoc, Swizz Beatz, The Neptunes, Scott Storch, and a roster of rookie beat-makers. The title track is a pounding exhibition of ruggedness, while the Anthony Hamilton-assisted "Why" is social introspection at its most provocative and effective degree. This album should finally push Jadakiss into the public eye, and prove why he is without a doubt one of the game's best MCs. (JUNE 15)
Lloyd Banks - The Hunger For More
2003 was definitely the year of 50 Cent, as the Queens native bombarded radio and TV with endless hits and a charismatic presence. The members of his G-Unit crew loyally rode behind him at all times, patiently waiting for their individual times to shine. The summer of 2004 is the chosen time for Lloyd Banks, easily the most lyrically gifted G-Unit affiliate, and perhaps the most talented newcomer the rap game has seen in years. His mixtape appearances and guest verses always have a dizzying effect, thanks to his sick flow and penchant for extremely clever punchlines. While some write him off as jump another "freestyle rapper," The Hunger For More should surely silence all haters and launch Lloyd Banks into the elite of hip-hop. His first single "On Fire" is an Eminem-produced scorcher that will be receiving heavy rotation throughout the early summer days, while "Warrior" showcases his Banks at his hardcore best. With a cast of characters featuring the G-Unit, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Hi-Tek, Red Spyda, and reportedly Fabolous, The Hunger For More should be action-packed, but the real star of the show is Banks himself. Given the opportunity to expand his subject matter and styles of delivery, the evolution of the "Lloyd Banks complete MC" should occur right in listeners' ears. All newcomers, be warned. (JUNE 29)
Mobb Deep - Americkaz Nightmare
Despite last year's independently released, mixtape-styled album Free Agents: The Murda Mixtape, Havoc and Prodigy of Mobb Deep have fallen to the back in recent times as flashier and glossier artists dominate the airwaves. It seems that the Infamous duo are ready to bring the grime back into hip-hop, as evidenced by the first single off of their sixth album, Americkaz Nightmare, "Got It Twisted." Both members' skills are as sharp as ever on the track, and the sinister beat appeals to club-goers and hardcore fiends alike. Early buzz on the album promises a return to the Mobb's Murda Muzik days, and tracks such as "Gangstaz Roll" and "Fire" leave fans wanting more. The soundtrack will be provided by Havoc, The Alchemist, and Kanye West, and Prodigy's gritty narratives seem to be in place once again while Havoc's verbal chops have improved enough to service sure-fire quotables. The bright days of summer will instantly darken up when the "thug music" of Americkaz Nightmare blasts through speakers. (JUNE/JULY)
Cam'ron - Purple Haze
Long-delayed and highly anticipated, Cam'ron fourth solo effort, Purple Haze, is expected hit shelves this summer, and should easily please his Dipset followers. With a load of songs already available through mixtapes, it is unclear whether Killa Cam will be offering completely new tracks or not, but the current selections being heard show that he is on top of his game. Party-starters like "Get Em Girls" and "Shake" are earning repeated spins on radio, while the Zapp and Roger sampling "Hey Lady" will soon make equal noise. "Lord You Know," featuring crooning by Jahiem, exhibits the deeper side of this Harlem Diplomat, raising the level of anticipation for this album. (JUNE)
The Roots - The Tipping Point
Hip-hop's in-house band The Roots return this summer with their latest collection of top-quality music. The Philadelphia-based crew always deliver the goods, thanks to Black Thought's skilled vocals and expertise instrumentation led by drummer and producer ?uestlove. "Don't Say Nuthin'" is a blazing first single sporting a moody backdrop and an infectious yet nonsensical hook spit by Black Thought. Rather than recruiting big-name guest features, the almighty Roots crew has called in underground favorites Jean Grae and Little Brother to join the festivities, making The Tipping Point the summer's most potentially pure hip-hop release.
OTHER NOTABLE SUMMER RAP RELEASES: Terror Squad - True Story (JULY) M.O.P. - Ghetto Warfare (JULY 27) Young Buck - Straight Outta Cashville (JUNE) Shawnna - Worth The Weight (JULY/ AUGUST) Slum Village - Detroit Deli (JUNE)
The views expressed inside this editorial aren't necessarily the views of BallerStatus.net or staff.
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