AllHipHop has created a new list that highlights 20 strong songs that have appeared on albums that are widely regarded as weaker projects.
Titled “Diamonds in the Rough: 20 Strong Songs on Weak Albums,” the piece includes music from the likes of Jay Z, LL Cool J, DMX, 50 Cent and Dr. Dre, among others.
“Without naming names, there are really wack rappers out there who put out really wack music,” the AllHipHop piece says. “That isn’t news to anyone. Every once in awhile though, a great rapper puts out a set of music that, for the most part, is bad. A real letdown. It’s the album(s) that lowers the bar for which all other work by that artist or group is judged. If any future project comes in below that line, it may even be the point of no return and signal the beginning of the end. Great artists are great for a reason though. And in the messes that they make, they are still able to sometimes create stuff on their worst days that can hold its own alongside their best work.”
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Among the songs discussed is Eminem’s “Mockingbird” off his 2004 album, Encore.
“‘Them last two albums didn’t count / Encore I was on drugs, Relapse I was flushing ‘em out,’ Eminem proclaimed on the Recovery standout, ‘Talkin’ 2 Myself.’” But even amidst his problems, he still managed to make some great music that was truly compelling. Case in point: ‘Mockingbird.’ Eminem even said in 2004 that it’s probably the most emotional song he’d ever written. And that’s really saying a lot.”
The list also highlighted Lil Wayne’s “Drop The World” featuring Eminem, which appeared on Weezy’s 2010 rock album, Rebirth.
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“When Lil’ Wayne joined Kid Rock on stage at the 2008 CMAs and pretended to play guitar, it should’ve let all concerned parties know that a Lil Wayne rock album was a bad idea,” the AllHipHop article says. “Apparently, that still wasn’t enough to stop Rebirth. The only praiseworthy joint on the album is ‘Drop the World’ which features Eminem. Not surprisingly, Mr. Mathers doesn’t disappoint. And Weezy leaves listeners with a great example of what could’ve been if the rest of the project was as on point as this one 3:49 cut.”
To view the full list, please visit AllHipHop.
