2009 Hip Hop Albums: Jay-Z, Eminem, Kanye West
Rap Icons Release Blueprint III, Relapse, 808s and Heartbreaks
Nov 6, 2008
When the year 2005 ended, Jay-Z was setting down the mic, Eminem had, unbeknownst to fans, released his last album for three years, and Kanye West was still mostly a producer. Three years later, with 2008-2009 hip hop album releases from all three, the rap world took notice of three of its highest sellers of all time.
Eminem is “Having a Relapse”
Following acclaimed releases by southern and crunk acts T.I. and T-Pain, Eminem releases his 5th studio album, and first in three years, in the first quarter of 2009. Titled Relapse, the new album is preceded by an album themed freestyle, "I'm Having a Relapse."
The two-minute verse brings fans back to the absurd lyrical style employed by Eminem on the Marshall Mathers LP. Sings the rapper: "How the hell did he manage to get more felony charges / He's already got life in jail, man, what the hell is his problem."
Relapse releases after appearances by Eminem on recent 2007 albums by Obie Trice, T.I., and 50 Cent, and an November 2008 appearance on the fellow-Detroiter Trick Trick's "Who Want It." Teaming up with Trick Trick for the second time, Eminem adds production to the song and one verse.
Jay-Z offers new installment in series with Blueprint III
Since "retiring" in 2004, Jay-Z has reached number one on Billboard charts with both Kingdom Come and American Gangster. Hardly a year removed from the latter, Jay-Z's February 2009 release Blueprint III is the part three of a multi-platinum selling trilogy.
Jay-Z's pre-release singles have proved successful as internet singles in advance of the album's release. "Ain't I," featuring four verses and blistering Timbaland production, has the rapper reaffirming his spot in the rap industry. Raps Jay-Z: "I'm a hustler's hustler, a gangster's gangster / I'm a rapper's rapper, your favorite, ain't I?"
Following up "Ain't I," released in early 2008, Jay-Z teamed with Mary J. Blige for the first time on a Jay-Z album for Blueprint III's "Your Welcome." Released on 6 November, "History" followed as the third track leaked from the album, with "Swagga Like Us" rumored as a fourth.
Kanye West Graduates to 808s and Heartbreaks
After three hugely popular albums in three years, the producer-turned-rapper has lost his mother, adopted a new voice-boxed singing style, and prepared an album of songs, 808s and Heartbreaks, unlike any in his previous cannon. With "Love Lockdown," premeired at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye Westy introduced the world to a new style, owing to hip hop singers T-Pain and Akon.
After "Love Lockdown," West maintained his prolific pase, quickly releasing "Heartless," "Coldest Winter," and "Robocop" to the internet in a few short weeks. With a December 2008 release date, West's 808s and Heartbreaks represents a step in a different direction from a man constantly defining roles in music.
With further 2008 hip hop albums from Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Common, Joe Budden, Chamillionaire and 50 Cent, the three biggest names in rap crowd an already crowded hip hop season. Jay-Z's Blueprint III, Eminem's Relapse, and Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreaks were made amid high expectations and under the scrutinizing ears of fans ready for a classic.
