So the word on the street is 50 Cent and Eminem will both be releasing two albums apiece this year. Supposedly, the order goes like this:
50 Cent’s Before I Self Destruct will drop in June, after Eminem’s Relapse (which we already told you about). Then, they’ll do it again – Em first, 50 second – later in the year.
It’s not that we don’t believe Em. Marshall has actually done this before. Back in 2002, he released The Eminem Show (Shady/Aftermath) and the soundtrack to his hit movie, 8 Mile (Universal). So we believe him, but 50 Cent too? That’s a tall order, as rappers are notorious for boasting about how there's so much material leftover from their new album, they're going to put out another one at the end of the year. But unfortunately, unless your name is Plies - check the credits, people: Da Realist and Definition of Real both in 2008 - we don't believe you.
VIBE takes a look back at other big name artists who have followed through with not one, but two albums in the same year. Hopefully, 50 and Eminem will be like the guys below and make it a hot summer, fall, and maybe, winter.
Stevie Wonder's "Music of My Mind" and "Talking Book"
Artist: Stevie WonderBack-to-Back Year: 1972
Albums: Music of My Mind (Motown); Talking Book (Motown)
If We Had To Choose One: Get both. Even in a career as long and illustrious as Wonder’s, that saw more than a few years when two albums were released, 1972 was Wonder’s year.
Marvin Gaye's "In The Groove" and "You're All I Need"
Artist: Marvin GayeBack-to-Back Year: 1968
Albums: In The Groove (Motown); You’re All I Need (Motown)
If We Had To Choose One: Go with You’re All I Need. In the Groove had a hit (“I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” but You’re All I Need had the magic of Gaye and Tammi Terrell, one of music’s best male-female duos ever.
DMX's "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" and "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood"
Artist: DMXBack-to-Back Year: 1998
Albums: It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (Def Jam); Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (Def Jam)
If We Had To Choose One: When was the last time somebody said they were bumping Flesh of My Flesh, just for kicks? Probably not since, 1998. Straight up, DMX’s debut still gets play in this office.
Prince's "Emancipation" and "Chaos and Disorder"
Artist: PrinceBack-to-Back Year: 1996
Albums:Emancipation (NPG/EMI); Chaos and Disorder (Warner Bros.)
If We Had To Choose One:Emancipation is the one, according to VIBE’s resident Prince guru, and Senior Associate Editor, Keith Murphy. Trust us. When it comes to Prince, do as Murph does.
Guns N' Roses' "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II"
Artist: Guns N’ RosesBack-to-Back Year: 1991
Albums:Use Your Illusion I (Geffen); Use Your Illusion II (Geffen)
If We Had To Choose One: Contrary to popular belief, Use Your Illusion I and II was not a GNR’s double album. We had options, we could get I, II, or both. But for our money, we choose Use Your Illusion I, if only because that’s the one with “November Rain”, the rock ballad to end all rock ballads. Be clear.
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