How often should an artist drop an album?
- Thread starter 5th Letter
- Start date
Once a year atleast
Whenever an artist feels like they have something good to put out.
I'm from the old school. I grew up in the 80s before the internet. In fact, I can remember what it was like before rappers had albums. At first artists would tape their shows and sell them like albums. They'd release a 12" single once or twice a year and tour off that. In the early/mid 80s rap albums would come out one at a time. Like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 might release an album. Then a few months later Kurtis Blow might release an album. Then a few months later Afrika Bambaattaa might release an album. Then a few months later The Sugarhill Gang, Then Run DMC, etc.
Then in the late 80s music videos and rap albums became more prevalent.
By the mid 90s rap albums were common. By 1994 it was completely normal for a group/MC to release a single with a video and the album would drop the next month.
Then sometime in the early 00s, I guess it was because of CDs and how easy it was to duplicate a CD and maintain CD quality, mixtapes became more common. An artist might have a mixtape with unreleased music to accompany their album.
But to answer the O/P When they first drop they should release a major label release, then 12 months later they should release another major label release. It doesn't hurt to drop mixtapes and freestyles in between albums. After they've made their mark they can afford to wait 2 or 3 years between albums.
As I understand it, the artist doesn't quite understand the industry when he first comes out, it takes about 5 years to figure things out. In other words, he might be hot when he first comes out, but he's not making any money. By the time he figures out how to make money he doesn't have to release music as often.
Then in the late 80s music videos and rap albums became more prevalent.
By the mid 90s rap albums were common. By 1994 it was completely normal for a group/MC to release a single with a video and the album would drop the next month.
Then sometime in the early 00s, I guess it was because of CDs and how easy it was to duplicate a CD and maintain CD quality, mixtapes became more common. An artist might have a mixtape with unreleased music to accompany their album.
But to answer the O/P When they first drop they should release a major label release, then 12 months later they should release another major label release. It doesn't hurt to drop mixtapes and freestyles in between albums. After they've made their mark they can afford to wait 2 or 3 years between albums.
As I understand it, the artist doesn't quite understand the industry when he first comes out, it takes about 5 years to figure things out. In other words, he might be hot when he first comes out, but he's not making any money. By the time he figures out how to make money he doesn't have to release music as often.
Qawshun
ChiefNem
Mid tier rappers every year
Goat tier rappers every 2yrs but with features leading up to the album.
Trash rap rappers flood the market so we can appreciate the greats more when they drop.
but styles p can do what he want. Griselda too. Fab too lol.
R&B acts every 2yrs depending on if you SANGING or just singing. Them lil note holders can drop when ever that shit comes and goes and it's 1000 of them
Goat tier rappers every 2yrs but with features leading up to the album.
Trash rap rappers flood the market so we can appreciate the greats more when they drop.
but styles p can do what he want. Griselda too. Fab too lol. R&B acts every 2yrs depending on if you SANGING or just singing. Them lil note holders can drop when ever that shit comes and goes and it's 1000 of them
mryounggun
OG
However long it takes to cook up something dope. Different for each artists. I want to hear new shit from some niggas more frequently than others. But in general, I'd say every 2-3 years.
These trash rappers need to put out content to remain relevant. The good ones can put out music whenever they want. Nas could’ve chilled for another year or two after Kings Disease but he chose to drop another album a year later.
Mister B. M. Ed.
The Devil’s Greatest Advocate…..
2-3 years.
Let the album marinate for a year, then do the guest circuit for about 6-8 months, then it’s back to the studio for the next album.
Let the album marinate for a year, then do the guest circuit for about 6-8 months, then it’s back to the studio for the next album.
Mister B. M. Ed.
The Devil’s Greatest Advocate…..
That might not work. The market might dictate that.
Shaquille Sunflower
Naji Ramba
Dawg Sade has dropped 6 albums in 37 years. Nobody complaining.
If you make good music people will wait.
If you a gimmick you might wanna pump it out quick as you can
If you make good music people will wait.
If you a gimmick you might wanna pump it out quick as you can