The Tens: 10 Artists That Signed Deals And Got Shelved

As the four headed monster collective of Joell Ortiz, Royce Da 5’9″, Joe Budden and Crooked I release their EP as a taste of what’s to come when they hopefully drop their Shady Records debut, we can’t help to think about all of the other artists that signed major deals only to never drop an album. We hope that won’t be the case for Slaughterhouse as these four emcees are far too talented to end up being shelved. But as history tells us, a signing doesn’t guarantee a release date. Just ask these ten artists that never dropped an album.

1) Papoose

Signed To: Jive (2006)

What Happened: Remember that stupid deal where Papoose signed to Jive for $1.5 million back in 2006? Somebody lost, and we’re not quite sure it’s Papoose. He never dropped an album but got to keep that plush $1.5 million bonus. That, and he married the incarcerated Remy Ma. We wonder if he gave Jive $1.50 and a bottle of Remy Martin for the good times.

2) Saigon

Signed To: Atlantic (2004)

What Happened: We know what didn’t happen. After getting a katrillion (yes…that’s a number that’s appropriate for the situation) release dates, dropping a couple of solid singles (“Come On Baby” and “Pain In My Life”) and basically being incarcerated on a label that pretty much had no interest in dropping his album, Saigon finally went Shawshank Redemption on that ass and broke free. His album is finally dropping in 2011 — just not on Altantic. We just want to hear all the material that was recorded and will probably never see the light of day.

3) Rakim

Signed To: Aftermath (2000)

What Happened: Rakim signing to Aftermath was like having a wet dream with Rosa Acosta and Stacey Dash and waking up next to Gabourey Sidibe. It had the right title (Oh My God!), the right producer (Dr. Dre) and what appeared to be perfect timing. But because the two couldn’t get on the same page, hip hop fans will always be stuck with what could have been. Maybe it’s better that way.

4) M.O.P.

Signed To: G-Unit (2005)

What Happened: Not everyone was excited that Lil Fame and Billy Danze had signed with 50 Cent. Nonetheless, there’s always room for some Mash Out Posse in our lives. Unfortunately, G-Unit and M.O.P. couldn’t get it together and all we got was a mixtape/compilation album. Rats.

5) Tha Dogg Pound

Signed To: Cash Money Records (2007)

What Happened: It was an odd union to begin with. Seeing Kurupt and Daz ink a deal with Cash Money Records was like watching Michael Richards walk on the set of “A Different World.” It was one of those “ah…well…f*ck it” signings that never produced an album. We weren’t too excited at the thought of an album dropping with Cash Money anyways.

6) The Last Emperor

Signed To: Aftermath (2001)

What Happened: Another one of Dr. Dre’s casualties. If you were a hip-hop head in the early 2000′s, you probably heard the ridiculously dope “Secret Wars” and were all giddy at the prospect of this Philly emcee getting down with Dr. Dre. Well, you know what happens when you sign with Dre.

7) Foxy Brown

Signed To: Roc-A-Fella (2005)

What Happened: Fox Boogie linked back up with Jay-Z in 2005 and got to work on the heavily delayed Black Roses. Then she dealt with that little deaf thing while Hov and his Roc-A-Fella family began to go through their breakup. It’s 2010 and Nicki Minaj has now occupied the only female spot allowed in hip hop.

8 ) Sam Sneed

Signed To: Death Row (1993)

What Happened: Remember the song “U Betta Recognize” back in 2004? If you do, you are probably too damn old to even care that the album finally dropped this year. So what happened? A whole lot of mess with Sam and Suge Knight. That’s all we’re going to say about that.

9) E. Ness & Babs Bunny

Signed To: Bad Boy (2003)

What Happened: After Da Band got through fighting and getting the studio closed, they dropped a forgettable album. However, E. Ness and Babs Bunny had some talent and Diddy decided to keep them around on a Bonnie & Clyde type of deal. It’s 2011 and neither of them have dropped an album. Meanwhile, Sara Stokes went and got some big ol’ boobs.

10) Olivia

Signed To: G-Unit Records (2004)

What Happened: Simply put, Olivia wasn’t cut out for more than a hook. It’s not like 50 Cent didn’t try with her. “Twist It” bricked and then “So Sexy” didn’t even touch the rim. The shot clock expired and they told her that she had to “Bizounce.” See what we did there?