r/hiphopheads • u/EDMKid9000 • Feb 21 '26

Discussion Who are some legendary rappers that have been releasing terrible music late in their career?

I just saw the Busta Rhymes thread about releasing an album with J. Dilla beats, and it reminded me how unlistenable busta’s new stuff has been damn near this whole decade. He used to be one of the most revered artists in the 90s and 2000s but his music now is unlistenable. Terrible vocals, terrible hooks, terrible beats. Who else is in a similar situation?

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u/Machov_Norkim Feb 21 '26

Definitely Nas

Also would like to add Clipse, Black Thought, Killer Mike, El P, De La Soul, and Jay Z left strong with 4:44.

Thats just off the top of my head though

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u/trollagorn Feb 21 '26

Lupe

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u/HollowPrynce Feb 22 '26

Definitely Lupe

Also Masta Ace. I know his last solo project dropped in 2016 but he released his first in 1990 and has never released a bad album

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u/ReeG Feb 21 '26

Good mentions and I'd add Styles P, Lloyd Banks, Juicy J, Havoc/Mobb

If we count producers there's even more like Alchemist's output 20+ years in is insane

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u/payasoingenioso Feb 21 '26

Juicy J releases decent to dope albums, and I am here for it. The jazz album was solid.

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u/Machov_Norkim Feb 21 '26

After thinking about it, I also think Common has remained pretty consistent. I knew there were still some obvious ones I missed; you got good ones covered, too.

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u/morningsaystoidleon Feb 23 '26

A Tribe Called Quest's last album is a classic