XXL has created a list of “11 Rappers’ Sophomore Albums That Were Bigger Than Their First.”
“The sophomore slump is not just a cliche,” XXL says of its list. “It’s an indicator of longevity in the music industry, and many rappers have come and gone without getting over that hump. But while so many fall off, and a smaller group of others maintain their consistency, there’s a rare group of artists whose second album surpassed their debut—even if the first may have been dope on its own.”
Drake’s Thank Me Later, T.I.’s Trap Muzik, Mobb Deep’s The Infamous, Pharrell’s G I R L and Eminem’sThe Marshall Mathers LP, are on the list.
“The Slim Shady LP was a fantastic introduction to the world for Eminem, particularly with songs like ‘My Name Is’ and ‘Guilty Conscience,’ which won Shady his first two Grammys. So how did he follow it up? By unleashing The Marshall Mathers LP just over a year later.”
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The report says the effort earned two Grammy Awards, an Album of the Year nomination a #1spot on the charts and Diamond certification by the RIAA.
“MMLP solidified Eminem as one of the biggest superstars in the game,” the publication says.
To view the list, visit XXL.
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