Check out some of the best releases from a decade ago
It may not feel like it, but its been ten years since Usher revealed his confessions to the world and Kanye West took the mainstream by storm. How time flies. In this flashback Friday we take a look back at 5 albums that dropped and devoured the year of 2004.
Eminem Encore
Released exactly 8 years after the release of Infinite, Encore sold over 1.5 million copies in its first weeks. The album, in only a true lyricist fashion, addressed the rappers relationships with his family: ex wife, daughter and parents. Overall the album got mixed reviews from music critics and fans, but either way, went on to sell over 11 million copies worldwide.
Kanye West The College Dropout
From backstage to main stage, producer to MC, this entirely self-produced album gave Kanye West a new height of recognition within hip-hop. On the ten year anniversary Kanye tweeted, “Ten years ago today we finally released what had been my life’s work up to that point: The College Dropout.” It was a debut album that launched his career, gave him a Grammy award for ‘Best Rap Album’ and, not to mention, mainstream success.
Madvillan Madvillaincy
After many years apart MF Doom and Madlib reunited to create their debut album Madvillaincy which was released in March, 2004. The collaboration resulted in an impressive album that received a lot of positive feedback and praise – notably considering the limited equipment Madlib had to produce the album.
Snoop Dogg – R&G: Rhythm & Gangsta – The Masterpiece
R&G: Rhythm & Gangsta – The Masterpiece was the 7th studio album from Snoop Dogg. The album sold 225,000 copies in its first week and released ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’ as the albums main single. The track, featuring Pharell Williams and produced by The Neptunes, was nominated for ‘Best Rap Song’, but missed out to Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Walks.’
Usher Confessions
The ground breaking album from the R&B sensation that dominated the charts in 2004. Usher broke records with Confessions, gaining the highest first week sales in the history of R&B. Not only did he sell over 10 million copies, but he earned himself 4 number one hits with, “Confessions Part II”, “Burn”, “My Boo” and “Yeah”. 2004 was Usher’s year.
Natasha remembers 2004 very well, follow her on twitter – @NatashaArtwell
