I’ve happened upon two, as of yet, unreleased albums that should have come out in 2006, but didn’t. Bilal’s Love for Sale and Mos Def’s Tru3 Magic would have certainly garnered spots in my “Top Ten” of the year, had they actually been released this year.
Bilal’s joint leaked earlier in the year and was shelved indefinitely. Mos Def was supposed to come out on 12/19, but was pushed back to 1/9, because apparently the glut of Nas and Styles were going to cut in on Mos’ sales.
I really don’t understand labels or executives. Bilal has a loyal group of fans and fills a niche that’s not really appealed to at the moment. Musiq’s not doing anything and D’angelo’s making more headlines than music. Bilal could fill a void in the musical landscape, a void that desperately needs to be filled.
And it’s not like he wouldn’t tour in support of the album. He’s actually done some shows that featured the new material, yet no one can buy it.
As for Mos Def, I can’t really say too much since the album’s release is still within sight. Call me selfish, but how dope would it have been to see Styles, Nas, Jay, Ghost and Mos all drop within a 30 days? That’s somebody’s “Top Five.” That’d be like the best fourth quarter ever. It’d certainly be reason enough for me to have faith in hip-hop again.
Oh well, to paraphrase Meatloaf, “Four out of five ain’t bad.”
