By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
When G-Unit burst onto the scene in 2003, Tony Yayo was behind bars, so Young Buck was in his place for the bulk of their run. Late in 2002, 50 Cent was signed by Interscope Records and soon had the hottest song on the radio with “In da Club.” Early in 2003, 50 Cent released his debut album, which carried him throughout the year, building anticipation for G-Unit’s debut album.
In 2004, 50 Cent introduced the world to his G-Unit roster, assisting Lloyd Banks and Young Buck’s debut singles, giving the two rappers the spotlight. Tony Yayo was released from prison during this period and was soon working on his debut album, Thoughts of a Predicate Felon. The album was propelled by the summer anthem, “So Seductive,” which featured 50 Cent.
Tony Yayo intended to release his follow-up album in 2007, but the album was delayed. Over the past five years, Tony Yayo has released several mixtapes. The mixtape releases, along with his controversial statements have earned Tony Yayo the title “the talk of New York.” Talking is all fans have heard from Tony Yayo, aside from the mixtapes.
The mixtape scene has given birth to several careers over the past year and even current rap superstar, Rick Ross, is buzzing right now, following the release of his Rich Forever mixtape. Since the hottest rapper in the game is having more success on the mixtape level than with albums, what sense does it make for a rapper like Tony Yayo to release an album? After all, it has been seven years since his album was released and the game is seemingly headed to mixtapes.
One title once given to the mythical Tony Yayo album was I Am 50’s Tax Write-Off. The title is true and because of this, if a new album never comes from Tony Yayo, he still never has another worry in the world.
