10 Most Disappointing Hip-Hop Albums of 2008

Prior to Ego Trippin's release, Snoop bragged that he was going to "do the whole record, me by myself" in an MTV interview. He added: "I don't want no guest rappers, no singer, nothing. Just Snoop Dogg. I want you to feel me. When I think of all the greats before me...I bought Rakim's album the other day for the hundredth time, no guest rappers." Not only did Snoop renege on his promise (it probably wasn't the business savvy thing to do), his rhymes were subpar for the most part. Besides "Neva Have 2 Worry," the only other gems on this 21-song album were the Johnny Cash-inspired country tune "My Medicine," the sleazy "Cool," and the vocoder-aided disco hit "Sexual Eruption."

The Greatest Story Ever Told is one of those albums that sounds decent on first listen, but nothing sticks out 2 weeks later. And by the lofty heights of David Banner's previous records, this comes across as a mediocre effort. No memorable cuts. Just a good MC and a bevy of other rappers rhyming about the familiar. Banner is capable of much more.

H.N.I.C. 2 is a conventional Prodigy album with less interesting production. The lyrics are still grimier than a sewage, but the menacing bass lines and retro-soul soundscape of Return of the Mac have been replaced by second-rate beats.

Three 6 Mafia's follow-up to 2005's Most Known Unknown was delayed over and over for 2 years. Fans waited patiently with the hopes that the longer wait period would yield a better product. When Last 2 Walk finally hit shelves on June 24th, 2008, it was anything but spectacular. Instead, DJ Paul and Juicy J decided to beat us over the head with their penchant for Jane Doe and fellatio.

You would think that Foxy Brown's health issues, label trouble, and those 579 run-ins with the law would give her enough material to make a thoughtful and compelling album. That wasn't the case. If anything, Brooklyn's Don Diva delivered more fashion references than fiery rhymes. Though she takes off her Chanel shades for some teary introspection on "Star Cry," a big chunk of the album is devoted to rote sexual braggadocio and empty boasts.

T.O.S. (Terminate On Sight) is essentially a collection of uninspired rage and gun talk over marginal production. Fiddy and Co. wanted to show that they’re capable of a grittier sound devoid of R&B rhythms and sing-songy hooks à la "Candy Shop," so they turned to mostly little-known producers digging in a bag of simple Pro Tools tricks. (The only true standout track is "Let It Go," produced by Don Cannon.)

The only chink in Luda's armor has always been his inability to craft an album of great material from start to finish. He's like a singer who can carry a note, but can't carry a tune. Theater of the Mind continues this unfortunate tradition of underwhelming full-lengths from one of hip-hop's nastiest MCs.

Someday, Lil Wayne will emerge with an album that finally elevates him into the pantheon of hip-hop greats (well, as long as he keeps the lean in check). Tha Carter III is not that album. Uninspired lyrics, corny concepts ("Mrs. Officer," really?), and uneven production make this fall short of the reams of online hype that preceded Carter III. Not everything is doo doo on this album though. Standout cuts include "Tie My Hands" and every song named after the young Dwayne Carter.

It's hard to imagine a mediocre album by Kanye West, but 808s & Heartbreak snaps a long winning streak. There's a handful of lovable pop cuts here like "Street Lights" and "Coldest Winter" and West is still a hip-hop genius. Longtime fans will certainly enjoy 808s for what it's worth, but everyone else will have to look to 'Ye's next outing for any hint of rapping.

The main drawback on Universal Mind Control isn't that Common ditched his grown-man, button-up rap brand for a naughtier style. It's just that the new pants don't fit. Common is not convincing as a foul-mouthed rapper. "Sex 4 Sugar," for instance, falls flat with uninspired seduction lines like "Girl you can touch my forces of nature/ I'm just tryin' to motivate ya," while "Punch Drunk Love" suffers from blatant bedroom braggadocio and a lame Kanye West hook.