People have a tendency to seek reward sooner than later, and that's understandable. When we think we've found something special, we want as much of it as possible, as soon as we can get it. It's natural, really.
Therefore, it can be disappointing when a favorite artist of ours takes an extended break from output. It might feel like things may never be quite the same again, or even like the end of an era. But, for as unfortunate as these breaks are, sometimes they can serve as a prelude to better things.
Whether it's because of group tension, label issues, or simply a need to step back, there are plenty of legitimate reasons for artists to have lengthy gaps in their discographies. Today, we'll discuss a number of instances where this was the case with hip-hop acts, and their returns were definitely worth it. Listed below are five prime examples of this.
Five rap releases that justified the delay
Clipse - Let God Sort Em Out (2025)
Sixteen years since their last joint project, the Virginia duo Clipse reunited for a new album this year. They utilized a provocative and attention-grabbing rollout for this thing, which set the stage for fireworks. With an incredible amount of lyrical flash, combined with excellent and complementary production from Pharrell Williams, it truly represented a return to form.
LL COOL J - THE FORCE (2024)
LL COOL J had a rough transition into the 21st Century, and he struggled to maintain quality while sounding up-to-date. He took a decade-plus hiatus before dropping this album, which ultimately is just what he needed. Free from expectations, he was able to once again play to his strengths while employing Q-Tip for some tastefully throwback beats.
A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service (2016)
Speaking of Q-Tip, his iconic group A Tribe Called Quest took a full 18 years between this album and 1998's The Love Movement. Its release served to demonstrate that the group could still make poignant music, and it was also a fitting farewell to emcee Phife Dawg, who had passed away earlier in the year from diabetes complications.
Dr. Dre - Compton (2015)
Throughout the 2000s and much of the 2010s, Dr. Dre notoriously teased Detox, an album that would never actually arrive, much to the chagrin of fans. However, there was still a significant payoff for them in the form of this album, which paid homage to Dre's hometown. It also served as the unofficial soundtrack for the movie Straight Outta Compton.
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter V (2018)
A dispute between Lil Wayne and longtime record executive Birdman led to Tha Carter V being shelved for years. Originally slated to drop in 2014, it finally came out in 2018, seven years after the album’s predecessor. The long incubation period turned it into a collection of some of Wayne’s best stuff over the last seven years, and critics and fans alike celebrated it.