Albums After Death

So, I’m watching the VMA’s and the Amy Winehouse tribute comes on. As I listen to Bruno Mars(regretfully) and a cast of other celebs pay tribute to the fallen entertainer, I wonder if Winhouse will be the most recent artist to have a posthumous album, recorded primarily after her passing. Will it be a classic, enhanced by the musical talents of her peers? Or will it be sloppily thrown together to make a quick buck? If new material were to be released by Winehouse she wouldn’t be the first deceased artist to have new hits. Here are, in my opinion, the best and worst “After-Death Albums.”

BEST

5. Notorious B.I.G.- Born Again(1999)

On the track “Dead Wrong” Eminem made sure that the ghost of Christopher Wallace did not cast a shadow on his lyrical prowess. “Notorious B.I.G.” featuring Lil Kim and Puffy Daddy also provided remnants of classic Bad Boy party tracks.

4. J. Dilla-The Shining(2006)

J. Dilla was such a perfectionist that it is sadly ironic that he did not get to see his 2006 release come to fruition. Nonetheless “The Shining” holds its own among posthumous hip-hop albums.

3. Bob Marley-Chants Down Babylon(1999)

Erykah Badu…Rakim...The Roots...and Lauryn Hill, those are just a few of the big names that accompany the late Bob Marley on this album. “Rebel Music” featuring Krayzie Bone gives me chills every time I hear it.

2. Big Pun-Yeeeah Baby(2000)

“Banned from T.V.” is the most fitting name of any track on this album. This song features Big Pun, Noreaga, Jadakiss, Styles P and Cam’ron. It doesn’t get more hardcore than that. Not to mention the CD introduced many hip-hop fans to R&B songstress Ashanti.

1. 2Pac-R U Still Down (1997)

This list wouldn’t be complete without an album from 2Pac. This album featured two hit singles in “Do for Love” and “I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto”. I wasn’t the only one to think that this was a classic, seeing as though it sold 549,000 in its first week.

WORST

5. 2Pac- Pac’s Life(2006)

Hell the man had seven albums released after his death! At least one of them had to be bad. This 2006 release did not even reach Gold status.

4. Notorious B.I.G- Duets: Final Chapter(2005)

The singles were whack. The combination of artists were poor. Even Method Man, the only artist on the 2006 release to appear on B.I.G’s first album, voiced his disapproval of the collection. Aside for the lost footage on the bonus DVD, I really could have done without this one.

3. Michael Jackson- Michael Jackson’s This Is It(2009)

Quite frankly this album just seemed rushed. Don’t believe me? MJ passed away on June 25, 2009 and the album released on October 26, 2009. They say haste makes waste and it certainly did in the case of this CD.

2. Ol’ Dirty Bastard-A Son Unique

Ol’ Dirty died in 2004. Work on his album has been taking place ever since, but no results. It was supposed to be released by Dame Dash Music Group, but I’m not even sure that company still exists. Sorry, but I can’t be a fan of an album I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing.

1.What Do You Think?

I’ve told you who I think should make the list. What are your thoughts? Let us know your favorite/most hated “Albums After Death.”