Music

These rappers have released an album while in prison

Can’t hold em’ down.

words by: Kai Acevedo

Sep 14, 2021

YNW Melly was “up next.” Prior to the release of his debut album, Melly vs. Melvin, the 22-year-old rapper had a record deal with 300 Entertainment, a collaboration with Kanye West and a breakthrough song called “Murder On His Mind.” The Florida native’s promising career was put on hold, however, after he was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

Locked up since 2019, YNW Melly recently dropped his second album, Just A Matter of Slime. Melly’s sophomore project features collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights such as Lil Baby, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, Kodak Black, Young Thug and others. Although the platinum rapper has been fighting for his freedom, he’s been able to release two albums from behind bars.

Prolific rappers such as Gucci Mane, C-Murder and Lil Boosie have also been able to drop a couple of projects while incarcerated. At the height of their careers, rap stars such as 2Pac, Lil Wayne, Cassidy and T.I., have released an album as they served their time. Check below to see which other rappers have released an album while in prison.

Mac Dre

Album: Young Black Brotha (1993)

Slick Rick

Album: Behind Bars (1994)

2Pac

Album: Me Against The World (1996)

Capone

Album: Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report (1997)

Keith Murray

Album: It’s A Beautiful Thing (1999)

Tony Yayo

Album: G-Unit’s Beg For Mercy (2003)

Shyne

Album: Godfather Buried Alive (2004)

Turk

Albums: Penitentiary Chances (2004), Still A Hot Boy (2005), Convicted Felons (2005)

Beanie Sigel

Album: The B. Coming (2005)

Cassidy

Album: I’m A Hustla (2005)

C-Murder

Albums: The Truest Shit I Ever Said (2005), Screamin’ 4 Vengeance (2008), Calliope Click Vol. 1 (2009), Ain’t No Heaven in the Pen (2015), Penitentiary Chances with Boosie BadAzz (2016)

Pimp C

Album: The Sweet James Jones Stories (2005)

Prodigy

Album: H.N.I.C. Pt. 2 (2008)

Gucci Mane

Albums: The State vs. Radric Davis (2009), The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted (2010), The Return of Mr. Zone 6 (2011), Trap House III (2013), The Oddfather (2014), Gucci Vs Guwop (2014), East Atlanta Santa (2014), 1017 Mafia: Incarcerated (2015), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert (2015)