This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip-hop for the year 2012.
Events
January Cory Gunz was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm. Azealia Banks signs to Universal Music.
February Kanye West won four Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, while Jay-Z and Kid Cudi won one each. Philthy Rich and two more people are arrested for supposedly owning a stolen Bentley vehicle. Tyga's major label debut album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King, was thought to be taken off the shelves due to an unauthorized usage of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last speech. However, the issue is resolved, and the released date would go as planned. Bizarre left D12, leaving the group with five members.
March T.I. announces he signed Iggy Azalea, Chip, and Trae tha Truth to Grand Hustle Records. An SUV that Young Buck was a passenger in was shot at 11 times, but the rapper was not injured. MTV announces that Top Dawg Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based independent record label, had closed a joint venture deal with Interscope Records and Aftermath Entertainment. Under the new deal, Black Hippy member Kendrick Lamar's debut studio album, good kid, m.A.A.d city would be jointly released via Top Dawg/Interscope/Aftermath, while releases from the rest of Black Hippy (Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q) would be distributed via Top Dawg/Interscope. Tyga's tour bus was shot at several times in Omaha, Nebraska, but the rapper was not injured. Kon Artis left D12, leaving the group with four members.
April Q-Tip announced his signing to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam. At this year's Coachella Music Festival, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg surprised the audience with a performance from 2Pac via hologram image. Former D12 member Mr. Porter announced his debut album.
May Adam Yauch (known as MCA), one of the founding members of Beastie Boys, died on May 4, aged 47. Young Buck was sentenced to prison for two months for gun possession. 2 Chainz was arrested for possessing a set of brass knuckles. In the song "Exodus 23:1", Pusha T insulted Cash Money Records, igniting a beef between him and Lil Wayne. Lupe Fiasco and Pete Rock's beef over the former remaking the latter's beat from "T.R.O.Y." for "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)." Eminem announced that he is working on his eighth studio album. Shawn Chrystopher signs to Timbaland Productions.
June Nicki Minaj was pulled from performing at New York's Hot 97 Summer Jam because on-air DJ Peter Rosenberg called her song "Starships" bullshit, wack and corny. Lil Phat died on June 7 after he was shot multiple times in Atlanta. MTV reported that on June 16, Chicago rapper Chief Keef was signed to Interscope Records. At W.i.P. nightclub, a scuffle between Chris Brown and Drake was placed under investigation, though both artists claimed they had nothing to do with the violent incident that left many bloodied and injured. Philly rapper Meek Mill, who was also present during the late-night fight, came forward to back up their claims that they did not instigate the bottle-throwing brawl. Funk Volume signs Jarren Benton.
July Member of OFWGKTA Frank Ocean published an open letter on his Tumblr blog on July 4, recounting unrequited feelings he had for a man when he was 19 years old, citing it as his first true love. archived here . Members of the hip-hop industry generally responded positively to the announcement.Frank Ocean's Sexual Declaration: Will It Spark Change In Hip-Hop Community? MTV. July 12, 2012. Business magnate Russell Simmons wrote a short congratulatory article in Global Grind, and support was voiced by Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Tyler, the Creator also tweeted his support for Ocean, along with other members of OFWGKTA. Rockie Fresh signs to Maybach Music Group.
August Philthy Rich is shot three times but is released from a hospital the day after the shooting. Hip-hop executive Chris Lighty, founder of Violator and who managed and worked with artists like 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, was found dead due to possible suicide. Freeway signs to Babygrande Records. Max B's appeal from his 75-year prison sentence that occurred in 2009 was denied. Rittz signs to Strange Music. Caskey signs to Cash Money.
September Lil Wayne officially passed Elvis Presley with the most appearances on the Billboard 100, with 109 (42 as a solo artist, 67 as a featured artist). Jay-Z announced the opening of the Barclays Center with a concert, including a hologram of Notorious B.I.G. and a new verse. 50 Cent and Fat Joe ended their feud, appearing on stage together at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards. Also at the BET Hip Hop Awards, 50 Cent and his crew G-Unit were involved in a fight with Maybach Music Group's member Gunplay.
October After problems at BET Hip Hop Awards, 50 Cent began a fued with French Montana, after the rapper commented negatively about 50 Cent's career. G-Unit's boss responded on Twitter calling French Montana a "hoe". 50 Cent appeared in a video wearing Gunplay's chain of Maybach Music Group while bowling. Nelly was detained in Texas after cops find heroin and 10 pounds of weed on his tour bus. P. Diddy suffered injuries to his neck, ribs, and collarbone following a car accident on October 24. Lil Wayne suffered multiple seizures on a flight to Texas.
December Both Young Jeezy's label CTE (Corporate Thugz Entertainment) and Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group merge with Atlantic Records. Both Jay-Z and Kanye West each have six Grammy nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards, Nas has four, Drake and 2 Chainz each have three, Andre 3000, Big Sean, Pusha T, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa each have two. The Notorious B.I.G. autopsy was leaked by the Los Angeles Police Department and published by TMZ. The Los Angeles Police Department apologized for the leak to Voletta Wallace and Biggie's family. On December 24, 2012, it was announced that Capital STEEZ, a close friend of Joey Badass and founder of Pro Era, died from a suspected suicide.
Released albums Release date Artist Album Label Notes RefJanuary 10Ja RuleIcon Motown RecordsPrevailSpaseFase Battle Axe RecordsYo GottiLive from the Kitchen Polo Grounds Music, RCA RecordsDebuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 Singles: "5 Star" and "We Can Get It On"January 14Schoolboy QHabits & Contradictions Top Dawg EntertainmentDebuted at No. 111 on the Billboard 200January 17KonceptAwaken SoulspazmThe JackaThe Verdict Siccness.netTajaiMachine Language Clear Label RecordsJanuary 24GangreneVodka & Ayahuasca Decon RecordsJanuary 27Lord FinesseThe Art of Diggin: Blue Note State of Mind (Mini LP Cardboard Gatefold) (Limited Edition) Underboss EntertainmentJanuary 31AraabMuzikInstrumental University Duke ProductionsVariousGiant Single: Profile Records Rap Anthology Arista Records, Legacy Recordings, Sony MusicFebruary 12Rapper Big PoohSleepers: The Narcoleptic Outtakes 6 Hole, Caroline DistributionFebruary 14BusdriverBeaus$Eros Fake Four Inc.Curren$yMuscle Car Chronicles DD172M-PhazesPhazed Out Coalmine RecordsFebruary 21Chiddy BangBreakfast Virgin Records, I.R.S. RecordsDebuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200TygaCareless World: Rise of the Last King Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, Republic Records, Island RecordsDebuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 Singles: "Far Away", "Still Got It", "Rack City", and "Faded"February 24Hodgyuntitled Odd Future RecordsNoah23Noah23 for Dummies February 28Biz MarkieThe Biz Never Sleeps (Re-Issue) Traffic Entertainment GroupC-BoCali Connection Ca$hville Records, West Coast Mafia Records, Black October MusicCopywriteGod Save the King Man Bites Dog RecordsJa RulePain Is Love 2 Mpire Music Group, Fontana DistributionDebuted at No. 197 on the Billboard 200Lee BannonFantastic PlasticPlug ResearchMainoThe Day After Tomorrow Hustle Hard, E1 Music, Atlantic RecordsDebuted at No. 94 on the Billboard 200OpioVultures Wisdom, Vol. 2Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings Planet AsiaBlack Belt Theatre Green Streets EntertainmentShabaam SahdeeqRelentless Pt. 2 Hardtimes Records, Marvial EntertainmentStones Throw Records & Minimal Wave RecordsThe Minimal Wave Tapes Vol. 2 Stones Throw Records, Minimal Wave RecordsToo ShortNo Trespassing Dangerous MusicDebuted at No. 129 on the Billboard 200March 2Kay OnePrince of Belvedair ErsguterjungeDebuted at No. 4 on the German album charts Debuted at No. 4 on the Austrian album charts Debuted at No. 7 on the Swiss album chartsMarch 5Big K.R.I.T.4eva N a Day March 6The AlchemistRapper's Best Friend 2 Decon Records, ALC RecordsChaundonThe Jammington Golden Era Music Inc.DJ Premier & Bumpy KnucklesStOoDiOtYmE EP Gracie ProductionsFlameThe 6th Clear Sight MusicYoung NobleOutlaw Rydahz Vol. 1 Outlaw RecordzMarch 9Hilltop HoodsDrinking from the Sun Golden Era Records Debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Top 50 Albums Singles: "I Love It", "Speaking in Tongues", "Shredding the Balloon", "Rattling the Keys to the Kingdom"March 13BlacastanMaster Builder Part II Brick Records Boogie Down ProductionsSouth Bronx Teachings: A Collection of Boogie Down Productions B-Boy RecordsDel the Funky HomosapienI Wish My Brother George Was Here (Re-Issue w/ Bonus Poster) Elektra RecordsMC ShanQ.B. O.G.: The Best of MC Shan Cold Chillin', Traffic Entertainment GroupMr. Capone-E & Mr. CriminalSS Til I Die: 13 Shots Hi Power Entertainment, PMC Music GroupRas KassGreatest Misses Mo Thugs RecordsTech N9neKlusterfuk Strange MusicDebuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200March 20Diggy SimmonsUnexpected Arrival Atlantic RecordsDebuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200MGKHalf Naked & Almost Famous Bad Boy Records, Interscope RecordsDebuted at No. 42 on the Billboard 200Odd FutureThe OF Tape Vol. 2 Odd Future Records, RED DistributionDebuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200Pep LoveRigmarole Clear Label RecordsMarch 26E-40The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 1 Heavy On the Grind Entertainment, EMIDebuted at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 2Debuted at No. 58 on the Billboard 200 Single: "Function"The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 3Debuted at No. 71 on the Billboard 200The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 1, 2 & 3Debuted at No. 44 on the Billboard 200March 27DJ Premier & Bumpy KnucklesThe Kolexxxion Gracie ProductionsDebuted at No. 195 on the Billboard 200Gift Of GabThe Next Logical Progression Iron SolomonMonsterLootpackSoundpieces: Da Antidote (Re-Issue)MadlibMedicine Show Number 01-13: The Brick (Limited Edition)¡Mayday!Take Me To Your Leader Strange MusicDebuted at No. 92 on the Billboard 200March 30BizarreThis Guy’s a WeirdoApril 3De La Soul's Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present...First Serve Debuted at No. 192 on the Billboard 200Laroo & Turf TalkSick-Wid-It: Block OpsNicki MinajPink Friday: Roman ReloadedDebuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 Singles: "Starships", "Right By My Side", "Beez in the Trap", and "Pound the Alarm" Certified GoldObie TriceBottoms UpDebuted at No. 113 on the Billboard 200Ras KassSpit No EvilApril 9Casey VeggiesCustomized Greatly Vol. 3April 10Ayatollah & Moka OnlyBridgesJ. RawlsThe Liquid Crystal Project 3Trip LeeThe Good LifeDebuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200April 17Blanco & Nipsey HussleRawFuturePlutoDebuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 Singles: "Tony Montana", "Magic", "Same Damn Time", and "Turn On the Lights"Mac MallThe Rebellion Against All There IsApril 20Snoop DoggStoner's EPDebuted at No. 167 on the Billboard 200April 24ChuuweeCrown Me KingDeath GripsThe Money StoreDebuted at No. 130 on the Billboard 200Mickey AvalonLoadedDebuted at No. 137 on the Billboard 200ProzakParanormalDebuted at No. 90 on the Billboard 200ReksStraight, No ChaserSaukratesSeason One"Exclaim!'s 20 Most Anticipated Canadian Albums of 2012" . Exclaim!, January 3, 2012.ShowbizStill Diggin' Volume 1YukmouthHalf BakedMay 1Apollo Brown & O.C.TrophiesB.o.BStrange CloudsDebuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200