In the rapidly evolving world of hip-hop, leaks have become a common occurrence, often leading to significant buzz around unreleased tracks. Some of these leaks have emerged as potential chart-toppers, leaving fans wondering how they might have reshaped the music landscape if officially released.
One of the most iconic leaks is “Pissy Pamper,” a collaboration between Young Nudy and Playboi Carti, produced by Pierre Bourne. Initially previewed in March 2019, the song’s catchy beat and memorable verses quickly captivated fans, resulting in remixes and viral memes across social media. Despite its leak complicating sample clearance, it became so popular that Carti included it in his concert setlists, with unofficial uploads reaching millions of streams.
Kanye West’s “New Body,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Nicki Minaj, also made waves when it leaked in July 2019. Intended for his album “Yandhi,” the track’s provocative themes clashed with the gospel focus of his later work, “Jesus is King.” Its catchy hook and verses garnered significant attention, but the song was ultimately scrapped due to thematic inconsistencies and difficulties in securing a new verse from Minaj.
Young Thug’s “Y Y,” featuring Travis Scott, leaked in 2016 and was meant to be part of the “Jeffrey” album. Despite its absence from official releases, it gained immense popularity, with unofficial uploads accumulating millions of views. Similarly, Kendrick Lamar’s “Cartoon & Cereal,” featuring Gunplay, gained cult status after leaking in 2012, primarily due to sample clearance issues that prevented its inclusion on “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”
Furthermore, 21 Savage’s “Isa,” featuring Young Thug and Drake, became a fan favorite after leaking in 2017, only to be scrapped due to its widespread unauthorized circulation. Juice WRLD’s “Reynold,” which leaked in 2020, has also become a sought-after track, yet sample clearance challenges hinder its official release.
As the music industry grapples with the implications of leaks, it’s clear that many unreleased tracks hold immense potential. The debate continues over which of these songs could have achieved platinum status had they received an official release.
