Defsounds

2008 brought about much change in our beloved Hip Hop world. From the autotune invasion to the hilarious E-beefs, the landscape of the industry went under tremendous change. While we may have a some new faces in the crowd breaking ground with record deals, many artists parted ways with their labels this year. Here are 2008's top 10 label/group departures.

#10. Peedi Crack Dropped From Roc-A-Fella

Philadelphia rapper Peedi Crack may have shot himself in the foot after claiming Def Jam records gave everyone in the Roc-A-Fella roster their pink slips. As it turns out, the only one who was actually dropped from the label was him. Woops.

Peedi is currently signed to indie label, Amalgam Digital.

#9. DMX Leaves Sony

Prior to accumulating a massive arrest record this year, DMX walked away from Sony/BMG after some disappointing projects. X inked a deal with BODOG to release his forthcoming LP, "Walk With Me Now, Fly With Me Later."

"You don't make the same mistake twice. I already made the mistake with Def Jam thinking they had good people in the office. The shit was supposed to be different. Not! God bless whoever's over there, but I'm good where I'm at. Bodog, it already has 'dog' in the name. What more can I ask for?"

8. Lil Kim Leaves Atlantic

Kim parted ways with her longtime label, Atlantic Records, to release her upcoming album independently.

Kim said she has no ill feelings towards Atlantic. She also said she's releasing on an independent now because she trusts her knowledge in the music business enough to work on her own project.

Of course this was back in January, there hasn't been word of her signing with any label. Rumor has it she is currently working on her forthcoming LP entitled, "Vintage."

7. Serious Jones Dropped From DTP

After signing the battle rapper out New Jersey, Ludacris's Disturbing Tha Peace record label subsequently dropped him without much explanation.

The talented freestyler who is Fight Klub's 2005 Champion, said that while the decision was made around the time of DTP’s renegotiation with Def Jam in March, he received the official clearance to move forward three months later.

6. M.O.P. Leave G-Unit

Brooklyn duo M.O.P. struck out yet again. After being signed to G-Unit for almost three years, the Mash Out Possie has decided it was time to move on due to creative differences.

This departure is a tricky one however as the two are still under G-Unit, yet working on solo projects with other labels.

5. Saigon Dropped By Atlantic Records

Fans of Saigon waited and waited and waited...and waited some more for the release of the Greatest Story Never Told. Sadly, we're still waiting. Saigon was dropped by Atlantic this past May after lashing out at the label for continuously pushing the album back.

Saigon is rumored to be signing with Jay-Z's RocNation.

4. Obie Trice Leaves Shady Records

One of the years most surprising departures came from the Obie Trice/Shady Records split. After dropping two albums under the label, Trice asked to be released from his contractual obligation to the label.

Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's manager and long time friend, said "Shady Records has agreed to allow Obie Trice to pursue his craft in a different form free from the constraints of the current major label model."

Rosenberg also confirmed that Trice will continue to work with Eminem.

3. Joell Ortiz Dropped By Aftermath

The idea of a lyrical monster such as Joell Ortiz working with the likes of Dr. Dre enticed many fans. Too bad it never came to fruition after tension between Ortiz and labelhead Jimmy Iovine reached a boiling point.

Joell says he hopes will still be working with Dre and is currently working on his forthcoming LP, Free Agent.

2. Busta Rhymes Leaves Aftermath

The "good" Doctor lost another one this year. Busta Rhymes decided to part ways with his label home of 4 years.

Busta says that although he has a phenomenal relationship with Aftermath head honcho and super producer, Dr. Dre, he was having problems with Interscope itself.

"For the most part, I never left the label with any bad blood--a sit down with me and Jimmy [Iovine] had to happen and we just came to an agreement that what I'm trying to do at this stage of my career, trying to evolve and grow is just something I need to happen in a very particular way. Some of the ways, they were able to facilitate and some of the ways they weren't. It was just an honest assessment. I made a decision, he respected my decision and supported my decision. I thank Jimmy for not complicating my release and letting me leave with my album."

He signed a new deal with Universal Motown, who will release his 8th studio album Back on My B.S. on March 10, 2009.

1. Young Buck Dropped By G-Unit

2008 was a year G-Unit couldn't afford to lose many fans. They managed to do so however after Fif gave Young Buck the boot. Not only was Buck handed his pink slip from the group, he was also embarrassed by the leak of a certain taped conversation.

Buck is currently awaiting the release of his third and final album under G-Unit which we're willing to bet won't come out for a very long time.