I touched on this subject a bit on my post about Jay-Z’s new album, but Billboard article reignited my interest. It talks about how some big name rappers are weighing their options as their respective record labels as their deals end. Here’s a breakdown of some top rappers who may soon wave goodbye to their labels.

• Jay-Z: Big Jay stepped down as Def Jam prez last December, but he has one album left under his artist contract. Word on the street is that he’s working on a new album. There’s no doubt that Hov is headed for the exit, as he’s already signed a 120 million deal with Live Nation.

• LL Cool J: In case you couldn’t tell from his album title, Exit 13, LL has made it obvious that he’s headed for the door after 13 albums on the label he helped propel to the forefront of hip-hop. I always thought the whole thing about uncle Todd’s exit threats had more to do with his resentment for Jay. I guess I was wrong.

• OutKast: I won’t pretend to know what’s going on with these two over at Zomba. However, Billboard says they’ll soon be on the market, so I’ll take their word for it. Regardless, there’s going to be an intense bidding war for them once their contract expires. Who wouldn’t want to sign hip-hop’s greatest rapping duo? It’ll be interesting to see if they sign another group contract though.

  
  

• Nas: We all remember the historic Def Jam signing that brought two erstwhile rivals together. At the time, we were told that his contract terms included 2 albums via Def Jam, as well as a Greatest Hits on Sony/Columbia. All things being equal, his upcoming untitled album should complete those terms. Artist contracts are kept under tight shield, so it’s possible that something might have changed since he first signed with DJ.

• 50 Cent: 50 is pretty much his own boss. When you’re selling a bazillion records, clothers, shoes and water without trying too hard, you could pretty much walk into Riyadh and ask to sh*t on the king’s carpet. Fifty has plenty of leverage right now, though his G-Unit brand is no longer as popular as it was a few years ago. Still, expect Fif to make some ridiculous demands from his next business partner.