Forget summer, it's raining collaborations in hip-hop. Eminem reunites with Royce da 5'9", Pete Rock joins forces with Smif-N-Wessun, and Black Milk forms a supergroup with Guilty Simpson and Sean Price. Here's a rundown of June's Top 10 New Rap Albums.
10. Vakill – 'Armor Of God'
2006's Worst Fears Confirmed is one of the most overlooked hip-hop albums of the last ten years. Vakill spazzed on that record, and there's no telling how deep the lack of acclaim cut. After a five-year layover, Vakill reboots his lyrics-driven sound on Armor Of God. Jake One and Panik handle a bulk of the production duty. Rhymefest, Crooked I, Vizion, and Nino Bless drop lend their rhymes to the cause.
9. Co$$ - 'Before I Awoke'
Sleepwalking is going to be a tough act to follow, but it would be unwise to bet against Co$$. The west coast rapper has already given us one of 2011's best mixtapes. Before I Awoke vows more gems.
8. Hail Mary Mallon - 'Are You Gonna Eat That?'
Are You Gonna Eat That? is the debut of Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz's, collectively known as Hail Mary Mallon. The group is named after Mary Mallon, the first known healthy carrier of typhoid bacteria. Typhoid Mary, a cook, was blamed for 51 cases of typhoid fever including three deaths. Fortunately, the only thing Aesop, Rob, and Wiz are only infecting minds with the robust beats and solid rhymes on Are You Gonna Eat That?
7. Random Axe - 'Random Axe'
© Duck Down
Random Axe is comprised of Brooklyn rapper Sean Price, Detroit MC Guilty Simpson and Detroit producer/rapper Black Milk. It's a union grounded in lyricism and boom bap. The album is available for on Amazon for the price of an iTunes single.
6. Big Sean - 'Finally Famous'
Big Sean finally gets his shot at fame on the oft-delayed Almost Famous. It sports a collaboration with Kanye West, which Sean describes as "super special."
Release Date: June 28, 2011
5. Tech N9ne - 'All 6s & 7s'
Indie monarch Tech N9ne has assembled a lineup of mainstream staples for his long-awaited All 6's and 7's. Lil Wayne and T-Pain drop by for "F-ck Food," while B.o.B. (yes, that B.o.B.) and Hopsin assist with "Am I Psycho."
4. Trae the Truth – 'Street King'
© Young Empire Records
With Scarface behind bars and Bun B enjoying a new gig as an educator, the onus falls on Trae to carry on Houston street rap tradition. And that's exactly what the ABN leader strives for on his third proper outing, Street King. Guests include Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross, Game, and Wiz Khalifa.
Release Date: June 28, 2011
3. Curren$y - 'Weekend At Burnie's'
© Warner Bros.
History will judge his mixtapes kindly, but it's albums that make a proper legacy. Weekend At Burnies gives Curren$y his first shot at Warner this summer. Judging from the label's last two rap releases, expect some cheery anthems along with the typical stoner rap fare.
2. Pete Rock & Smif-n-wessun - Monumental
© Duck Down
It's always sad and slightly annoying to see mediocre rappers gain access to great beats. So, the prospect of seeing veterans Smif-N-Wessun kick rhymes to what's sure to be first-class Pete Rock beats is appealing. Monumental will be issued via indie behemoth Duck Down Records.
Release Date: June 28, 2011
1. Bad Meets Evil - 'Hell: The Sequel'
© Interscope
Eminem is Evil. Royce is Bad. The two friends-turned-foes-turned-friends manage to capture the magic of their pre-Slim Shady LP days on Hell: The Sequel. Guests include Bruno Mars on the radio-baiting "Lighters" and Slaughterhouse on the insult-laden "Loud Noises." Mr. Porter handles a bulk of the production, while Sid Roams and Havoc chip in a cut apiece.
