These are the hottest new releases in the genre this month. The list includes recently released as well as pending rap/hip-hop albums.
1) Dilated Peoples - 20/20
Evidence, Rakaa Iriscience and DJ Babu return with their fourth LP. The album features reggae artist Capleton ("Firepower"), Talib Kweli ("Kindness For Weakness"), and Defari ("Olde English"). The Los Angeles-based crew adds excitement to rap by incorporating all the elements of hip-hop into their music. Rakaa and Evidence are both former graffiti writers and prolific MC's, and with DJ Babu a seasoned turntablist on their team, Dilated Peoples remains a well-rounded hip-hop ensemble.
2) J Dilla/Jay Dee - Donuts
The late knob twirler Jay Dee completed his instrumental set while hospitalized for lupus. Dilla’s close friends say he worked up until his dying days. Thanks to his exceptional work ethic, Dilla was also able to finish recording a second LP titled The Shining.A release date for The Shining is yet to be announced.
3) Remy Ma - There's Something About Remy: Based on A True Story
Terror Squad’s first lady recruited top notch producers Scott Storch, Cool & Dre, and David Banner for her major label debut. There's Something About Remy includes guest appearances by Fat Joe, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole, Ivy Queen, and the late Big Pun.
4) Scarface Presents The Product - One Hunid
Scarface is well known for introducing young rappers to the hip-hop world. This time, the Houston godfather of rap is using One Hunid as an outlet to pass the baton Young Malice and Willie Hen collectively known as The Product.
5) The Lost Children of Babylon – The 911 Report: The Ultimate Conspiracy
As the name implies, this politically-charged album reflects on the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and questions the government's decisions as well. The LCOB consists of 9 members: Rasul Allahu, the Breath of Judah, Richard Raw, Cosmic Crusader, Ancient Kemite, Amun Sen Hotep Re, Atum Sen Geb the Eloheem, Stretch the Mad Scientist, and Wazulu the Ill Dravidian.
6) Aceyalone with RJD2 - Magnificent City
Philly beat maestro, RJD2 lays the sonic bed for Aceyalone’s esoteric musings. A producer of Jay Dee caliber, RJD2 gained a faithful underground following after he dazzled with Deadringer, an instrumental album that featured occasional rap vocals. Aceyalone's shrapnel-edged rhymes are befitting for RJD2's shimmering production.
7) Penuckle - The Sun Beckons
The self-proclaimed iron lion of hip-hop delivers an eclectic album without big-name features. The album touches on a wide range of issues including racism, war, current events, and poverty.
8) Dem Franchise Boys - On Top Of Our Game
These southern 'snap-pers' entered the rap albums chart at number one wit their Jermaine Dupri-produced sophomore project. The album has a balanced mix of crunk and snap music.
9) Kick Da Sneak - Kunta Kinte
The bay area rapper plays off the Alex Haley ancestor in the classic movie series “The Roots” for his album title.
10) Chamillionaire - The Sound of Revenge (Chopped & Screwed)
OG Ron C reworks Chamillionaire’s remarkable album to offer the world some insight into the chopped and screwed city that we’ve come to know as Houston. Chopped and screwed, which has become a phenomenon in southern rap, was created by the late DJ Screw.
