Top 10 New Rap Albums - May 2011

Illmind is sufficiently confident in his skills as a sound architect. Yet, he's managed to go ignored for a many years. Behind the Curtain peels the veil and pulls the listener closer to the world of Illmind. At 22 songs, you get teh full range of Illmind's production style on this no-holds-barred showcase.
Release Date: May 3, 2011

Rick Ross has spent the last six months putting together a respectable team of MCs. The Maybach Music Group now is now stacked with talent, among them Wale, Pill, Meek Mill, and even R&B songwriter Teedra Moses. The star players get equal playing time on MMG's first exhibition game, Self-Made Vol. 1.
Release Date: May 23, 2011

Mr. Raspy is back with a batch of new material strictly dedicated to his fans. The tape finds Kiss spitting over tracks by The Neptunes, Bink, Jay Butta and others. Five tracks from I Love You are available on Jada's site SoRaspy.com. Go check them out and try not to feel weird about listening to a rap album titled I Love You.
Release Date: May 24, 2011

Hip-hop reissues rarely get the respect other genres seem to enjoy. But if there's a new reissue that's worth your ten bucks, it's Pete Rock's Petestrumentals. Pete's sophomore solo set is an education on the mind of one of rap's greatest producers. With no larynx in sight, he relies on a cocktail of jazz, soul and funk sonics to power this instrumental set. Perfect background music while doing homework or house cleaning on the weekend.
Release Date: May 10, 2011

Edo G. introduced himself to hip-hop in on the 1991 Father's Day favorite "Be A Father to Your Child." Twenty years later, the Boston Bulldog returns with a rare solo album, A Face In The Crowd.
Release Date: May 17, 2011

When you're considered one of the all-time greats, you don't have anything else to prove. But Kool G is still determined to show these young cats how to truly paint parables with words. Riches, Royalty, Respect is G Rap's first full-length project in eight years. It's set to drop at the end of May, but you can preview it now by downloading the Offer You Can't Refuse EP.
Release Date: May 17, 2011

Two years ago, Killer Mike awoke to the realization that referencing homicide in your stage name can limit your opportunities, especially for a well-rounded artist. Now reborn as Mike Bigga, the ATL MC can’t wait to show off his shiny new moniker. His new set is loud and bold and devoid of a boring moment. He also has a group album with Big Boi and Pill in the works.
Release Date: May 17, 2011

The Boys have had a rough few years, especially with Adam Yauch battling cancer. But now that Adam is in good health, they've reunited for a new installment. Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 features a variety of styles. While the album's lead single "Make Some Noise" hearkens to the Beasties' signature funky sound, others like "Tadlock's Glasses" are a bit more experimental. The album is available for pre-order in various formats. Head over to their site to reserve a copy and read a message from Mike D, which likens the packaging process to childbirth and baking.
Release Date: May 3, 2011

With the wind behind him and the talents to back up his buzz, Tyler, The Creator looks to propel his career to astronomical heights with his proper debut, Goblin. The longplayer arrives via British-based XL Recordings. Tyler has already laid claim to a Video of the Year candidate. Time will tell if Goblin will sustain the intense, edgy vibe of its lead single.
Release Date: May 11, 2011