Top 10 Rap Releases - May 2009

Lil Flip was one of the first Texas rappers to taste mainstream success at the turn of the millennium. He has since been relegated to a backseat player, settling for guest spots and mixtape appearances. Certified, one of two Flip albums scheduled for 2009, offers the self-named underground legend a chance to redeem his image.
Street Date: May 26, 2009

Tanya Morgan's Brooklynati gets its name from a fictional marriage of Tanya Morgan's hometowns of Brooklyn and Cincinnati. Group members Donwill and Ilyas hail from Cincinnati, while Von Pea reps Brooklyn. The trio's sophomore album is being touted as a concept album.
Street Date: May 12, 2009

Guru, formerly of Gang Starr, updates his solo catalog series with yet another set. This marks the 4th time Guru has joined forces with Solar, who produced the entire album. Lost and Found is light on features, thus Guru has breathing space to showcase his individual lyricism.
Street Date: May 19, 2009

If third time is the charm, then Freeway better put his mojo to effect on Philadelphia Freeway 2. The "beardiest" rapper alive sidestepped the label that released his first two albums (Roc-A-Fella), and plans to issue Philadelphia Freeway 2. on the indy imprint Real Talk.
Street Date: May 19, 2009

Sheek Louch, of the LOX, has quietly had a solid career. After silencing critics with the remarkable debut Walk witt Me, he now returns with his 4th solo album, Life on D-Block. Rumor has it that Sheek and his LOX comrades are putting finishing touches on a comeback group album.
Street Date: May 19, 2009

After a highly publicized feud with former Dipset partners Jim Jones and Freekey Zeekey, Cam'ron attempts to regain his prominence with Crime Pays. His new single "I Hate My Job" has helped garner plenty of buzz for the album, thanks to a viral video campaign that struck a chord with the current economic turmoil.
Street Date: May 12, 2009

AZ, arguably the most underrated rapper ever, is putting finishing touches on his eighth album. The album boldly titled Legendary is scheduled to arrive on June 2nd, 2009. Legendary will feature guest verses from D-Block soldier Sheek Louch and Dipset member Hell Rell. After 14 years in the rap game, AZ shows no sign of slowing down. The Brooklyn native has released two solo albums in the last three years, including 2008's Undeniable and 2006's The Format.
Street Date: May 19, 2009

If you've been anywhere near a radio lately you've probably heard the trunk-rattling Busta single "Arab Money." Busta is taking no prisoners on this go-round. Busta kicked off his B.O.M.B. campaign by dropping the poignant street anthem, "Don't Touch Me." He then followed it up with the dancehall favorite, "Arab Money." Not bad for a senior citizen rapper.
Street Date: May 19, 2009

Anyone old enough to remember Blackout! knows one thing for sure: There's no boring moment when Redman & Method Man are on the mic. Nearly ten years after hip-hop's most playfully creative duo rocked the rap world with Blackout!, Red & Meth reunite for a sequel to their collaborative debut. Guests include: UGK, Saukrates, and Erick Sermon.
Street Date: May 19, 2009

Relapse is arguably the most anticipated rap album of 2009. Several tracks have leaked from the album, including "3 AM," "We Made You," and "Old Time's Sake," which features Dr. Dre. If you're not looking forward to this album, please check your pulse.
Street Date: May 19, 2009