New rap releases for September include T.I.'s Paper Trail and Gym Class Heroes' The Quilt.
10. Ill Bill - 'The Hour of Reprisal'
For The Hour of Reprisal, the long anticipated sophomore album from Ill Bill, he tapped like-minded rappers like Immortal Technique, Raekwon, and Vinnie Paz. Sound architects behind this album include: DJs Premier, Muggs, and Lethal. Bill even tries his hands at production for the very first time.
Street Date: September 16th, 2008
Street Date: September 16th, 2008
9. Kardinal Offishall - 'Not 4 Sale'
After dominating radio for the better part of 2008 with his Akon-assisted snake charmer "Dangerous," Canada's best kept secret Kardinal Offishall is ready for his first Konvict Records release. Not 4 Sale is chock full of eclectic songs and catchy hooks. Guests include: T-Pain, Estelle, Clipse, and Rihanna.
Street Date: September 9th, 2008
Street Date: September 9th, 2008
8. Large Professor - 'Main Source'
Main Source was the name of Large Professor's New York rap group that folded up after a slew of hits in the early 1990s. Main Source the album looks to further P’s legacy as a formidable producer-MC. P’s rhymes won’t exactly overwork your rewind button, but they work to complement the production perfectly, yielding a thoroughly cohesive body of work. He invites fellow NY heads Styles P, Mike D, and Jeru Tha Damaja to contribute verses.
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
7. Termanology - 'Politics As Usual'
After working the underground circuit for about 3 years, Termanology is finally ready to introduce himself to a large swath of the rap community. His official debut, Politics As Usual, arrives via veteran independent label Nature Sounds. Despite his relative newness on the scene, Term impressed enough big wigs that they agreed to jump on board for Politics As Usual. Collaborators include: Bun B, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, M.O.P., Alchemist, and Large Professor.
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
6. Common - 'Invincible Summer'
No, you didn't read the title wrong. Common will release an album titled Invincible Summer in the fall. Common originally intended to drop this album in June, but filming for his next movie and other obligations got in the way. Whereas his last two albums were orchestrated by Kanye West, Summer finds Common teaming up with Pharrell Williams. The Chi-City great shamelessly admitted to Billboard that "barbecues and strippers" were some of his inspirations for Invincible Summer. "This album isn't super thought-provoking...it's just on some fun sh*t."
Street Date: September 22nd, 2008
Street Date: September 22nd, 2008
5. Murs - 'Murs for President'
West Coast wordsmith Murs has fought hard to gain prominence on the national stage. His new album, Murs 4 President, captures the next chapter in this journey and imbues it with a freshness that's part potential and part promise.
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
4. Young Jeezy - 'The Recession'
Musically, this is consistent with Jeezy's last two CDs. Synth-heavy cuts and big-bass cuts are prominent on The Recession, which Jeezy says is "hands down the best album of the year." Lyrically, Jeezy is as entertaining as ever, ad libs and drug references intact. Fans will be happy to see him branch out of his comfort zone and collaborate with the likes of Nas.
Street Date: September 3rd, 2008
Street Date: September 3rd, 2008
3. Gym Class Heroes - 'The Quilt'
Since their emergence in 2006, Gym Class Heroes have remained one of the freshest voices in hip-hop. Their fusion of alternative rap with rock and pop sounds made their 2006 album, As Cruel As School Children, a memorable album. Seriously, who can forget "Cupid's Chokehold"? If you liked As Cruel As School Children, this CD picks up where the last one left off.
Street Date: September 9th, 2008
Street Date: September 9th, 2008
2. LL Cool J - 'Exit 13' (Def Jam)
Quick, which Queens rapper prides himself as the king of longevity? See how easy that was? LL has sold bazillions of records in his 23 years as an MC. Now back with with his remarkable 13th studio album, the 40-year old hopes to keep ladies (and gents, of course) tuning in with songs about love, life and relationships. Here's to 23 more years.
Street Date: September 9th, 2008
Street Date: September 9th, 2008
1. T.I. - 'Paper Trail'
For Paper Trail, T.I. went back to actually writing his rhymes -- you know, with pen and paper. The small change makes a big difference: T.I.'s thoughts are well-fleshed out and his word choice improved dramatically. Paper Trail finds Tip balancing emotive moments like the harrowing "My Life, Your Entertainment" and "No Matter What" with celebratory tunes like "Swagger Like Us" and "What Up, What's Happenin." The production roster includes Danja, DJ Toomp, and Swizz Beatz.
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
Street Date: September 30th, 2008
