Albums on deck for release this month include Asher Roth's much anticipated debut, Jada's comeback LP, and the Redman & Method Man reunion we waited ten years for. Here are this month's Top 10 Rap Releases.
10. Tech N9ne - 'Sickology 101'
Sickology 101 is Tech N9ne's ninth album, his second in the "Collabos" series. This time, the Kansas veteran teams up with Krayzie Bone, Crooked I, Chino XL, Messy Marv, and many more.
Street Date: March 31, 2009
Street Date: March 31, 2009
9. Del The Funky Homosapien - 'Funkman'
There may be an economic recession in the United States, but there's no recession of funk. Del The Funky Homosapien is leading the hip-hop version of economic recovery effort with his 13-point stimulus plan: a tour and a FREE album. (Video) Mark your calendar for April 7 and be sure to bookmark delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com, where the album will be made available.
Street Date: April 14, 2009
Street Date: April 14, 2009
8. Pastor Troy - 'Feel Me or Kill Me'
Pastor Troy has more albums than most of his peers combined, but shows no signs of slowing down. VP of A&R at Troy's recording home, SMC Recordings, WIll Bronson, describes Feel Me or Kill Me as "quintessential Troy," adding that "it’s hardcore, chaotic and that’s the Pastor Troy I love. We’re just furthering what we did with Tool Musiq." You can join in a fun game of Feel Me or Kill Me at smcecordings.com/ptroy. (Warning: Violent graphics ahead)
Street Date: April 14, 2009
Street Date: April 14, 2009
7. The Grouch & Eligh - 'Say G&E!'
Living Legends comrades The Grouch and Eligh align their musical planets for a collaborative set. These two hip-hoppers have more than just their group affiliation in common. Eligh is coming off a strong showing on hip-hop's first ever mother-and-son duo which gave birth to the album On Sacred Ground: Mother & Son. That cute kiddo on the artwork of Grouch's last album? That's his daughter.
Street Date: April 7, 2009
Street Date: April 7, 2009
6. Rick Ross - 'Deeper Than Rap'
© Def Jam
Rick Ross have been entangled in an atrocious feud for the past 3 months or so. Both Ross and 50 have new albums scheduled for this year. Expect the two to continue the "battle" on their respective albums. As long as they keep it strictly on wax, no one's complaining.
Street Date: April 21, 2009
Street Date: April 21, 2009
5. Lady Sovereign - 'Jigsaw'
That Lady Sovereign has made it to her second major album is a puzzle in itself. Let's face it, Public Warning wasn't exactly mind-blowing, despite the reams of hype the UK rapper drummed up prior to her stateside debut. Whatever the case, Sov is back to prove that she's anything but a one-and-done rapper. Look for Jigsaw to be more personal and introspective.
Street Date: April 21, 2009
Street Date: April 21, 2009
4. Mr. Lif - 'I Heard It Today'
Lif's latest album boldly plants a mirror in front of America's social landscape, and reflects on issues such as discrimination, ignorance, and economic crisis. Guests include Bahamadia and Vinnie Paz (of Jedi Mind Tricks).
Street Date: April 20, 2009
Street Date: April 20, 2009
3. Asher Roth - 'Asleep In The Bread Aisle'
Fast rising rapper Asher Roth has drawn massive comparisons to Eminem because of his delivery and -- let's face it -- skin color. Asleep In The Bread Aisle will offer the self-named King of the Blumpkins an opportunity to either butter up those comparisons or serve up a different kind of toast.
Street Date: April 20
2. Jadakiss - 'The Last Kiss'
Contrary to speculation, The Last Kiss is not Jada's swan song. It's only the final entry in his Kiss-themed album series, which began with Kiss tha Game Goodbye in 2001. Of course, a lot has changed since then. Kiss left Ruff Ryders and joined Def Jam, at Jay-Z's beckoning. The Last Kiss is led by the Ne-Yo-assisted single, "By My Side." It also boasts guest appearances by Jay-Z, Faith Evans, Lil Wayne, Styles P, and Ghostface Killah. You can stream The Last Kiss on Imeem.com at no cost.
Street Date: April 7, 2009
Street Date: April 7, 2009
1. Method Man/Redman - 'Blackout 2'
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: April 28
Street Date: April 28
