Major record companies are now finding out what many hard-touring indie rappers have known for years: 1st Quarter is always a great time for new music. With major companies gearing up their cash cows for the much more competitive summer calendar, independents often seize the opportunity to grab people's attention early. Why jockey for position when you can rule the jungle? Here's a countdown of February's top 10 new rap albums.
10. DMX - 'Playlist Your Way'
I know you're probably thinking, "How come DMX is dropping another CD on Def Jam when he's no longer signed to that label?" Well, you know those shiny little things known as "contracts"? Yeah, they can do that. Playlist Your Way is a compilation of X's greatest hits. Pick it up only if you're looking to familiarize yourself with his catalog for the first time.
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Release Date: February 24, 2009
9. The Conscious Daughters - 'The Nutcracker Suite'
To the uninitiated, Conscious Daughters is a Bay Area rap duo consisting of Special One and CMG. Their 3rd album, The Nutcracker Suite, features west coast veterans like Spice 1, Kurupt, Roscoe, Yukmouth (of the Luniz), and producer Rick Rock.
8. Messy Marv - 'Cake & Ice Cream, Vol.2'
With the second installment of his Cake & Ice Cream series, Messy Marv keeps the Bay afloat while showcases his distinct baritone voice and hardcore wit. If you're a Messy Marv fan, then get messy with this.
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Release Date: February 24, 2009
7. 7L & Esoteric - 'Serve or Suffer'
Serve or Suffer is Esoteric's first official instrumental disc. Unlike most instro CDs, Serve or Suffer is not a collection of old beats used on other albums. Rather, it's a sound collage of new music straight out of Esoteric's gold mine.
6. Zion I - 'The TakeOver'
It's been 10 years since Zion I first popped up, yet their unique brand of progressive hip-hop still sounds as refreshing as ever. The TakeOver captures the musical versatility that made the duo of Zumbi and AmpLive hip hop staple. Guests include Brother Ali, K.Flay, Jennifer Johns, and Devin the Dude.
Release Date: February 17, 2009.
Release Date: February 17, 2009.
5. Exile - 'Radio'
Exile has been around for ages, but he still managed to breathe new life into hip-hop when he hooked up with Blu for 2007's Below The Heavens. On his latest album, Exile uses everything from radio static to stacks of glitches to create an ethereal soundscape. Simply put, Radio is the work of a quality producer.
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Release Date: February 24, 2009
4. P.O.S. - 'Never Better'
Never Better is the follow-up to 2006's Audition. There's no shortage of gritty rhymes and equally grimy beats. P.O.S. is versatile and incredibly entertaining rapper. P.O.S. is not oblivious to the download culture of today's music consumers, so he threw in some catchy extras. The limited edition comes stacked with customizable artwork, lyric sheets, and a transparent digi-pak that holds 16 solid and 6 transparent inserts.
Release Date: February 3, 2009
Release Date: February 3, 2009
3. K'naan - 'Troubador'
Somali MC K'Naan Left an indelible mark on the global hip-hop community with 2005's Dusty Foot Philosopher. He now returns with the musically rich Troubador. The guest list, which is just as diverse as K'Naan's musical stylings, includes Damian "JR Gong" Marley, Chubb Rock, Mos Def, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Chali 2na and Adam Levine & James Valentine of Maroon 5.
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Release Date: February 24, 2009
2. Havoc - 'Hidden Files'
Havoc, one half of the Queens duo Mobb Deep, is known for being the sound architect behind the group's albums, including the classic Infamous. Not only is Hav a respected MC, he's also a distinguished producer, having laced tracks for Jadakiss, 50 Cent, Nas, Diddy, and countless others. He's now ready to go for dolo with his KOCH Records debut, Hidden Files. The album enjoys some quality production from Alchemist and Havoc himself, as well as guest appearances by his Mobb Deep partner Prodigy. The first single is a song titled "Watch Me," which features Ricky Blaze.
Release Date: February 24, 2009.
Release Date: February 24, 2009.
1. B-Real - 'Smoke N Mirrors'
B-Real, best known as Cypress Hill's frontman, is hoping to ride the momentum of the group's recent VH1 Hip-Hop Honors award by readying his first solo LP, Smoke & Mirrors. With 17 years in the game, the distinctly-voiced B-Real had no trouble rounding up big guns like Alchemist, Snoop Dogg, Buckshot, Kurupt, Too $hort, and Sick Jacken (from Psycho Realm) for Smoke & Mirrors. B-Real produced a few cuts himself, including the lead single "Fire" alongside Damian Marley.
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Release Date: February 24, 2009
