November promises many notable hip-hop releases from the likes of Kanye, Ludacris, and Q-Tip. We're in for a thrill, Ladies and Gentlemen.
10. Trick Trick - 'The Villain' (Koch)
Trick Trick first shot into prominence with his Eminem-assisted street smash, "Welcome to Detroit." Eminem returns for 3 more collaborative tracks on The Villain, Trick's follow-up to his 2005's The People Vs. Trick Trick. In addition to Em's 3, Dr. Dre produced 1 track. The Villain also includes "Together Forever," a Run DMC re-make that features Kid Rock, Esham, and the late Proof.
Street Date: November 11, 2008
Street Date: November 11, 2008
9. Ace Hood - 'Gutta' (Def Jam)
After an injury derailed his burgeoning football career, Ace turned to his true passion, rapping. At the age of 17, Ace teamed up with the Broward County-based entertainment label, Dollaz & Dealz, to record the hit "M.O.E." ("Money Over Everything"), which sparked an immediate buzz in Florida. Ace is the first artist inked to DJ Khaled's label "We the Best" (distributed by Def Jam Records). His debut LP, Gutta, is led by the popular single "Cash Flow," featuring T-Pain and Rick Ross.
Street Date: November 18, 2008
Street Date: November 18, 2008
8. UNK - 'Second Season' (Koch)
Since the October 2006 release of his debut album Beat'n Down Yo Block, UNK shot into the limelight as one of Atlanta's most recognizable new talents. "Walk It Out" sparked a dance craze, and most recently UNK cut a song titled "In Yo Face" for NBA 2K9 game.
Street Date: November 4, 2008
Street Date: November 4, 2008
7. Illa J - 'Yancey Boys' (Delicious)
When J Dilla died from complications related to lupus in 2006, he left a big void in the hip-hop community. He left an even bigger legacy for his 21-year old brother, Illa J, to carry on. On Yancey Boys, Illa J picks up right where the late legendary producer left off.
Street Date: November 4, 2008
Street Date: November 4, 2008
6. Jedi Mind Tricks - 'A History of Violence' (Babygrande)
Jedi Mind followers will be delighted to see that erstwhile member Jus Allah has returned to reignite the spirit of their last collaborative effort, the much-heralded Violent by Design. A History of Violence is pure JMT mantra, led by Stoupe's inimitable production and Vinnie Paz's captivating rhymes.
Street Date: November 11, 2008
Street Date: November 11, 2008
5. Evidence - 'The Layover EP' (Decon)
The Layover EP arrives to set the precedent for Ev's next solo full-length LP, Cats & Dogs. The heavy-hitting lead single, "For Whom the Bell Tolls," features will.i.am (of Black Eyed Peas), Phonte (of Littler Brother) and the new face of LA, Blu. Other collaborators are: The Alchemist, Defari, and Aloe Blacc.
Street Date: November 25, 2008
Street Date: November 25, 2008
4. Ghostface Killah - 'Ghostdeini the Great' (Def Jam)
Ghostdeini the Great is a wild assortment of remixes and new songs, as well as old gems from Ghostface Killah. The cuts on this semi-greatest hits compilation include: "Run" Remix (featuring Jadakiss, Lil Wayne, Raekwon, Freeway) and "Kilo Remix" (featuring Raekwon & Pusha T). He even tossed in a track called "Ghostface Christmas" for good measure. How can you not love this guy?
Street Date: November 25, 2008
Street Date: November 25, 2008
3. Ludacris - 'Theater of the Mind' (DTP)
Chris the Actor is more visible than 'Cris the Rapper these days, but Luda's hoping to change that on Theater of the Mind. The ATL rapper comes correct with clever and calculated lyrics. In fact, one of the buzz cuts from Theater, "Undisputed," is already making plenty of noise and may go down as one the year's best rap singles.
Street Date: November 25, 2008
Street Date: November 25, 2008
2. Q-Tip - 'The Renaissance' (Universal Motown)
The Renaissance, Q-Tip's first album since 1999's Amplified, is chock full of brilliant rhymes, tributes to the hip-hop culture and to dead pals. Q-Tip describes his comeback album as "thought-provoking, dance-friendly, fun and last but not least hip-hop." The Renaissance arrives on election day. And that's no coincidence, my friends. Tip is a strong supporter of Democrat Barack Obama.
Street Date: November 4, 2008
Street Date: November 4, 2008
1. Kanye West - '808s and Heartbreak' (Roc-A-Fella)
Ah, the much ballyhooed 808s & Heartbreak. Well, from all indications, this is Kanye's Electric Circus -- an album where he goes for a 360 overhaul. 808s instead of traditional hip-hop beats, sensitive topics instead of hard-edged rhymes, ethereal choruses instead of good ol' hooks. As if that's not scary enough, Kanye's singing (yeah, singing) the whole thing with the aid of Auto-Tune. As "Love Lockdown" demonstrates, this will be Kanye's most experimental album so far.
Street Date: November 25, 2008
Street Date: November 25, 2008
