Top New Rap Releases - August

DPG veteran Daz adds yet another feather to his G hat with the much-delayed Only on the Left Side. Daz's new set features usual suspects like Kurupt and Snoop Dogg as well as collaborations with Obie Trice and Nicole Wray.
Street Date: August 12th

Formed in 2004, Re-Up Gang is comprised of the Clipse and Philly MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman. This fearsome foursome is responsible for the celebrated We Got it 4 Cheap mixtape series. The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang features 9 new songs and 3 unreleased remixes of tracks from We Got it 4 Cheap vol. 3.
Street Date: August 5th

For those seeking to feed nostalgic yearnings, Onyx's Cold Case Files just might do the trick. It's a collection of previously unreleased songs, underground tracks, and lost studio recordings from Onyx members. Collaborators include: Method Man, X1 and Gangreen.
Street Date: August 19th

AZ's N.4.L. picks up right where Nas' untitled album left off. It's the Brooklyn MC's take on the N-word debate and a history of struggle in the black community. This assortment of new songs is hosted by award-winning mixmaster, DJ Absolut.
Street Date: August 5th

It's a rule of thumb in hip-hop: Once you hit it big time, you bring your cronies along for the ride. The LOX attempt to get their D-Block side project jumpstarted with Prepare for Glory.
Street Date: August 19th

Nappy Roots scored a major hit in 2002 with "Po'Folks," from their debut Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz. Their sophomore outing, 2003's Wooden Leather, featured the Anthony Hamilton-aided smash "Sick & Tired." The Kentucky boys continue that tradition on The Humdinger, boasting an arsenal of potential hits. Fans will welcome the melodic rhymes and southern-fried beats that characterize their new set.
Street Date: August 5th

Most people wait until they have a Top 10 single in rotation before releasing an album, but GZA has always done things a little differently. The only buzzing point for GZA's 6th solo album, Pro Tools, is a 50 Cent diss track "Paper Plate." Pro Tools features production from the likes of RZA, Mathematics, and Black Milk and guest verses from Masta Killa and RZA.
Street Date: August 19th

It's hard to believe that The Preface is Elzhi's first full-length -- The Detroit MC has been around since the early 90s. El earned his lyrical stripes as a member of the revered hip-hop outfit Slum Village, alongside J Dilla. He recorded an album that was slated for release in 2000, but it never saw the light of day. So, you can only imagine the level of anticipation behind The Preface's arrival.
Street Date: August 12th

Fans clamoring for Ice Cube's return to the raw form that characterized his post-N.W.A. days may want to skip this one. Raw Footage is in line with Cube's more recent releases, including Laugh Now, Cry Later. Collaborators include: Musiq, Young Jeezy, and The Game. Listen to the Raw Footage sampler to get an idea of what the album's creative direction.
Street Date: August 19th

Game's L.A.X. is hands down the biggest release of August and one of many potential blockbuster albums of the Fall. L.A.X. is led by a chock full of attention-grabbing singles, including "Dope Boyz," with rocker Travis Barker" and "My Life," alongside 50 Cent nemesis Lil Wayne. It boasts plenty of big name contributors, including Nas, Ludacris, and John Legend.
Street Date: August 26th