New rap releases for July include albums from Nas, Skillz, and G-Unit.
10. ABN - 'It Is What It Is'
Rapping cousins Trae and Z-Ro merge forces to release a ghetto ode for the first time in many years. The grimy beats and grimier lyrics that so many associate with Trae and Z-Ro's music is unabashedly on display throughout It Is What It Is
Street Date: July 15th
Street Date: July 15th
9. Fakts One - 'Long Range'
More perhaps than anyone else in recent memory, DJ/producer Fakts One has been instrumental in Boston hip-hop for several years. After vanishing from the music scene for a while, Fakts returns with an album chock full of boombap beats and dope rhymes, courtesy of elite wordsmiths like Planet Asia, Mr. Lif, and Akrobatik.
Street Date: July 22nd
Street Date: July 22nd
8. Elzhi - 'The Preface'
Never heard of Elzhi? Geez, kids these days. El is a member of Detroit rap group Slum Village, which was co-founded by J-Dilla. He recorded a solo album in the late 90s, but that CD was mysteriously shelved. Nonetheless, Elzhi gets a chance to show and prove on The Preface, his first official solo album.
Street Date: July 29th
Street Date: July 29th
7. Killer Mike - 'I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II'
One of the characteristics of a great MC is the ability to concoct projects that color outside the lines. In the past few years, Killer Mike, the ATLien with an imposing voice, has drawn freely on this license. Now Mike is back with the 2nd installment in his I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind series.
Street Date: July 8
Street Date: July 8
6. Scarface Presents Green City - 'Brand New Money'
The amazing allure of Scarface plays a major role here, as the rap elder statesman throws his weight behind a rising rap group known as Green City.
Street Date: July 15th
Street Date: July 15th
5. Skillz - 'Million Dollar Backpack'
© Koch Records
Many know him as "that Wrap-Up guy," but Skillz has been around for two decades. Behind the scenes, he's penned hits for the likes of Jermaine Dupri and Diddy. Unfortunately, his songwriting expertise has yet to translate to personal success. Will Million Dollar Backpack be the album that finally thrusts Skillz into the spotlight that has eluded him for so long?
Street Date: July 22nd
Street Date: July 22nd
4. David Banner - 'The Greatest Story Ever Told'
© Universal Music Group
Banner's roaring tracks and steaming grooves return on The Greatest Story Ever Told, his 4th major release. The album features collaborations with Jim Jones, Chamillionaire, and Snoop Dogg.
Street Date: July 15th
Street Date: July 15th
3. Jean Grae & 9th Wonder - 'Jeanius'
Jeanius, Jean Grae's Blacksmith Music debut, was originally recorded 4 years ago. After springing a premature leak on the web, Grae and 9th Wonder where forced to put it on hold. To everyone's relief, though, Jeanius will now see its official release this July.
Street Date: July 8th
Street Date: July 8th
2. G-Unit - 'Terminate on Sight (T.O.S.)'
Arriving nearly 5 years after their group debut, G-Unit's Terminate on Sight seeks to reestablish the now all-New York crew as a force in hip-hop. Despite Young Buck's exit from G-Unit, his old verses appear on some of the songs here, including "Rider Pt.2" and "I Like the Way She Do It."
Street Date: July 1st
Street Date: July 1st
1. Nas - Untitled
By far the biggest release of July is Nas' controversy-baiting 9th album. Nas avoided further hoopla by declaring that his new album, previously titled N*gger, will now be untitled. The untitled new album is a follow-up to Nas' Def Jam debut, the Grammy nominated Hip-Hop Is Dead. Collaborators include Busta Rhymes, DJ Toomp, and Mark Ronson.
Street Date: July 15th
Street Date: July 15th
