These are the hottest new rap/hip-hop releases for March. The list includes recently released as well as pending rap/hip-hop albums.
1. Ghostface - Fishscale
Fishscale is one of the most anticipated projects of 2006. The album features the usual suspects - Wu-Tang members and Theodore Unit soldiers including Ghostface's son by the name of Sun God. Production is handled by Just Blaze, Pete Rock, MF Doom, Jay Dee, and others. While other rappers are riding the bandwagon of whatever the new trend is, Ghost stays true to his art and remains innovative at the same time.
2. T.I. - King
After conferring himself the title 'King' on various songs, T.I. has finally decided it was time to take his unrestrained braggadocio to the next level. King features the airwave-acceptable singles "Ride Wit Me" and "What You Know."
3. Juvenile - Reality Check
Juvenile, a southern rap vet for over 15 years, has concocted his most well-rounded album the seventh time around. The New Orleans rapper who was also affected by Hurricane Katrina is in the process of rebuilding both his house and his music. With chart-topping hits like "Rodeo" and "Get Your Hustle On", Reality Check is a sure-shot. The album is packaged with a ringtone software that allows users to creat their own ringtones.
4. Public Enemy - Rebirth Of A Nation
Public Enemy may not be as relevant today as they were decades ago, but their music still speaks undeniable depth to the hearts of true-school fans. Flava Flav may be relishing the ardor of being on prime time tv (via his show "Flavor of Love"), but it was the music that made P.E. a hip-hop staple in the first place.
5. E-40 - My Ghetto Report Card
E-40 is often credited with creating most of the slangs used in hip-hop today. Prior to the release of his 12th album, My Ghetto Report Card, he became the first rap/hip-hop artist to be featured on the Music & Videos pages on myspace.com. My Ghetto Report Card features production by Lil Jon, Rick Rock, Kanye West, and E-40's son, Droop-E.
6. DMC - Checks, Thugs & Rock N Roll
DMC of the seminal hip-hop group, Run-DMC, solicits Sarah McLachlan, Kid Rock, Doug E. Fresh, Josh Todd, DJ Lethal, Ms. Jade, his former partner in rhyme, Rev Run, and a host of others for an ecclectic hip-hop release. Run, the other half of Run-DMC, made his own solo debut with Distortion in late 2005. The album failed to live up to expectations, and was met with a shrug.
7. M-1 - Dead Prez Presents M-1 Confidential
Dead Prez member M-1 steps into the spotlight on his own with M-1 Confidential, but not without a little nudge from his comrade Stic.Man. The group's last entry, RBG:Revolutionary But Gangsta produced the controversial hit "Hell Yeah(Pimp The System)."
8. Scarface - My Homies II
Pioneering southern rap icon Scarface has been able to effectively utilize his reputation in launching careers for others. Just last month, he introduced Will Hen & Young Malice of The Product to the industry. My Homies vol 2 is a treasury of Scarface's collaboration with various artists.
9. Sub-Conscious - SubTalk
Unbeknownst to many, SubCon has been a connoisseur of pure hip-hop since 1997. On SubTalk, the former 'Bragging Writes' champion relies on his adept lyricism and shimmering production courtesy of DJ Eli.
10. Bizzy Bone - The Story
Story is the second 2006 album by Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony fame, the first being Thugs Revenge. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was introduced to the rap game by late west coast rapper Eazy-E.
