HipHopDx Reviews
One Be Lo - The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.
With his new LP, One Be Lo is sticking with the things that have gotten him where he is (including the acronym album titles: this one stands for Real Emcees Bring Intelligent Rhymes To Hip-Hop), but he's making changes that improve his set formula.
Joe Budden - Mood Muzik 3: It's About To Get Worse (Mixtape)
Now a free agent, Budden returns with the long awaited Mood Muzik 3, showing the game that despite the lack of a major label, he hasn't lost a step.
Wyclef Jean - Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant
Stop me if you've heard this story before: a hip-hop group moves a truckload of units, its members take the solo route and - despite finding their own individual success - never find the achievements they received together.
Classified - While You Were Sleeping
Depending on whom you talk to, Classified is either a legend or rap's best kept secret. Either way, he has cemented his status in the game through hard work & sick wordplay. So after the next tour, he should pack the bags and take a trip back to Paradise.
Freeze - The Big Chill
With more material coming in 2008, let's hope Freeze continues to push his ice cold style, as pretty soon he could have the hip-hop world rocking to a sample of O Canada.
Murs 3:16 Presents - Murs & The Misadventures of the Nova Express
As we await for Murs to drop his highly anticipated Warner Records debut, Murs For President, it seems like the Living Legend has decided to give some of his loyal fans a little something to whet their appetites.
Too Short - Get Off The Stage
Somehow over 20 plus years $hort's repetitive subject matter has never gotten stale, but on this LP there is something out of place. Instead of laid-back beats, kunky samples and catchy hooks this album is condensed with corny lyrics and second-rate beats
Beanie Sigel - The Solution
Had his former backers worked with him on the album, The Solution would have been the perfect bookend to Freeway's sophomore set. While it shows flashes of brilliance, it is ultimately another example of what could have been had the Roc didn't break up.
Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
For better or worse, there aren't too many emcees that are remotely close in skill level to that of Lupe Fiasco. For better because of his incomparable lyricism that could draw comparisons to what Jay-Z may have been if it weren't for the drug game
Gucci Mane - Back To The Traphouse
Going "back to the traphouse" is actually a very welcome event; as long as it means Gucci isn't in the booth trying to make "music."
Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology 3
It is hard not to be disappointed in this LP after his last was so superior, but with Tek's soundscapes and the few gems throughout, it is still an album worth listening to.
Birdman - 5 * Stunna
ive Star Stunna will satisfy those who look for little more than something that "bumps in the ride" but those looking for a complete Hip Hop album will be left looking for another 5 Star General for their iPods or stereos.
Wu-Tang Clan - 8 Diagrams
The once mighty Wu-Tang Clan have formed like Voltron once in a blue moon over the last decade, and the results haven't exactly been mind blowing. It has been nearly 6 years to the day since Iron Flag, by far the longest gap between albums.
Scarface - M.A.D.E.
M.A.D.E. is yet another feather in his fedora. Make no mistake about it though, Scarface is more than just a made man, he's a don.
Styles P - Super Gangster, Extraordinary Gentleman
Super Gangster doesn't see Styles exploring any new territory whatsoever. But with Holiday, what you see is what you get--and for most D-Block fans, that's more than enough.
Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab
The Big Doe Rehab is easily one of the best-produced albums of the year. The album continues Ghostface's penchant for taking soulful and jazzy instrumentals and samples and lacing them with the grittiest lyrics possible.
Drama - Gangsta Grillz
Drama delivers his Gangsta Grillz before year's end, and with the major Grand Hustle/Atlantic machine behind him, Drama stands possible to surpass Khaled as the top-selling mixtape-album-maker since the glory years of Clue and Flex
The Away Team - Training Day
With their brightest single to date in Sum of Me, The Away Team promises a lot, and delivers a sophomore album that shows tremendous maturity from their cult-cherished debut.
Cormega - Who Am I
Although it has its moments, Who Am I? will only truly satisfy diehard fans of Cormega's legal hustle. For the rest though, they should only continue to wait for the next Montana diary.
Cunninlynguists - Dirty Acres
Dirty Acres leaves me feeling just like A Piece of Strange did; great album but I miss the "old" thugged-out-since-cub scouts CunningLynguists.
