HipHopDx Reviews
Hell Rell - For The Hell Of It
Sure, it shines at times, but it's not enough to truly gain real acclaim. In the end, some long time Dip fans might enjoy it, but others may simply listen to it once and then throw it away. You know, for the hell of it.
Charon Don & DJ Huggy - Art of Life
If there was any measure of justice in this world, Charon Don and DJ Huggy would get a lot of attention for Art of Life, which is one of the dopest releases of the year.
Akir - Legacy
Throughout this recording, Akir shows his unwavering concern with detailing the everyday struggles of minorities and an eagerness to speak on his ascension and the growing pains in his career.
Hezekiah - I Predict A Riot
You've never heard of Hezekiah? Well, think Lupe Fiasco...except for the fact that Hezekiah didn't go from rapping about bustin' his guns to becoming the quintessential "conscious" emcee.
Nore - Noreality
There is still some freshness in Noreality, but most fans will be disappointed. Here, he doesn't come back with a statement. Instead, the LP is unorganized and it lacks cohesiveness. Again, he succeeds in small ways but falls short in many more.
Chamillionaire - Ultimate Victory
The Ultimate Victory may sound as if Chamillionaire is determined to serve that cold dish from The Sound Of Revenge, but it surprisingly takes an entirely different route, providing one of the most interesting musical meals for the fall season.
Twista - Adrenaline Rush 2007
With a solid sixth release, Twista proves that fame, fortune and more than a decade in the game isn't enough to keep the well fed from spitting like there's a nation wide famine. Top 40 rappers, take note!
Blu & Exile - Below The Heavens
While "keeping it real" seems to be the "cool" thing to do with most rappers, Blu does this simply because he wants his story to be heard. Comfortable enough in his own skin, he lays it ALL out there ... not just concentrating on the extremes.
Kanye West - Graduation
So is Graduation a failure? Not by any means. Kanye's biggest opponent is himself and while he does make another great album, it doesn't surpass his debut and falls right in line with Late Registration. But compared to all the other bullshit that's out?
50 Cent - Curtis
Really, it is just a very average album from an artist we know is capable of more but rarely interested in giving 100%. 50 Cent may be a superstar, but Curtis is pedestrian.
Strong Arm Steady - Deep Hearted
After years of quietly putting themselves out on notice without whoring themselves out like every other group of 'mixtape rappers', Strong Arm Steady finally graces us with Deep Hearted, their debut LP.
Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass
Despite a few potholes, this may actually be Aes Rock's best LP to date. Time will tell which body of work is better; for now, just enjoy one of 2007's dopest albums.
Raekwon Presents Icewater - Polluted Water
Let's get one thing straight - if you write off Ice Water as another St. Lunatics or P$C (read: shitty groups being put on by their superstar friend) - you'd be quite mistaken.
Musab - The Slicks Box
Musab is a talented writer. This has been known since he was nicknamed Beyond. Back then he rolled with the Rhymesayers crew and garnered indie buzz as an important part of Headshots and Dynospectrum
Yung Joc - Hustlenomics
Let's be honest. Few expect much from Yung Joc when it comes to lyrics. Even Yung Joc openly admits he can't rap (and sadly, here he is making rap albums and selling lots of them).
Public Enemy - How To Sell Soul To A Soulless People Who Sold Their Sou
How You Sell...is yet another in a long line of great albums from Public Enemy. And while they will probably never be able to influence the masses as they did in their heyday, the fans that have stuck with them throughout will not be disappointed.
Killah Priest - The Offering
Can guests Nas, Ras Kass, Immortal Technique and others push Killah Priest's latest offering to prominence?
Swizz Beatz - One Man Band Man
Swizz is an anomaly in Hip Hop. Since blasting his way into rap's collective minds over a decade, he's remained a heavy player in the game; yet despite his recent run of chart-topping club smashes is not as favored as some of his rivals.
Talib Kweli - Ear Drum
This is largely the LP from Kweli that everyone has been waiting for. He sticks to production that fits his style and pens an album full of lyrics that remove any doubt as to why he has the reputation that he does
Boot Camp Clik - Casualties Of War
Casualties Of War is nothing more than an appetizer to whet Duck Down fan's appetites until their next official LP. However, with Ruck's Master P now floating around, only the die-hards should pick up this compilation to get their fix.
