joshn
Army of the Pharoahs - Ritual of Battle
As it stands Ritual of Battle is a very strong showing from what would be a supergroup given more individual success, it just might not have what it takes to warrant repeat front-to-back spins
Cleveland Steamers - Treasure Chest
I know what you're thinking. The Cleveland Steamers!? But wait, what we have here is much more compelling than the depictions of libertine sex acts one would expect.
Cap D - Return of the Renegade
For those wanting intelligent Hip Hop over true school boom bap this disc will fulfill and definitely stand up to repeated spins.
Killing Fields is a perfect name for this album, both for it's plethora of battle-ready rhymes and as a metaphor for the tracks said rhymes are spit over.
In the end, the usual missteps on production and guest appearances do bring this album down a little. It would also have been nice to hear thirteen completely original tracks, as three tracks are remixes of songs that are actually on this album.
C-Rayz Walz - 1975: Year of the Beast
Hard-working, charisma, dope freestyles, flow, songs and live show - all vital aspects if you want to be a respected emcee. These facets also comprise the gems that C-Rayz Walz stays dropping.
Jedi Mind Tricks - Servants In Heaven, Kings In Hell
For nearly ten years and spanning five albums, Jedi Mind Tricks have balanced a line between righteous and unholy, resulting in their status as one of the most loved and hated groups in the independent Hip Hop world.
For someone with J-Zone's pedigree of left-field sampling and off the wall sound bites, a concept album was only a matter of time.
Masta Killa - Made In Brooklyn
The latest of said projects, Masta Killa's second solo album, continues the recent string of raw releases hopefully destined to return the Wu to its former greatness. After much critical acclaim for No Said Date, expectations for this outing are high.
Boot Camp Clik - The Last Stand
If rap were a sport, the highlights would earn this album a Dominique Wilkins-esque nickname without a doubt.
The same powerful voice that fronted Boogie Down Productions some 20 years ago is back with more food for thought, served fresh to the anorexic minds that abound in today's society.
Smiley The Ghetto Child - The Antidote
Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, Smiley The Ghetto Child is no stranger to this Hip Hop shit. From ghostwriting for the likes of Black Sheep and Chi Ali to running with Gang Starr and Group Home, Smiley has been in this game for well over decade.
Viktor Vaughn - VV2: Venemous Villain
Welcome back to the twisted world of Viktor Vaughn, a place where action awaits at every turn and there's a supervillain, of all people, out to save Hip-Hop.