http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews The best hip hop album reviews on the planet. en-us Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with Live.com http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1306/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/NZLK7lDFUOA/title. This album's vocal presence is masterfully matched with production, most notably led by Insight. This one of the best Boston-related Hip Hop debuts since transplanted Edan burst on the scene at the top of the decade. 2009-09-22 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1306/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1302/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/jU-CjNbsLd4/title. By being a short 45 minutes in playtime and serving as a rushed follow-up to his stellar debut, the album truly does feel like a mere stepping stone to his next project. Treat Transition as a intermediary EP. 2009-11-03 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1302/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1301/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/6MYDYfvHkik/title. When The Black Market Militia released their self-titled 2005 debut, William Cooper was likely the least known, in contrast to Tragedy, Timbo King and his Sunz Of Man brethren. Almost five years later, the New Jersey emcee has defined himself with Beware 2009-10-20 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1301/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1299/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/KMyrc8hZx_Y/title. If the mix manages to convince a few modern fans that the golden age of Hip Hop is bigger than just the Juice Crew and James Brown loops, then Peanut Butter Wolf has succeeded. Beyond that, 45 Live doesn't need to exist. But it sure sounds great. 2009-09-22 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1299/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1298/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/c5xC1UHPLdA/title. For his dedicated followers, Legendary Classics Vol. 1 is a nice road down memory lane. On the other side, fans just getting into R.A. The Rugged Man will find a handful of lyrical that should inspire them to delve into his catalog. 2009-10-13 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1298/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1297/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/pr6IC2hNkcQ/title. K.O.D. is a very ambitious project that is geared solely to Tech�s faithful audience. It is filled with many well-constructed contradictions where Tech N9ne is playing puppet master and pulling strings of controversy. Each listen deepens the complexity of 2009-10-27 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1297/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1296/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/qOrZ989J2xM/title. As a one-time �Unsigned Hype� in The Source, Sha Stimuli uses My Soul To Keep to remind listeners that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the New York scene and beyond, with or without a Virgin deal. 2009-10-27 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1296/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1293/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/gI-wDRBmk9c/title. With their mastery of the group dynamic, distinctive styles, hometown pride and consistent production, they�re as much a part of the DMV as anyone else. 2009-10-27 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1293/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1295/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/heqq9S4KHCg/title. Kimbo Price is easily a late addition in the mixtape-of-the-year conversation. It definitely accomplishes its objective: ramping up anticipation for the 2010 album release. Simply put, it�s Sean Price being Sean Price. And ignorance never sounded so bliss 2009-10-27 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1295/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1294/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/UHnzrkRvROo/title. Throughout the album, they try to live up to the title by dabbling their hand into Hip Hop's latest gimmicks, at times sarcastically, and trying to expand their fan base. Swollen Members indeed try to demonstrate their full arsenal. 2009-10-27 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1294/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1292/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/tDSy8T3eEBs/title. Splitting Image, as a socially-conscious everyman who juggles worrying about how he�ll pay his rent, worrying about how to treat his girl right, and worrying about how the media portrays minorities. While that may seem like a wide range of topics, it�s re 2009-10-27 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1292/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1291/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/vgtFxRVS5C0/title. Branesparker and GIFF (f/k/a) Geo culminate their journey 15 years later, with a nice slab of old and new recordings as Gryme Tyme, unveiling a Bronx secret that's lived on wax and independent radio for years. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1291/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1290/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/EvqLEKUP2SU/title. With the help of fellow Cali native Exile�s production, Fashawn delivers one of this year�s finest albums yet, hoping to supply food for thought for the new school while staying true to the culture�s roots, balancing the lyrical and street aspects of Hip 2009-10-20 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1290/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1289/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/EtXhI1bHjJc/title. The album rides all the way through, and many of the long players that have come out recently cannot claim the same distinction. However, sometimes Blu�s heavy-handed sampling and Sene�s sometimes monotonous flow stop this from being more than that. 2009-10-13 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1289/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1288/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/t_dsbtXEz0s/title. 'Mega's art and his catalog rival that of filmmaker Spike Lee's. Both almost always deliver street life symphonies. However, if 2001's The Realness was Cormega's Clockers, his latest, Born and Raised may be his Crooklyn. 2009-10-20 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1288/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1287/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/sepmFKBSE1I/title. By no stretch of the imagination is Street Hop bad. Quite the contrary; the album actually finds Royce crafting some of his best songs ever. Despite this, the album has far too much tedious filler content, ultimately dragging down its overall quality. 2009-10-20 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1287/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1286/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/PBm9AMr3dSg/title. This is �grown-folks� music, not because it is particularly mature or complex but because it takes itself seriously, places studiousness before playfulness, and conserves energy to the point that many tracks have a noticeable uniformity. 2009-10-13 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1286/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1285/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/Mipc4ci4RJI/title. Warning Shots 2 will likely end up being a forgettable release in his catalog. But if anything, Sai has shown persistence, so the next trick up his sleeve should be worth checking for. 2009-10-06 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1285/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1284/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/PPlet4I7Wjc/title. Spooky claims it all has something to do with the current economic crisis, but aside from a lazy George Bush sample, there is little that would let on that the record has anything to do with the recession. 2009-10-06 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1284/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1283/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/_cwh-ekGeJA/title. At a time filled with corporate-influenced music, Vision has set its sights on forging Hip Hop back into an era of non-compliance, when artists stood for something and every track had intent. 2009-10-13 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1283/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1281/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/65kZuaRRVC8/title. Casual fans have little reason to pick this one up, but for those of us who were around for Death Row's domination, this is must-have material. 2009-10-13 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1281/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1282/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/wjOgY6wpxxY/title. One listen of Parallel Uni-verses captures that feeling that we had when we first met the culture. It�s not perfect but it�s an admirable effort indeed from two emcees who have parallel careers, and four element crowns. 2009-10-13 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1282/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1280/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/hmpicSgkIGE/title. As it stands, Wanna Snuggle falls short of spectacular, but it is a memorable addition to not only Apathy�s catalog, but any head�s collection as well 2009-10-06 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1280/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1279/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/NCeCAN7XIPc/title. In a year that saw Raekwon and Jay-Z drop sequels worthy of praise, this sequel fails to improve on the original, which wasn�t necessarily a great effort to begin with. 2009-10-06 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1279/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1278/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/mDMLGfB0J0Q/title. If a lyrical masterpiece with Premo-like production tactics, topics to make one�s brain work a little bit, and some scratch hooks is what someone is after, The Rooftop is not for them 2009-10-06 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1278/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1277/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/vuY-T28LhDE/title. It isn�t every day that one sees Scarface next to Ali or Rae next to I Self Divine on an album. With that mix, the compilation mashes different styles, a testament to the blurred lines of division in the genre and in the music of the world. 2009-10-06 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1277/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1276/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/z7QnQZ6h-Ao/title. Lyrically, it�s solid though not always substantial. In the end, Soft White takes a cue from its title, an effort that is not as strong as it could have been but those who fiend for the left coast sound will still enjoy the product 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1276/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1274/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/OgzJ1YG55QM/title. While it won�t rank among his best works, Tony Starks� latest solidifies his already impressive range as an artist, and hopefully serves as a notice that the combination of Hip Hop, love and lust need not produce a contrived and trite result. 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1274/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1273/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/_FyTow4nuFc/title. Trick Daddy is indeed still a thug. Though hustlers are Rap's new thug, the Miami veteran sticks to his guns - and glory. His first non-Slip-N-Slide album is a diamond in the rough. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1273/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1272/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/JAZcbub2ZBg/title. There is nothing inventive about their lyrical abilities or their topics but the bottom line is Playaz Circle has their niche and they�re �big wheel whipping� until they run out of gas. 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1272/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1271/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/xnMFxYxNLgc/title. It�s a brand new Mariah. Her marriage to Nick Cannon has left those who bet it wouldn�t last with empty pockets and she seems sublimely (and scarily) happy. So here�s the age-old Mary J. Blige question: if she�s happy then what are we left listening to? 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1271/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1270/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/KjE8UDdNNuI/title. He gave us a Regular Joe trying to find his way while this year�s Padded Room gave us an even deeper glimpse into the mind of Joe Budden. Now Joey has decided to take off the straight jacket and restraint mask to release Escape Route. 2009-08-11 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1270/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1242/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/27qW_yV9l4I/title. With its creative production, crafty lyrics, and most important, Skyzoo's penchant for delivering earnest rhymes wrapped in powerful humanity, The Salvation is enough to keep you on high, at least until his next release. 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1242/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1269/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/rwEiXEzhdnc/title. The EP, OOF! manages to deliver an eloquent yet subtle positivity when you truly listen to the words. Blue Scholars makes music how it used to be done. The music uplifts your thoughts and Geologics� voice moves you. 2009-08-25 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1269/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1268/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/AKpN2omQ_4M/title. Junclassic should be applauded for creating an album that feels real in an era where so much seems overly focus-grouped and market-tested. This is the work of two men who seem to be content with the idea that the creation of the work is its own reward. 2009-09-22 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1268/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1266/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/VR8KbJpDv1A/title. The overabundance of cameos from rappers who sound harder than him, but might not have to ever deal with what Miller has to endure in Sing Sing truly diminishes the strength of his balanced narrative. 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1266/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1265/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/b26LwzNqbsc/title. By defying the odds and crafting yet another quality release, Brother Ali gives Us one more reason to stay up with the underground. 2009-09-22 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1265/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1264/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/jk2beqjqRAU/title. What some people find repugnant about the New Boyz is actually what makes them likeable, these guys genuinely seem to be only interested in making the most fun, simple, catchy music possible. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1264/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1261/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/BY1uf9-QK3I/title. Kamaal the Abstract is Tip�s Jazz baby, his self-professed �fusion� album that melds myriad influences and finds the Queens legend at his most vulnerable. Whether Tip hits the right notes really depends on how you approach such a unique thesis. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1261/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1263/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/IBoAS_tu-CQ/title. Although in different ways, both works undeniably solidify the fact that Christopher Rios� legacy will never be forgotten. As one of Hip Hop�s most iconic fallen soldiers, Big Punisher will be remembered as a genuinely humble Puerto Rican lyricist who cam 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1263/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1262/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/Mh0VMVxttwo/title. Overall, Superbad: The Return Of Boosie Bad Azz is the most commercially-accessible album of Lil Boosie�s career. Unfortunately, unlike previous efforts, Boosie strayed a bit too far from the introspective work that his core fans adore. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1262/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1260/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/pHkWD2fIXVg/title. With Man On The Moon, it�s clear Cudi's all that he said he was. Sure, his lyrics may sometimes sound self-indulgent, and he definitely isn�t out to become the greatest rapper of our time, but his knack for creating records that are relatable, organic, an 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1260/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1244/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/8-gpVwitcxQ/title. While it may have been unintentional, KRS-One and Buckshot nonetheless have handed down a scathing indictment of today�s formulaic, ringtone Rap through an album that is anything but that. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1244/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1259/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/05RgsA_PIdk/title. With the talented Tekneek holding the project together, this is the most polished project from the two Philaphornia emcees. 2009-09-22 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1259/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1252/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/cOFeyRl5D6M/title. Foundation does not try to recreate the �Ante Up� anthems or the �4 Alarm Blaze� crossover bids. Instead, Fame and Billy do what they�ve always done in between the singles � murder the verses about keeping hearses heavy. 2009-09-15 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1252/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1257/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/aaHbMH1Q3_w/title. While Warren G makes a strong case for being able to harness eclectic diversity, it unfortunately fails to provide fulfilling satisfaction to any one audience. 2009-09-29 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1257/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1256/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/W756TF-wVsg/title. When it comes to Lethal Weapon, it appears that Tragedy Khadafi didn�t pack his inner Intelligent Hoodlum that his long-time followers are craving with him on his trip to Rikers, and Trez is just along for the musical ride. 2009-08-25 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1256/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1258/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/M-BQOT18uek/title. Raekwon delivers us Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2, as he manages to meet almost impossible expectations and deliver the best Wu-Tang member solo album since 2000�s Supreme Clientele. 2009-09-08 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1258/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1255/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/-vh9JlgHnjQ/title. Blueprint 3 may not stack up to the storied first entry in the series, but it�s certainly a worthwhile contributor. And for those that want the �old� Jay-Z back: �Hov on that new shit/ Niggas like �how come?�/ Niggas want my old shit/ Buy my old album.� 2009-09-11 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1255/title. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1254/title. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Hiphopdx/Reviews/~3/9KUvWcWZdbY/title. One thing is clear though, whether or not the future is bright, the Jukies are still wearing shades. 2009-09-01 http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/reviews/id.1254/title.