This mainly instrumental disc (which, rather than being sample-driven, features live instrumentation from Boom Bip himself) also includes two vocal tracks, with Nina Nastasia and Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) handling the singing.

The rapper's second album was "executive" produced by Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 himself and includes the singles "Piggybank" and "Disco Inferno."

Nope, it's neither of those things. The anticon rapper's third LP is a studio recording from the East Bay, with Odd Nosdam providing the beats.

'Fear' is the second solo disc for the unique Los Angeles-based MC (born Regan Farquhar), who is backed here by beats from Daedelus, Danger Mouse, and others.

This seven-song EP includes production work from Rob Sonic and Blockhead. El-P also appears.

This genre-hopping eponymous disc is the debut for the duo of guitarist Dan Gullucci (Modest Mouse) and MC Sean Reveron.

The latest installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series features prolific indie hip-hop artist Mike Ladd, backed by pianist Vijay Iyer and drummer Guillermo E. Brown.

The indie MC moves from Anticon to Epitaph for his sophomore release. Will Oldham, Danger Mouse, Alias and Saul Williams guest.

This right here is the American debut for the Canadian country-rapper (born Richard Terfry), who has actually been recording north of the border since the mid-1990s. Apparently he's worth $1.15 more than 50 Cent, although we're not sure if that's in Canadian dollars or not.

The west coast rapper's debut boasts an all-star production and guest roster including the likes of Eminem, Timbaland, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.

The "Pimp My Ride" host returns to rapping after a two-year layoff, but without long-time producer Dr. Dre.

Kanye West and Twista guest on the rapper's fourth disc.

Trick Daddy, Nate Dogg, DMX and Nas guest on the latest from the Atlanta-based rapper, with production from Timbaland, among others.

Nas co-produced this double album along with Salaam Remi, Q-Tip and L.E.S. Also stopping by to lend a hand (or a voice) are Busta Rhymes, Kelis, Ludacris and Maxwell.

Janet Jackson, Nate Dogg and R. Kelly guest on the St. Louis rapper's second album.

MF Doom drops his first solo record (under the MF Doom name) since 1999's 'Operation Doomsday.'

This self-proclaimed masterpiece from the veteran rapper features production work from The Neptunes. Other guests include Nelly, Bootsy Collins, and those old hip-hop standbys, The Bee Gees.

The fourth full studio album for the multi-platinum superstar features appearances from Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Nate Dogg and D-12.

The second disc for Prince Paul and Dan The Automator finds the producer pair joined by Cat Power, RZA, Jack Johnson, Julee Cruise and Pharrell Williams.

The legendary DJ and musician's first studio album in four years includes an appearance from Gary Numan.

The second solo LP from Beans features production work from Global Communication's Mark Pritchard.

The Bay Area hip-hop producer (known to his parents as Topher Lafata) teams with vocalist Sue Cie for his second release.

'New Danger' is the second solo hip-hop album (and Geffen debut) for the rapper and actor.

The group's first release on its own AOI label features guests such as Ghostface, MF Doom, Sean Paul, Common and that noted MC Spike Lee. Production assistance comes from Madlib and 9th Wonder.

The literary rapper's second LP features production by the usual suspects (Kanye West, The Neptunes, Just Blaze). Mary J Blige guests.

This Minnesota hip-hop outfit finds MCs Felix and Muad'Dib backed by a live three-piece band instead of the industry-standard assortment of DJs and producers.

This is the second full-length for the adventurous Canadian rapper, who mixes jazz, reggae and rock with hip-hop. He produced the album himself, and even plays guitar and piano on several tracks.

The underground New York MC returns with her sophomore LP, with some production assistance from 9th Wonder.

Released on the same day as 'Suit,' 'Sweat' is the more club-oriented of the pair, with production handled by The Alchemist, The Neptunes, and more. Christina Aguilera, Mobb Deep and Missy Elliott guest.

Think of 'Suit' as 'The Love Below' to 'Sweat's 'Speakerboxxx.' Where 'Sweat' is the more party-oriented of the two discs simultaneously released by Nelly, 'Suit' showcases the rapper's gentler side, and includes collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Tim McGraw (!), Mase and Pharrell Williams.

The UK rapper follows his Mercury Music Prize-winning debut 'Boy In The Corner' with this sophomore release.

This is the long-awaited (and completely self-produced) solo debut for the acclaimed rapper, who formerly fronted the group Sonic Sum.

The rapper's eleventh album includes six tracks produced by Timbaland. R. Kelly also guests.

He's gone from working with Puff Daddy to working with... uh, God, but ordained minister Mase is back to the rap game (albeit with fewer references to sex and violence) after a five-year absence.

'Cashville' is the solo debut for the G-Unit member (who in real life is Nashville, Tenn. native David Brown). Production on the disc is handled by Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Lil' Jon, with 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks also making appearances.

'The Hard Way,' co-produced by Kanye West, is the first disc for the trio of Snoop Dogg, Warren G. and Nate Dogg.

Slapped with the label "the female Beastie Boys" after their 2003 debut, the New York all-girl rap outfit make their major-label debut with 'All City,' which includes collaborations with Har Mar Superstar, ?uestlove and DJ Muggs.

The B.I.G. soundalike has managed to generate a great deal of buzz for his second solo disc, chiefly by being behind bars, where he's serving out a ten-year prison term resulting from a bad night on the town with P Diddy. The vocals on one track were literally phoned in from prison, while production is handled by Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Just Blaze and more.

The duo of Prodigy and Havoc are assisted by guests such as 50 Cent, Nate Dogg, R. Kelly, Jadakiss and Nelly on this disc co-produced by The Alchemist.

This is the fifth LP in 15 years for the veteran hip-hop unit of Grand Puba, Lord Jamar and Sadat X.

On of the many aliases of rapper Daniel Dumile (who is best known these days as the masked MF Doom), Viktor Vaughn is joined by a guests such as DJ Sure Shot and Kool Keith on this second release.

9th Wonder is among the producers on the veteran Brooklyn MC's fifth full-length (rumored to be his last), a prequel to previous disc ?Disposable Arts.' Guests include Rahzel, Jean Grae and The Beatnuts.

Whereas its predecessor (2002's acclaimed 'Phrenology') clocked in at 79 minutes, 'The Tipping Point' is a concise 45-minute listen, featuring guests Devin The Dude, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Jean Grae and Television's Dave Chappelle.

'Space Settings' is the debut from the hip-hop side project for Jimmy Tamborello (Postal Service, Dntel), who along with Plug Research artists Allen Avanessian, Daedelus and John Tejada (plus Thomas Fehlmann), provides the musical backdrop for an array of MCs that includes Beans and Rocmon.

Cee-Lo has left for a solo career, but the remaining members of the Atlanta-based hip-hop outfit return for their first album in five years, produced by Organized Noize.

This is the solo debut for Banks, a member of G Unit.

This is the third LP for the Detroit hip-hop group, now down to a duo after the departure of MC Baatin. Kanye West, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Melanie are among the guests.

The New York rapper's second solo disc (after stints in the Ruff Ryders and the Lox) features production from Kanye West, the Neptunes and Swizz Beatz, with appearances from Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg and Anthony Hamilton.

Talib Kweli and Redman are among the guests on this solo outing for Sermon, half of the legendary rap duo EPMD.

The B-Boys, who have moved back to New York from their temporary home of Los Angeles, return with their first album in six years and their second to utilize the beats of Mixmaster Mike. These 15 tracks are all self-produced by the band (a first) and recall the style of their earliest work.

The roster of guests for the turntablists' fourth LP includes Cypress Hill, dead prez, Ghostface Killah, Black Thought (The Roots), Slug (Atmosphere) and Blue Man Group.

Finally making his solo debut, Masta Killa is the last member of the Wu-Tang Clan to issue a CD on his own. Of course, he's not totally by himself here; Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface and the RZA all guest.

Wu Tang Clan's Clifford Smith (aka Method Man) interrupts his budding acting career to return with his first solo disc in five years (and fourth overall). The guest roster includes Missy Elliott, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Ghostface, Redman, Busta Rhymes and RZA.

Mike Skinner returns with the inenviable job of following up his genre-smashing debut 'Original Pirate Material,' which was an enormous critical and commercial hit in the UK and paved the way for the success of later acts such as Dizzee Rascal.

The Eminem-led collective (whose 2001 debut was a huge commercial success) returns with a second full-length, with production from the likes of Dr. Dre, Mr. Porter, Eminem and Kanye West.

The DFA produced this full-length debut for the unconventional rap outfit consisting of MC Jesse Levine and a live five-piece backing band.

The former Wu-Tang member's fourth solo album (and first since ditching the "Killah" portion of his name) features contributions from Missy Elliott, Jadakiss and RZA.

The third album from the Los Angeles-based underground hip-hop outfit features Kanye West on one track.

'Madvillainy' is a collaboration between rapper MF Doom and producer Madlib.

The Los Angeles-based indie rapper's second Def Jux disc was produced by 9th Wonder.

Among the producers and guest vocalists appearing on Usher's fourth album are Ludacris, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

N.E.R.D., the rock-oriented trio of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (who also make up the in-demand hip-hop production team The Neptunes) and Shay, return with a highly-anticipated second album. Unlike their previous effort, 'Fly' finds Chad & Pharrell handling the instrumentation themselves.

The seventh album for the hip-hop outfit introduces Latin and reggae elements into their sound. Guests include Prodigy (Mobb Deep) and Tim Armstrong (Rancid).

This instrumental hip-hop disc marks the solo debut by the longtime producer for Aesop Rock and other Def Jux artists.

This is the second group album (as cLOUDDEAD) for three of the founders of the indie hip-hop collective anticon: Why?, Doseone and Odd Nosdam.

The former Anti-Pop Consortium member's second solo release is a nine-song EP, with six new tracks and three remixes by Kings, Prefuse 73 and El-P.

Like fellow Atlanta hip hoppers OutKast, Cee-Lo has trouble sticking to a single genre, as he mixes up styles throughout this sophomore release. Timbaland, The Neptunes and Ludacris guest.

The in-demand Chicago-based producer makes his debut with the help of guests Ludacris, Jay-Z, Mos Def, Dirt McGirt, and more.

DJ Danger Mouse's bootleg hit, which mixes together vocals from Jay-Z's 'The Black Album' and music from The Beatles' 'The White Album,' has brought legal action from Beatles record label EMI, preventing record stores from selling the album.

The Chicago rapper's long-awaited follow-up to 'Adrenaline Rush' features contributions from Kanye West, Toxic, Cee-Lo and R. Kelly.

This is the debut disc for the 18-year-old London-based rapper (born Dylan Mills), who has been heralded by (among others) Uncut magazine as "good as any MC currently active on Earth."

Missy Elliott reunites with producer Timbaland for her fifth album, which features vocal contributions from Nelly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and R. Kelly.

Rjyan Kidwell's second release of 2003 (third, if you count his all-instrumental alternate version of 'Being Ridden') features 8 new songs that run the gamut from rap to industrial rock to glitchy electronica.

The hugely successful Brooklyn rapper worked with an A-list of producers (including Just Blaze, Kanye West, Aqua, Eminem, Rick Rubin and The Neptunes) on what he has stated will be the final release of his career. (Sure it will.)

Rapper 50 Cent's backing posse attempts to capitalize on the runaway success of their leader's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' with this, their own debut LP (which does indeed feature 50 Cent on each and every track).

'Blood' represents the New York rapper's attempt to lash back at 50 Cent, who has spent the better part of the past year targeting Rule.

Wyclef's fourth solo disc finds Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliott, Buju Banton, Redman, Carlos Santana (among others) making contributions.

Perhaps the most successful Dirty South rapper, Ludacris returns with his third Def Jam release.

This is the full-length debut for the Ohio-based duo of acclaimed hip-hop producer RJD2 and emcee Blueprint.

The Wu-Tang producer returns to his RZA moniker with this latest solo release, after two previous albums under the "Bobby Digital" name.

This debut disc for Shady Records signee and Detroit native Obie Trice was produced by pals Dr. Dre and Eminem (along with the ubiquitous Timbaland) and features appearances from Em as well as 50 Cent, Nate Dogg and Busta Rhymes.

This is the fourth LP (and first released by Epitaph) for the indie-minded Minneapolis-based duo of Slug and Ant.

This Grammy-winning follow-up to their smash 2000 hit 'Stankonia' is an OutKast album in name only, as it is structured in the form of two solo discs: one each for Big Boi (Speakerboxxx) and Andre 3000 (The Love Below).

El-P and Mr. Lif guest on Aesop Rock's second LP for the Def Jux label.

The hardcore rapper returns with his fifth studio album, hoping to duplicate the #1 success of each of his four previous LPs.