The Beasties feel permanently young again having crafted an album that is just as consistent, unhinged and enjoyable as Check Your Head.

Overall, Saaab Stories is the meeting of two artists who push the old Hip Hop formulas to new places unlike other ‘90s era revivalist types who would rather cling on.

When an act features the level of execution that Major Lazer showcases on Apocalypse Soon, it makes the likely forthcoming full synergy of dance, Rap and pop not so much regrettable, but palatable and completely welcomed.

Late Nights shoots at the moving target that is modern rhythm and blues and scores, because sometimes sheer talent just can’t be denied.

By the Time I Get to Phoenix has arrived, an album loaded with deep emotion and detailed texture that makes every track feel revelatory.

Every story and every hook connects on a human level, which in a Rap game moreso than ever defined by absurdity and ephemeral aspirations makes this a worthwhile listen.

Taking steps to advance his career without compromise, Michael Christmas uses Fudge’s Lady Parts to make what’s arguably the greatest showing off his talent to date.

It’s a Mantovani-style soundscape heard in a sensory deprivation salt tank. It’s just as home in a ‘head’s collection as it is in a New Age retreat or if you prefer, at Sunday Service.

The rhymes and the beats are correct on every song on The Earn, and whenever he speaks against something, he offers an alternative.

Music For My Friends is an above-average effort from Skyzoo.

The Infamous Mobb Deep is a return to the roots of their artistic consciousness, substantiated almost 20 years ago, and with fine precision.

It’s a kaleidoscope of sounds that feels like a best of instead of a debut. It’s jarringly airy, flitting about and flouting conventions at every turn, and it’s sometimes so steeped in it’s 90s house past that it undermines its own velocity.

Scott Mescudi made an EP’s worth of material feel like an album, and he did it without surrendering his artistic integrity in the process.

While When I Get Home is a valiant effort and (thankfully) distinctive to mainstream music’s consistently homogenized landscape, it could’ve benefited from less freeform and a little more stability.

His sophomore solo set, God of the Serengeti, sticks to the script, and that's not a bad thing.

Buddy’s self-acceptance ensures his future in Hip Hop is bright and shines through on Harlan & Alonda. The pursuit of his goals has finally paid off with this grand debut.

Tinashe allows her project to rise above the strain of heartbreak to create a simultaneously empowered and cohesive debut.

It’s a harsh listen that’s likely more obscure to casual, Top-40 listeners than R.A.P. Music. That’s too bad for them, because Mike and El-P seemingly unleash every item in their B-boy tool kit this time around.

Prima Donna is his most challenging work to date.

His singular sound gives the project a wonderful sense of cohesiveness and gels Purpp's vision together with a maturity beyond his young years.

By translating the reverence toward his idols into his own talents instead of living in the past, Apathy continues to earn his keep in a genre that he feels is losing its way.

My Life II… The Journey Continues (Part 1) is one of Mary's most memorable albums.

Murs and Fashawn forge an exceptional chemistry on This Generation that more importantly doesn't compromise their stylistic individuality.

This collection is as heavy, thoughtful and laborious as anything Mike Eagle has released to date, but luckily he’s reached a place where he can withstand indie Hip Hop’s glass ceiling.

Vibes succeeds in getting its listener to flourish in a world of champagne toasts, faceless women and impulsive dancing.

Whether you've been patiently waiting for five years or just recently got into Saigon's music, The Greatest Story Never Told delivers a stimulating message that is as cautionary as it is entertaining.

While the album might incite a little listener’s fatigue in a single session absorption, it functions well as an inspiringly crowded display case of quality Rap in 2013.

Curren$y's big league debut The Stoned Immaculate remains faithful to the spirit of his beloved witty arrogance, while bolstered by star power intended to propel his career at this pivotal stage.