Flash and his collaborators provide good beats and rhymes so if this is what a "studio album" is for Flash in 2009 let's just hope there are plenty more on the way.

Don't go looking for the hidden meaning behind Hot Sauce Committee Part Two -- the Beastie Boys are just here to fight for their right to party.

It's lines like [in "Flicker" that] keep me coming back to Atmosphere's music, and make Southsiders another solid entry into the Atmosphere catalogue, warts and all.

I'm not even sure I like it, but I do respect that it's exactly the unusual artistic vision these collaborators conceived.

With so many albums in his volumnious catalogue, it's neither the best nor the worst, but a passable experience with intriguing beats and rhymes is all anybody can ask for from this eclectic eccentric of hip-hop.

Somewhere beneath all the hype and production he does shine through.

Gift of Gab remains a fire-spitter but his flow has withered slightly since the immaculately delivered rhymes crafted in the early 2000s, but it's not always noticeable. Musically, there's some jarring moments that hold this back from being one of their best works.

Favoring melody over raucous beats is a risky strategy, but she just about pulls it off.

These may be simple tales, but Mims' flow is a smooth Manhattan flow clearly influenced by the likes of New York greats like Jay-Z while still vocally unique enough to entice a listener to pay attention.

It's counter-productive to analyze Keith's verses too carefully, because at some point they're just well constructed and well delivered jabberwocky.

Overall, “Voir Dire” isn’t bad. But to speak the truth, in the spirit of the album, both men have had more superior output. Plus, The Alchemist’s beats are usually better suited for rappers with gangsta motifs, because it sounds more like shared vision then.

Whilst this album is by no means a classic, and musically the latter parts perhaps not faring as well with repeat listens, it is lifted up by superb lyrics and effortless charisma from the rappers.

An ambitious album that takes chance that mostly succeed and only occasionally miss the mark.

As disappointing as Bleeds is at points, it is still a Roots Manuva album. The man can weave an intricate rhyme like few others, and his message of searching for righteousness and forgiveness is one that resonates.

"U N Or U Out", "Marcberg" and "Reloaded" means he has the three outstanding records in the bag, but his recent work hasn't quite reached those heady heights of uber-braggodocio.

There are a few missteps (some songs that didn't quite click, a few beats that aren't quite up to par) and this album might not make too many year-end lists. But it's an album made with passion, spirit and a hunger to impress--something that's been missing in much of this corporate rap era.

Godfather Buried Alive is a worthy listen, showcasing Shyne's unfiltered honesty in its uncompromising form.

The Solution doesn't differ from the previous instalments at all. If you're a fan of either artist then it is certainly worth picking up.

My Krazy Life is a successful debut album that achieves most of what it sets out to achieve.

It's not at Radiohead's level, simply because it's not as conceptually coherent; the lyrics may shock but they don't bite; the production (save for "On Sight" and a couple of others) is interesting but barely truly revolutionary within his own career arc, let alone when we count other contemporaries such as M.I.A. But while it might feel like an opportunity missed, at least Yeezus feels real.

Getting a sequel to the first two volumes was an unexpected and pleasant surprise, but outside of his hardcore fan base of Wu-Tang Clan fans there's not much chance of this album succeeding.

Hurricane Chris built on the strengths of "51/50 Ratchet" and did not repeat his previous mistakes, thus improving musically and lyrically as an artist.

For the most part the charisma of Lil Wayne and Drake carries We Are Young Money even when the actual content does not.

Despite the presence of some must-hear rap tracks, it's hard to justify the purchase if you are paying for only about half an album.

The beautiful mess of Mos Def makes for a bumpy listen.

Remember Me isn't a perfect album, but it has some great songs and a lot of promise.

Rick Ross' Rather You Than Me is fun to listen to.

It’s too slick and polished for a posthumous album.