The music is solid rather than stunning, but that allows the MC's to shine – and make no mistake, this is a real MC's album.

If one can express disappointment in undun, it's that it sets out to tell a story and tells it well, but delivers a short story or a novella where fans of The Roots would have undoubtedly preferred a full length novel.

With Chill, dummy, P.O.S. manages a difficult balancing act between alternative music and hip-hop, the personal and the political, and being impassioned without being self-righteous. It's a strong album that is a welcome return from the Minnesota rapper.

channel ORANGE is filled with brave music.

Minor complaints aside, 9th and Buck have definitely upped the ante on their debut, so much so that a re-naming might be in order.

This is one of the better instrumental hip-hop records I've heard in a while, and one that I'll keep on heavy rotation for some time.

May be one of 2004's most important rap records.

When Common is feeling himself few can do it better, but one of the best things he does on "Nobody's Smiling" is spread the love around.

Blade of the Ronin has its own artistic ambitions that aren't duplicative of its predecessor, all resemblances notwithstanding. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega have shown on this record that, as a duo, they stand alone and aren't defined by their producer.

His verses sound lazy and unfocused... Nevertheless, "Encore" does prove one thing: that even half-trying, Eminem is still better than most of the rappers beside him with plenty of personality to spare.

Until The Quiet Comes is another excellent album by one of the most interesting producers out there.

The album is still a must-have any true hip-hop head, and it is certainly a promising release from the young emcee, but just don't go in expecting an easy, feel-good listen.

It hits all the notes that you want from a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, and is much a more satisfying project than "A Better Tomorrow."

“Solid Gold” is Aesop at his most complex, but then tones it down on “Vititus”, a dedication to his late grandmother. With “Black Snow” closing out the album, it ends with “ITS is not a cult” to coincide with the concept.

Summertime '06 is extremely cohesive, but occasionally tiptoes on being monotonous.

No Love Deep Web continues Death Grips' death trip, and is another solid 47 minutes of artistic aggro.

The resulting album is an intense, visceral experience. It manages to combine the aggression of both punk and hip-hop.

The album does maintain enough of a hard edge to keep Snoop from going TOO soft.

Oddisee makes good music that deals with real life issues with wisdom and humility. Oddisee is not only fighting "The Good Fight," he's winning.

On paper it sounds all over the place, but it somehow works. There is method to this madness and Gang Signs & Prayer owes much to how serious Stormzy considers the album format in 2017. Grime LPs are few and far between.

His beats are understated but masterful, and so good that they remind you how mediocre most of the stuff you hear is.

He's still solid with the flow and constructs rhymes that are both interesting and intense, making The Seventh Seal a worthy purchase and return for a man who was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, God without end--Rakim. Amen

There is a fair amount of glitchy electronica, but there are also more straightforward loops. They compliment Open Mike's melodic delivery and the wistful yet angry mood of the album. Sammus and Has-lo also offer verses.

Like Big Boi and Andre 3000, Lyrics Born is on a mission to expand the boundaries of the genre. He doesn't always succeed, and the result is an album that is a little inconsistent, but it is damn good more often than not.

Even many of his prettiest, most delicate tracks are grounded in thumping bass. As a result, it's a more satisfying listen than Shlohmo's or Nosaj Thing's albums.

Producers have historically had a difficult time with albums, but Jake One shakes that trend and comes through with a hot album.

The Infamous Mobb Deep is an enjoyable journey for long time fans of the group, but for newcomers it's a hefty two hour plus tome that can't be taken in one sitting.

The only thing really dissapointing about "Weapons of Mass Destruction" is that Xzibit seems to have once again forsaken his Alkaholiks homies.