She sells her message with having mad skills and swagger to spare.

He’s a fine producer, a middling singer, and a very forgettable lyricist. The album’s title banks on his name being the sole draw, but if it has been titled “Featuring Kanye West, Quavo, Kid Cudi, Young Thug, Big Sean and Future” it would be a whole lot more accurate.

While it's good to see hip-hop stick up for Ross and his charismatic storytelling, their support sometimes gets in the way of hearing what Ross actually has to say, and at the end of 50 minutes you're left wanting more of Ross than you actually got.

While I don't feel this to be anywhere near the seminal work that I feel she is utterly capable of, this is still essential listening from a highly relevant emcee.

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.

Through soaking in various travails, and pouring them through the microphone, he has truly grabbed us. His beats have almost taken a backseat on this journey but it is worth it just to prove that his story, his journey and his life are much more interesting that a mere drum pattern and a sample.

Whatever genre you want to label Dedication as, it is a remarkable album.

"Subject: Matter" is a strong EP. Homeboy Sandman proves himself to be one of the most nimble, unique MCs out there.

Just Be Free is not hipster music, and it's not gay music. It's music for a good time, no matter what gender your partner is or what pronoun you use.

“E3 AF” certainly has its moments. The filthy Grime collaborations are brilliant and overshadow everything else, for better and worse.

Offset has developed into a charismatic storyteller who holds your attention when he keep the stories on wax rather than behind bars.

On their self-titled debut, they were having fun. This time, they had fun but with focus.

This isn't their greatest album, but there's plenty to enjoy from Evidence, Alchemist, the carefully chosen guests and the mostly excellent instrumentals--Steppington isn't a fully realised character but a thin theme binding together a very good collection of eccentric hip hop.

Redman sounds every bit as strong in 2007 as he ever has. Unfortunately, he doesn't expand his range at all here.

Graduation is neat, tidy, formal, but lacking in personality.

There's immense lyrical potential, manifesting itself in lines like "Emotional luggage, nothin' of it, I don't check bags / I just carry on, leave that bullshit in the past," or "Master the flow, Alaska-cold / silent foot, assassin approach / high when I stroll / not even leavin' footprints in the snow," but it never quite carries over to the entire song. From that point of view this sequel is more of an afterthought to "Pilot Talk" than an afterburner.

While there are some good songs on Some Say it is often a frustrating listen, which is all the more disappointing given Ghostpoet's potential as an artist.

Skepta is more than happy to satisfy his core fanbase. It’s something Dizzee Rascal struggled to find a formula for, so “Ignorance is Bliss” succeeds in that regard. Minus the terrible “Animal Instinct”, it’s easy to recommend.

I can say I recommend the entire thing as high quality.

The fans who ride for Ev won't be disappointed by Cats & Dogs. He continues to show that love for hip-hop on tracks.

Rugby Thompson is one of those hard albums to critique in that as hip-hop it is inoffensive, and yet when it comes to pushing the boundaries of what the art and music could be there's literally nothing you could point to as innovative or revolutionary.

Boots is more than just a fiery orator, he's a powerful composer who adds the funk to the mix to make his words stick. While at times his style has been hit or miss, "Pick a Bigger Weapon" finds him at his most musically consistant and enjoyable.

He's clearly fought his corner admirably, because he's achieved it--it's an album that creates a particular mood, and vehemently sticks to it, even bending the will of the traditional rap joints in the process.

The production is too inconsistent to get him there, but it's certainly not due to a lack of intrinsic talent on his part. Keep your eyes on Q.

Antibalas' latest preserves the musical history of Fela Kuti, and is a hell of a good time.

The "Issa Album" was a full course meal while "Without Warning" ends up being more of a snack.

The music alone would be enjoyable, the words read on a page with no music would still be profound, but it is in their combination that The Last Poets still continue to create magic into their 70's and beyond. Maybe a little of that magic can rub off and help some melanin-deprived people "Understand What Black Is" but if not at least it's still a pleasure to listen to.

While most of these songs probably can't stand out alone, the project on the whole is a great addition to an already great catalog of one of hip hop's finest artists.