'Beauty Party' represents experimental hip-hop artist Mike Ladd's second album in a planned trilogy, the first being 2000's 'Gun Hill Road' by The Infesticons. Unlike its predecessor, the Majesticons disc ventures into commercial rap territory (albeit with a satirical bent), attempting to skewer contemporary hiphop by beating it at its own game.

If you're even reading this, you most likely already know the life story of Queens' Curtis Jackson (aka 50 Cent), whose first attempt at rap stardom in the mid 1990s ended in a brutal attack that almost cost him his life. In recent years, however, 50 Cent was lucky enough to hook up with Eminem (who signed him) and producer Dr. Dre, which resulted in a track on the 8 Mile soundtrack and now this, his much-anticipated first full-length release.

This is the latest challenging release for Sole, one of the founders of the anticon collective of underground hip-hop artists.

Jay-Z's mortal enemy returns with his third (!) release of 2002, which includes collaborations with Alicia Keys and 2Pac (yes, that 2Pac, who, as you may recall, died several years ago).

On his fifth album, the underground rapper ventures more into the rock, soul, and jazz territory of his influences, with production help from the Soulaquarians. An eclectic array of guests includes Prince, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, and Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier.

Busta is back with 19 new tracks, including collaborations with Mariah Carey, Carl Thomas and The Neptunes.

Snoop's sixth LP features production work from The Neptunes and DJ Premier (among others), with guest appearances by Redman, Nate Dogg, Warren G, Jay-Z, and Ludacris.

The groundbreaking Philadelphia rap outfit returns with 13 new tracks and guest contributions from Jill Scott, Nelly Furtado, Talib Kweli and Musiq.

The hugely successful rapper returns with another Irv Gotti-produced effort, with guest appearances from Ashanti, Nas and Bobby Brown.

Working with a variety of producers, the acclaimed New York rapper returns with his second album. Mos Def, Bilal and members of the Roots are among the guests.

Missy Elliott reunites once again with super-producer Timbaland on this, her fourth studio album. The lead single is "Work It," a huge success even before the album's release. Guests on the disc include Jay-Z, Ludacris, Beyonce Knowles, TLC and Method Man.

A sequel to his critically-acclaimed 2001 album 'The Blueprint,' Jay-Z's new two-disc set is all over the map in the course of 110 minutes and 25 tracks. The roster of producers and guests includes (but is by no means limited to): The Neptunes, Lenny Kravitz, Big Boi, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Heavy D, Rakim, Beyonce Knowles, Faith Evans, Notorious B.I.G. and Scarface.

What good's an Eminem movie without an Eminem soundtrack? It's not all Slim Shady here, though, as the soundtrack album incorporates other artists (Xzibit, Macy Gray, Jay-Z, Nas) in a mix of old and new tracks.

This is the debut album by the London garage (or in this case, bedroom) band, which consists solely of 21-year-old Mike Skinner. Whether or not this style of music (very English rapping over garage/house beats) will translate well overseas remains to be seen, but garage (and especially Skinner) is the current flavor of the month with the UK music press.

Yes, this is indeed LL Cool J's tenth album, which includes guest appearances from P. Diddy, Amerie, and Dru Hill, and production from The Neptunes and Trackmasters.

The Los Angeles-based underground hip-hop outfit returns with a follow up to their 2000 debut, 'Quality Control.' Nelly Furtado guests on one track.

This is the fourth album from the successful West Coast rapper.

This compilation collects tracks recorded from 1998-2001 that, for various reasons (and not because they were of inferior quality), were not included on the rapper's albums released during that time.

Indie Boston rapper Mr. Lif returns with his fourth album.

The highly influential, frequently sampled, and little-known New York no-wave rap group, founded by sisters Renee, Valerie, and Marie Scroggins in 1978, return with a new album, their first in ten years.

Eve's third album finds the popular Philly rapper working with producers Dr. Dre, Irv Gotti and Swizz Beatz. Alicia Keys guests on one track.

You know him from his days supplying the beats to the Fresh Prince, but DJ Jazzy Jeff has finally stepped into the spotlight with this solo debut. Vocals are supplied by a variety of guests, including Jill Scott, Raheim, ?uestlove and J-Live.

The Detroit hip-hop trio returns with a sophomore LP, following a well-received 2000 debut album. Founding member Jay Dee is no longer with the group (and has been replaced by rapper Elzhi), although he guest produces three tracks.

This 15th anniversary release for the rap veterans includes nine new tracks, supplemented by live recordings, remixes, and skits.

The St. Louis rapper follows up the massive success of his 2000 debut LP 'Country Grammar' with 19 new tracks cut from the same cloth, including the Neptunes-produced single "Hot In Here." Justin Timberlake guests on one track.

The third solo disc for Wyclef Jean includes remakes of Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and Tom Jones' "What's New, Pussycat?" (featuring Jones on guest vocals) among its 22 eclectic tracks.

The Minneapolis underground hip-hop duo of rapper Slug and producer Ant offer up 18 new tracks.

Working once again with producer Dr. Dre, Marshall Mathers returns with his third album.

This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. The original version, featuring mainly electronic instrumentation, was intended for release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). This new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.

The sophomore effort for the New York turnablists (following 1997's 'X-Pressions') features 20 tracks of scratching and DJ wizardry, coupled with live drums and guitar and vocals from guests such as the Large Professor.

The New Orleans rapper returns with his first album since the success of his 2000 single "Shake Ya Ass." The Neptunes return to produce two tracks, with Timbaland, Rockwilder, and others filling out the production duties.

The once mighty No Limit empire may have fallen a bit, but Master P is still making records. This is his first under a new distribution deal with Universal.

RZA and company return to their hardcore roots for this, Wu-Tang's fourth album together.

The New York rapper's fifth album attempts to return to the sound of his similar-titled 1994 hit debut, 'Illmatic.' Here, DJ Premier, Large Professor, and Swizz Beatz provide the beats.

The second installment in the "Art Official Intelligence" series (following 2000's 'Mosaic Thump') features the hit single "Baby Phat" and guest appearances from Slick Rick and Cypress Hill's B Real.

The second full-length from the Atlanta rapper features contributions from Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Nate Dogg, Mystikal, Jagged Edge and Twista.

The Detroit rap-rocker may be feeling a bit like his album title after his previous effort, 1998's 'Devil Without a Cause,' went platinum. (Actually, he was feeling like that even before that happened.) Snoop Dogg and Sheryl Crow guest on a track apiece on this, his fifth album of new material.

Busta's fourth solo album includes 20 new tracks produced by the likes of Dr. Dre, the Neptunes, and Pete Rock. Guest vocalists include P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige, and the Flipmode Squad.

Perhaps best known for being the album that depicted the World Trade Center towers in flames on its cover (before the events of September 11 necessitated a last-minute change of artwork), 'Party Music' is the fourth full-length for the ultra-political rappers.

The fourth album for east coast rapper sees Black Key and DMX himself taking over the production reins from Swizz Beatz on all but two tracks.

The second album from Los Angeles rap outfit Dilated Peoples features contributions from JuJu, DJ Premier, Tha Liks, Alchemist and Da Beatminerz.

Released after a string of successful singles and albums (including 2000's 'Rule 3:36' LP), 'Pain Is Love' features contributions from Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliott, and 2Pac.

The now-legendary Brooklyn rapper follows 2000's 'The Dynasty Roc la Familia' with this 13-track disc.

Brooklyn underground rappers the Arsonists are back with their self-produced second album, following their 1999 debut "As The World Burns," which was also on indie-rock label Matador. The group is now a trio, following the departures of Freestyle and D-Story.

Robert Diggs, aka Bobby Digital, aka RZA, aka (well, we could go on... but we won't), best known for his production work with Wu-Tang Clan and the Gravediggaz, returns with his second solo album.

This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. This version is the original recording, using mainly electronic instrumentation, that was intended for a full release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). The new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.

This is the first album for the West Coast production team / hip-hop outfit formerly known as Tha Alkaholiks (and their fourth album to date, including that previous incarnation). Xzibit, Rockwilder, Kurupt and Busta Rhymes are among the guest contributors.

This is actor-singer Sisqo's sophomore effort, following his 1999 debut 'Unleash The Dragon.' (Sense a pattern here?) Teddy Riley produced the lead single, "Can I Live."

Forget concept albums; this is a concept band. Formed by Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, Blur's Damon Albarn, Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori, and the Tom Tom Club's Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz (with visuals by "Tank Girl" creator Jamie Hewlett), the Gorillaz are a "virtual" hip-hop outfit of cartoon characters based somewhere in the future. Hey, we don't make this stuff up; we just report it.

Also known as the Dirty Dozen, D-12 consists of six (yes--we know that's not a dozen) Detroit-based rappers, including Eminem. 'Devil's Night' is their debut full-length, produced in part by Dr. Dre.

This is the first new album for the UK act since 1992's 'Connected.'

Redman's long-delayed fifth album was produced by Erick Sermon and features 23 new tracks. Guests include George Clinton, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, Method Man, and Scarface.

This is the third album for Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, and it again features the acclaimed production work of Timbaland. Guests include Busta Rhymes, Redman, Method Man, Ludacris, Eve, Jay-Z, and Ginuwine.

San Francisco's Michael Franti (formerly of the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy) and Spearhead mix rap, soul, R&B, funk, jazz, and trip-hop with intelligent and opinionated lyrics on these 22 tracks.

The first album from the Philly trio since 1999's Philadelphonic features guest appearances from Medeski Martin & Wood keyboardist John Medeski and Morphine drummer Billy Conway.

KRS-One returns to the solo recording scene with his first new album since 1997's 'I Got Next.'

A double album of previously unreleased tracks from the late rapper Tupac Shakur, bringing his total of posthumous releases to four (with a fifth planned for Fall 2001). The songs were recorded during the sessions for 1996's 'Makaveli.'

The legendary rappers' first album since 1993's 'Down With The King' includes guest appearances from Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst, Third Eye Blind's Stephen Jenkins and Sugar Ray.

Featuring the hit singles "B.O.B." and "Ms. Jackson," 'Stankonia' was a commercial and critical hit for the innovative Atlanta hip-hop duo of Dré and Big Boi.

The New York rapper rose to the top of the charts with this sophomore effort, produced by Irv Gotti.

The second solo release from the former Fugee features guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, Youssou N'Dour, and Kenny Rogers (yes, that Kenny Rogers).

The rap outfit's first album since 1996's 'Stakes Is High' is the first in a planned trilogy.

This 16-track best-of collection includes most of the original gangster's hits, including "I'm Your Pusher," "O.G.," and "Colors," as well as the previously unreleased "Money, Power, Women." However, the disc omits his work with Body Count.

Although Los Angeles-based rappers Jurassic 5 formed in 1995, 2000's "Quality Control" is their first full-length release.

A collection of previously unreleased Kid Rock tunes and other miscellany, including demos and re-recorded tracks from early in his career.

The second full-length from Eminem (aka Marshall Mathers) garnered two Grammys for the rapper and became the fastest-selling rap album in history.