Us is uplifting, thought-provoking, funny, heartbreaking, and bootyshaking.

In its best moments, Made in the Manor transcends time--and even place--and attains universal meaning.

It might be too early to call Cut Chemist's "The Audience's Listening" a masterpiece in 2006, let alone in the pantheon of all-time great turntablist albums like "Wave Twisters," but Cut Chemist defintely proves here that branching out from Jurassic 5 to pursue a solo career was anything but a mistake.

Overall, And I Love H.E.R. is as good of a conceptual album as hip-hop has ever seen.

The Documentary 2 & 2.5 prove that he is back, and yes, better than ever. This isn't based on a cursory listen: the evidence is all there. His lyrics are more considered; his flow is varied and on point pretty much throughout; the choice in music is superb; there are concepts that deserve your attention.

Being bold and different for Lupe pays off right from the jump.

It's easily one of the best albums of the year so far, and has the sound and feel of a classic.

The Game shows lyrical improvement over his major label debut, and even though some accused him of being a "name dropper" back then and still will today, the references seem more in keeping with his "soldier of the West" philosophy and less like a filler for lack of content.

Big Boi has exquisite taste in music, guests, lyrics and choruses--not to mention the knowledge and expertise of how to put a classic album together. And whoever bet against him just lost. Big time.

It is more expansive and daring--resulting in more highs and lows than "Arular."

His lyrics are more considered; his flow is varied and on point pretty much throughout; the choice in music is superb; there are concepts that deserve your attention. The Game has delivered one of the greatest hip hop double albums in history.

Ill Manors, depressing, blunt and provocative, fulfills one of rap music's most noble tasks--to touch the sore spots.

Nelly's taste in beats for "Sweat" is almost impeccable, and it's easy to imagine three or four of these songs all being singles.

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.

One listen is all that is needed to convince you that the Clipse have dropped one of the best rap albums of the year.

With II Trill Bun B's ensured the legacy of U.G.K. will exist for decades to come, but more importantly he's created the album that every hip-hop head from North to South with have rattling out of their trunk all summer long.

Reloaded is a brilliant album but it is one that requires a certain mood.

Sampa the Great may be defined by where she hails from, but she also defines herself by making heartfelt songs with a universal appeal. Although this new album is my first chance to listen to her, I somehow feel like I’ve been listening to her my whole life.

Apart from these misgivings [middle-core sequencing issues and "Nasty" not making the grade], it must be said that Nas has truly delivered.

Black Messiah is an incredible album, and an essential addition to D'Angelo's discography.

Francis is on a level where even next shit is two steps behind.

The Roots aren't just cashing in from their newfound Jimmy Fallon fame, they're doing what they do best that nobody else in or outside the Illadeph-side can do.

In a year of political and social upheaval in 2016 he reached deep down to make a very personal statement from beginning to end on Black America Again and it shows in every word he wrote.

The Odd Couple [is] thirteen songs chock full of honest, unabashed, experimental self-expression that isn't afraid to take chances.

It's an emotional and creative masterpiece in the genre of hip hop.

Ultimate Victory is everything one could have hoped for as an official sophomore album follow-up to "The Sound of Revenge"--there's no slump here.

There are those who employ cheat codes just for the hell of it. Lyrically and musically, Black Thought and Danger Mouse used theirs here to get one up on their peers in their respective mediums.

“Magic 3” continues to strengthen the argument for Nas as the GOAT and his legions of fans who appreciate his output in 2023 will clearly agree with this take.