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.

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 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.

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.

The best thing about listening to the Heiruspecs is that they sound like a rap group on the beginning of a long journey, as opposed to one who finally "made it" and feel content now that they're signed and distributed nationally.

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.

Hip hop is an artform based on messages, yet all too frequently he comes across as a messenger with little to report.

He’s successfully bridged the gap from local to international with this album and when everyone can go on tour again I think he’ll have a ready made audience well outside of the United Kingdom.

York is an interesting and often times bizarre album.

The Bake Sale is a near-perfect EP, insofar as it acts as an imperious album primer: not too long, not too short; it doesn't give away everything, but displays enough to get you excited.