Album Releases by Genre
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Awfully Deep
by Roots Manuva
April 19, 2005
This is the third album for London-based rapper Rodney Smith.
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Lost And Found
by Will Smith
March 29, 2005
The actor and MC reunites with DJ Jazzy Jeff for several tracks on his ninth album, which also includes appearances from Mary J. Blige, Timbaland and Snoop Dogg.
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Beauty And The Beat
by Edan
March 29, 2005
This self-produced second album for the Boston-based rapper includes guest appearances from Mr. Lif, Percee P, Dagah and Insight.
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The B.Coming
by Beanie Sigel
March 29, 2005
The incarcerated rapper won't be touring for a while, but that didn't stop him from releasing his first album in four years, which features collaborations with Just Blaze, Cam'ron, The Neptunes, Snoop Dogg and Buckwild.
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1988
by Blueprint
March 29, 2005
After both rapping and producing on other artists' records, double-threat Blueprint finally combines his talents on his first solo disc. Aesop Rock, Illogic and Vast Aire guest.
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Arular
by M.I.A.
March 22, 2005
This short but wildly eclectic debut album from Maya Arulpragasam, a Sri Lankan-born, London-based artist and daughter of a Tamil Tiger revolutionary, is preceded by enormous buzz in both the U.K. and the U.S.
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Surrounded By Silence
by Prefuse 73
March 22, 2005
Scott Herren's latest Prefuse 73 album features about as many guest appearances as you can fit on a single compact disc, including contributions from The Books, El-P, Ghostface, Aesop Rock, Broadcast, RZA, Beans and Café Tacuba.
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Black Dialogue
by The Perceptionists
March 22, 2005
The Perceptionists feature Boston-based MCs Mr. Lif and Akrobatik backed by the beats of DJ Fakts One. El-P also shows up on one track.
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Blue Eyed In The Red Room
by Boom Bip
March 8, 2005
This mainly instrumental disc (which, rather than being sample-driven, features live instrumentation from Boom Bip himself) also includes two vocal tracks, with Nina Nastasia and Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals) handling the singing.
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The Massacre
by 50 Cent
March 3, 2005
The rapper's second album was "executive" produced by Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 himself and includes the singles "Piggybank" and "Disco Inferno."
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Live From Rome
by Sole
March 1, 2005
Nope, it's neither of those things. The anticon rapper's third LP is a studio recording from the East Bay, with Odd Nosdam providing the beats.
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Fear Of A Black Tangent
by Busdriver
February 22, 2005
'Fear' is the second solo disc for the unique Los Angeles-based MC (born Regan Farquhar), who is backed here by beats from Daedelus, Danger Mouse, and others.
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![Fast Cars, Danger, Fire And Knives [EP]](https://static.metacritic.com/images/products/music/9/9ebe8feff35caa8ef52a7c374109d968-98.jpg)
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Fast Cars, Danger, Fire And Knives [EP]
by Aesop Rock
February 22, 2005
This seven-song EP includes production work from Rob Sonic and Blockhead. El-P also appears.
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A Gun Called Tension
by A Gun Called Tension
February 22, 2005
This genre-hopping eponymous disc is the debut for the duo of guitarist Dan Gullucci (Modest Mouse) and MC Sean Reveron.
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Negrophilia: The Album
by Mike Ladd
February 8, 2005
The latest installment in Thirsty Ear's Blue Series features prolific indie hip-hop artist Mike Ladd, backed by pianist Vijay Iyer and drummer Guillermo E. Brown.
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A Healthy Distrust
by Sage Francis
February 8, 2005
The indie MC moves from Anticon to Epitaph for his sophomore release. Will Oldham, Danger Mouse, Alias and Saul Williams guest.
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This Right Here Is Buck 65
by Buck 65
January 25, 2005
This right here is the American debut for the Canadian country-rapper (born Richard Terfry), who has actually been recording north of the border since the mid-1990s. Apparently he's worth $1.15 more than 50 Cent, although we're not sure if that's in Canadian dollars or not.
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The Documentary
by The Game
January 18, 2005
The west coast rapper's debut boasts an all-star production and guest roster including the likes of Eminem, Timbaland, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.
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Weapons Of Mass Destruction
by Xzibit
December 14, 2004
The "Pimp My Ride" host returns to rapping after a two-year layoff, but without long-time producer Dr. Dre.
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Purple Haze
by Cam'ron
December 7, 2004
Kanye West and Twista guest on the rapper's fourth disc.
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The Red Light District
by Ludacris
December 7, 2004
Trick Daddy, Nate Dogg, DMX and Nas guest on the latest from the Atlanta-based rapper, with production from Timbaland, among others.
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Street's Disciple
by Nas
November 30, 2004
Nas co-produced this double album along with Salaam Remi, Q-Tip and L.E.S. Also stopping by to lend a hand (or a voice) are Busta Rhymes, Kelis, Ludacris and Maxwell.
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Powerballin'
by Chingy
November 16, 2004
Janet Jackson, Nate Dogg and R. Kelly guest on the St. Louis rapper's second album.
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MM..Food
by MF Doom
November 16, 2004
MF Doom drops his first solo record (under the MF Doom name) since 1999's 'Operation Doomsday.'
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R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece
by Snoop Dogg
November 16, 2004
This self-proclaimed masterpiece from the veteran rapper features production work from The Neptunes. Other guests include Nelly, Bootsy Collins, and those old hip-hop standbys, The Bee Gees.
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Encore
by Eminem
November 12, 2004
The fourth full studio album for the multi-platinum superstar features appearances from Obie Trice, 50 Cent, Nate Dogg and D-12.
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White People
by Handsome Boy Modeling School
November 9, 2004
The second disc for Prince Paul and Dan The Automator finds the producer pair joined by Cat Power, RZA, Jack Johnson, Julee Cruise and Pharrell Williams.
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Dark Matter: Moving At The Speed Of Light
by Afrika Bambaataa
October 26, 2004
The legendary DJ and musician's first studio album in four years includes an appearance from Gary Numan.
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Shock City Maverick
by Beans
October 19, 2004
The second solo LP from Beans features production work from Global Communication's Mark Pritchard.
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When The World Was Our Friend
by Gold Chains And Sue Cie
October 12, 2004
The Bay Area hip-hop producer (known to his parents as Topher Lafata) teams with vocalist Sue Cie for his second release.
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New Danger
by Mos Def
October 12, 2004
'New Danger' is the second solo hip-hop album (and Geffen debut) for the rapper and actor.
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The Grind Date
by De La Soul
October 5, 2004
The group's first release on its own AOI label features guests such as Ghostface, MF Doom, Sean Paul, Common and that noted MC Spike Lee. Production assistance comes from Madlib and 9th Wonder.
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The Beautiful Struggle
by Talib Kweli
September 28, 2004
The literary rapper's second LP features production by the usual suspects (Kanye West, The Neptunes, Just Blaze). Mary J Blige guests.
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A Tiger Dancing
by Heiruspecs
September 28, 2004
This Minnesota hip-hop outfit finds MCs Felix and Muad'Dib backed by a live three-piece band instead of the industry-standard assortment of DJs and producers.
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Joyful Rebellion
by k-os
September 21, 2004
This is the second full-length for the adventurous Canadian rapper, who mixes jazz, reggae and rock with hip-hop. He produced the album himself, and even plays guitar and piano on several tracks.
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This Week
by Jean Grae
September 21, 2004
The underground New York MC returns with her sophomore LP, with some production assistance from 9th Wonder.
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Sweat
by Nelly
September 14, 2004
Released on the same day as 'Suit,' 'Sweat' is the more club-oriented of the pair, with production handled by The Alchemist, The Neptunes, and more. Christina Aguilera, Mobb Deep and Missy Elliott guest.
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Suit
by Nelly
September 14, 2004
Think of 'Suit' as 'The Love Below' to 'Sweat's 'Speakerboxxx.' Where 'Sweat' is the more party-oriented of the two discs simultaneously released by Nelly, 'Suit' showcases the rapper's gentler side, and includes collaborations with Snoop Dogg, Tim McGraw (!), Mase and Pharrell Williams.
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Showtime
by Dizzee Rascal
September 14, 2004
The UK rapper follows his Mercury Music Prize-winning debut 'Boy In The Corner' with this sophomore release.
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Telicatessen
by Rob Sonic
September 7, 2004
This is the long-awaited (and completely self-produced) solo debut for the acclaimed rapper, who formerly fronted the group Sonic Sum.
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The DEFinition
by LL Cool J
August 31, 2004
The rapper's eleventh album includes six tracks produced by Timbaland. R. Kelly also guests.
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Welcome Back
by Mase
August 24, 2004
He's gone from working with Puff Daddy to working with... uh, God, but ordained minister Mase is back to the rap game (albeit with fewer references to sex and violence) after a five-year absence.
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Straight Outta Ca$hville
by Young Buck
August 24, 2004
'Cashville' is the solo debut for the G-Unit member (who in real life is Nashville, Tenn. native David Brown). Production on the disc is handled by Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Lil' Jon, with 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks also making appearances.
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The Hard Way
by 213
August 17, 2004
'The Hard Way,' co-produced by Kanye West, is the first disc for the trio of Snoop Dogg, Warren G. and Nate Dogg.
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All City
by Northern State
August 17, 2004
Slapped with the label "the female Beastie Boys" after their 2003 debut, the New York all-girl rap outfit make their major-label debut with 'All City,' which includes collaborations with Har Mar Superstar, ?uestlove and DJ Muggs.
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Godfather Buried Alive
by Shyne
August 10, 2004
The B.I.G. soundalike has managed to generate a great deal of buzz for his second solo disc, chiefly by being behind bars, where he's serving out a ten-year prison term resulting from a bad night on the town with P Diddy. The vocals on one track were literally phoned in from prison, while production is handled by Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Just Blaze and more.
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Amerikaz Nightmare
by Mobb Deep
August 10, 2004
The duo of Prodigy and Havoc are assisted by guests such as 50 Cent, Nate Dogg, R. Kelly, Jadakiss and Nelly on this disc co-produced by The Alchemist.
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Fire In The Hole
by Brand Nubian
August 10, 2004
This is the fifth LP in 15 years for the veteran hip-hop unit of Grand Puba, Lord Jamar and Sadat X.
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![Venomous Villain [VV:2]](https://static.metacritic.com/images/products/music/2/c56c9438ba6b3b1e6a7a3542a2ccca7d-98.jpg)
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Venomous Villain [VV:2]
by Viktor Vaughn
August 3, 2004
On of the many aliases of rapper Daniel Dumile (who is best known these days as the masked MF Doom), Viktor Vaughn is joined by a guests such as DJ Sure Shot and Kool Keith on this second release.
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A Long Hot Summer
by Masta Ace
August 3, 2004
9th Wonder is among the producers on the veteran Brooklyn MC's fifth full-length (rumored to be his last), a prequel to previous disc ?Disposable Arts.' Guests include Rahzel, Jean Grae and The Beatnuts.
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The Tipping Point
by The Roots
July 13, 2004
Whereas its predecessor (2002's acclaimed 'Phrenology') clocked in at 79 minutes, 'The Tipping Point' is a concise 45-minute listen, featuring guests Devin The Dude, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Jean Grae and Television's Dave Chappelle.
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Space Settings
by Headset
June 29, 2004
'Space Settings' is the debut from the hip-hop side project for Jimmy Tamborello (Postal Service, Dntel), who along with Plug Research artists Allen Avanessian, Daedelus and John Tejada (plus Thomas Fehlmann), provides the musical backdrop for an array of MCs that includes Beans and Rocmon.
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One Monkey Don't Stop No Show
by The Goodie Mob
June 29, 2004
Cee-Lo has left for a solo career, but the remaining members of the Atlanta-based hip-hop outfit return for their first album in five years, produced by Organized Noize.
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The Hunger For More
by Lloyd Banks
June 29, 2004
This is the solo debut for Banks, a member of G Unit.
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Detroit Deli: A Taste of Detroit
by Slum Village
June 29, 2004
This is the third LP for the Detroit hip-hop group, now down to a duo after the departure of MC Baatin. Kanye West, Ol' Dirty Bastard and Melanie are among the guests.
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Kiss Of Death
by Jadakiss
June 22, 2004
The New York rapper's second solo disc (after stints in the Ruff Ryders and the Lox) features production from Kanye West, the Neptunes and Swizz Beatz, with appearances from Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg and Anthony Hamilton.
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Chilltown New York
by Erick Sermon
June 22, 2004
Talib Kweli and Redman are among the guests on this solo outing for Sermon, half of the legendary rap duo EPMD.
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To The 5 Boroughs
by Beastie Boys
June 15, 2004
The B-Boys, who have moved back to New York from their temporary home of Los Angeles, return with their first album in six years and their second to utilize the beats of Mixmaster Mike. These 15 tracks are all self-produced by the band (a first) and recall the style of their earliest work.
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Revolutions
by The X-Ecutioners
June 8, 2004
The roster of guests for the turntablists' fourth LP includes Cypress Hill, dead prez, Ghostface Killah, Black Thought (The Roots), Slug (Atmosphere) and Blue Man Group.
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No Said Date
by Masta Killa
June 1, 2004
Finally making his solo debut, Masta Killa is the last member of the Wu-Tang Clan to issue a CD on his own. Of course, he's not totally by himself here; Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface and the RZA all guest.
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Tical 0: The Prequel
by Method Man
May 18, 2004
Wu Tang Clan's Clifford Smith (aka Method Man) interrupts his budding acting career to return with his first solo disc in five years (and fourth overall). The guest roster includes Missy Elliott, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Ghostface, Redman, Busta Rhymes and RZA.
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
by The Streets
May 18, 2004
Mike Skinner returns with the inenviable job of following up his genre-smashing debut 'Original Pirate Material,' which was an enormous critical and commercial hit in the UK and paved the way for the success of later acts such as Dizzee Rascal.
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D12 World
by D12
April 27, 2004
The Eminem-led collective (whose 2001 debut was a huge commercial success) returns with a second full-length, with production from the likes of Dr. Dre, Mr. Porter, Eminem and Kanye West.
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Automato
by Automato
April 20, 2004
The DFA produced this full-length debut for the unconventional rap outfit consisting of MC Jesse Levine and a live five-piece backing band.
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The Pretty Toney Album
by Ghostface Killah
April 20, 2004
The former Wu-Tang member's fourth solo album (and first since ditching the "Killah" portion of his name) features contributions from Missy Elliott, Jadakiss and RZA.
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Neighborhood Watch
by Dilated Peoples
April 6, 2004
The third album from the Los Angeles-based underground hip-hop outfit features Kanye West on one track.
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Madvillainy
by Madvillain
March 23, 2004
'Madvillainy' is a collaboration between rapper MF Doom and producer Madlib.
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Murs 3:16 The 9th Edition
by Murs
March 23, 2004
The Los Angeles-based indie rapper's second Def Jux disc was produced by 9th Wonder.
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Confessions
by Usher
March 23, 2004
Among the producers and guest vocalists appearing on Usher's fourth album are Ludacris, Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
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Fly Or Die
by N.E.R.D
March 23, 2004
N.E.R.D., the rock-oriented trio of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (who also make up the in-demand hip-hop production team The Neptunes) and Shay, return with a highly-anticipated second album. Unlike their previous effort, 'Fly' finds Chad & Pharrell handling the instrumentation themselves.
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Till Death Do Us Part
by Cypress Hill
March 23, 2004
The seventh album for the hip-hop outfit introduces Latin and reggae elements into their sound. Guests include Prodigy (Mobb Deep) and Tim Armstrong (Rancid).
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Music By Cavelight
by Blockhead
March 23, 2004
This instrumental hip-hop disc marks the solo debut by the longtime producer for Aesop Rock and other Def Jux artists.
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Ten
by cLOUDDEAD
March 16, 2004
This is the second group album (as cLOUDDEAD) for three of the founders of the indie hip-hop collective anticon: Why?, Doseone and Odd Nosdam.
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![Now Soon Someday [EP]](https://static.metacritic.com/images/products/music/1/600358458a94ec7f20adb8419571eb3c-98.jpg)
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Now Soon Someday [EP]
by Beans
March 2, 2004
The former Anti-Pop Consortium member's second solo release is a nine-song EP, with six new tracks and three remixes by Kings, Prefuse 73 and El-P.
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Cee-Lo Green Is The Soul Machine
by Cee Lo Green
March 2, 2004
Like fellow Atlanta hip hoppers OutKast, Cee-Lo has trouble sticking to a single genre, as he mixes up styles throughout this sophomore release. Timbaland, The Neptunes and Ludacris guest.
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College Dropout
by Kanye West
February 10, 2004
The in-demand Chicago-based producer makes his debut with the help of guests Ludacris, Jay-Z, Mos Def, Dirt McGirt, and more.
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The Grey Album
by Danger Mouse
February 3, 2004
DJ Danger Mouse's bootleg hit, which mixes together vocals from Jay-Z's 'The Black Album' and music from The Beatles' 'The White Album,' has brought legal action from Beatles record label EMI, preventing record stores from selling the album.
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Kamikaze
by Twista
January 27, 2004
The Chicago rapper's long-awaited follow-up to 'Adrenaline Rush' features contributions from Kanye West, Toxic, Cee-Lo and R. Kelly.
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Boy In Da Corner
by Dizzee Rascal
January 20, 2004
This is the debut disc for the 18-year-old London-based rapper (born Dylan Mills), who has been heralded by (among others) Uncut magazine as "good as any MC currently active on Earth."
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This Is Not A Test!
by Missy Elliott
November 25, 2003
Missy Elliott reunites with producer Timbaland for her fifth album, which features vocal contributions from Nelly, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fabolous and R. Kelly.
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Maryland Mansions
by Cex
November 18, 2003
Rjyan Kidwell's second release of 2003 (third, if you count his all-instrumental alternate version of 'Being Ridden') features 8 new songs that run the gamut from rap to industrial rock to glitchy electronica.
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The Black Album
by Jay-Z
November 14, 2003
The hugely successful Brooklyn rapper worked with an A-list of producers (including Just Blaze, Kanye West, Aqua, Eminem, Rick Rubin and The Neptunes) on what he has stated will be the final release of his career. (Sure it will.)
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Beg For Mercy
by G-Unit
November 14, 2003
Rapper 50 Cent's backing posse attempts to capitalize on the runaway success of their leader's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' with this, their own debut LP (which does indeed feature 50 Cent on each and every track).
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Blood In My Eye
by Ja Rule
November 4, 2003
'Blood' represents the New York rapper's attempt to lash back at 50 Cent, who has spent the better part of the past year targeting Rule.
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The Preacher's Son
by Wyclef Jean
November 4, 2003
Wyclef's fourth solo disc finds Patti LaBelle, Missy Elliott, Buju Banton, Redman, Carlos Santana (among others) making contributions.
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Chicken & Beer
by Ludacris
October 7, 2003
Perhaps the most successful Dirty South rapper, Ludacris returns with his third Def Jam release.
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8 Million Stories
by Soul Position
October 7, 2003
This is the full-length debut for the Ohio-based duo of acclaimed hip-hop producer RJD2 and emcee Blueprint.
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Birth Of A Prince
by The RZA
October 7, 2003
The Wu-Tang producer returns to his RZA moniker with this latest solo release, after two previous albums under the "Bobby Digital" name.
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Cheers
by Obie Trice
September 23, 2003
This debut disc for Shady Records signee and Detroit native Obie Trice was produced by pals Dr. Dre and Eminem (along with the ubiquitous Timbaland) and features appearances from Em as well as 50 Cent, Nate Dogg and Busta Rhymes.
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Seven's Travels
by Atmosphere
September 23, 2003
This is the fourth LP (and first released by Epitaph) for the indie-minded Minneapolis-based duo of Slug and Ant.
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
by Outkast
September 23, 2003
This Grammy-winning follow-up to their smash 2000 hit 'Stankonia' is an OutKast album in name only, as it is structured in the form of two solo discs: one each for Big Boi (Speakerboxxx) and Andre 3000 (The Love Below).
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Bazooka Tooth
by Aesop Rock
September 23, 2003
El-P and Mr. Lif guest on Aesop Rock's second LP for the Def Jux label.
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Grand Champ
by DMX
September 16, 2003
The hardcore rapper returns with his fifth studio album, hoping to duplicate the #1 success of each of his four previous LPs.
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Deliverance
by Bubba Sparxxx
September 16, 2003
Linebacker large, white, and very country, Bubba Sparxxx nevertheless became an overnight success with his 2001 hip-hop debut 'Dark Days, Bright Nights,' which was co-produced by Timbaland. This follow-up LP was also helmed by Timbaland and Organized Noize.
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Wooden Leather
by Nappy Roots
August 26, 2003
The Kentucky-based Southern rappers return with a sophomore LP.
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Everyone Deserves Music
by Michael Franti & Spearhead
August 19, 2003
The fourth collaboration between Michael Franti and Spearhead mixes the politically-inclined raps of Franti with the disco/funk rhythms of a live band.
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The Neptunes Present... Clones
by The Neptunes
August 19, 2003
A showcase for their record label Star Trak, 'Clones' is a compilation of 22 Neptunes-produced and/or performed tracks, featuring A-list artists such as Nelly, Busta Rhymes, P. Diddy, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Nas.
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So Stylistic
by Fannypack
July 8, 2003
This debut LP for the Brooklyn retro rap outfit (consisting of three female vocalists--including two high school students--backed by a pair of DJs) includes their surprise hit single, "Cameltoe."
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The Ownerz
by Gang Starr
June 24, 2003
This is the first album in five years for the duo of DJ Premier and Guru.
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Elephunk
by The Black Eyed Peas
June 24, 2003
The alternative L.A.-based hip-hop outfit, known for its positive message and break-dancing prowess, returns with a third LP. Guests Justin Timberlake and Papa Roach join new BEP backing vocalist Fergie (who replaces Kim Hill).
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