This is a Hip Hop album, complete with the wondrous elements consistent with a broader musical appreciation. And it just might be 9th Wonder's best yet.

By translating the reverence toward his idols into his own talents instead of living in the past, Apathy continues to earn his keep in a genre that he feels is losing its way.

With its substantial subject matter, solid production and tightly-woven sequencing, Charity Starts At Home does exactly what a solo debut should: showcases the artist's skill set and personality all at once.

Cats & Dogs is a moody, well-produced album that, at times, is brimming with meaning-something not entirely common these days.

J. Cole's debut album has flaws just as others' rookie seasons did, but Cole World: Sideline Story definitely proves that he deserves a prominent spot on the team.

There is more to Black Rob than "Whoa," but there is nothing that quite lives up to it on Game Tested, Streets Approved.

On what is Lil Wayne's ninth studio album, there's very little of the spontaneity you would expect from someone whose calling card is non-written, unrehearsed, free-associative rhymes.

Despite its delay, it's by no means a swan song, contractually and musically. R.E.D. is a lot of many things, only adding to the anticipation already for Game's final offering to Interscope.

There are no surprises here, no growth shown, but the one thing worth crediting to Gucci and Waka is their consistency – the audience will know what to expect, and as long as that is all that they expect, their expectations will be fulfilled.

Success Is Certain should certainly be viewed as successful if Royce Da 5'9's goal was to rap his ass off over knocking production from legends to create an album worthy of quite a few rewinds and replays.

Today's Hip Hop scene has a rotating cast of notable stars, yet Watch The Throne simply wouldn't have felt the same had it been two different rappers converging for something this monumental.

Here I Am is a solid effort by Destiny's other child.

For now, Follow Me Home is a lowrider journey to California, with many ups and some downs included.

This 23-year-old may have been searching for answers, but that journey allowed him to find one of this year's most outstanding albums with Section.80.

At this point listeners are either down with his movement or they aren't, and while We The Best Forever is a solid piece, it's not different enough from his previous work to change any minds about him.

While convincingly spry, Cali Swag District are unable to outlive the resonance of success that they attained with "Teach Me How To Dougie" as this one-sided affair of party tunes and fairly expendable production rarely impresses.

More sexual than sensual, King Of Hearts fulfills the bare minimum of love, lust and heartbreak, all the while showcasing Young Goldie's affinity for the female body.

Ultimately, Blackenedwhite is conflicted, but quality music.

Together/Apart is musical therapy for those who find themselves caught under the pressures of life.

Despite losing the laser-like focus of their earlier mixtapes, When Fish Ride Bicycles is a fun, well-made album that brings several welcome additions to their catalogue

Man Bites Dog Records assembled a talented array of under-the-radar producers (sans Ayatollah) that crafted a cohesive sound for Vast Aire's unapologetic lyrical griminess. Nostalgic or otherwise, it works for right now.

Despite the house and dance beats and Marc Anthony features, Pitbull is still a rapper, and a decent one at that. He has definite personality on the mic, a trained and well-executed flow and delivery, and an ear for a good club banger.

Despite its free-wheeling feel, efficient sequencing and a lack of filler show that it's not as random as its title implies.

Longtime fans will enjoy and support the album justly, but it will be understandably missed or ignored by many.

The final product is a solid debut that shows enough of Sean's skill and personality to keep listeners stay tuned, with the room for growth for higher expectations next time around.

4 doesn't necessarily stand so well by itself, but as part of the Beyoncé experience, there are enough vehicles here to keep her moving.

From a technical standpoint, they're still rough around the edges; a weakness that can be improved over time. More importantly, their hearts seem to be in the right place, which can't be said for many of Animal Farm's peers.

While underground Hip Hop peers such as Cage and Zion I have struggled in their efforts to expand genres, one of Ohio's best widens his scope with a fiery intensity and a welcomed sound.