Throughout, 7L can only be described as a “Rock Beast,” as he brings a consistency and ferociousness to the Czarface sound that comes off best in the track of the same name.

The album probably has more features than any other Budden project, but it’s not overbearing. Also, Joe does not move away aimlessly from what he is good at and what he enjoys.

Long.Live.A$AP has its moments as a cohesive album with top producers (Hit-Boy, Danger Mouse, Noah "40" Shebib) and frequent collaborators (Clams Casino) that offer choice beats.

The project is one of his best thus far by virtue of him composing an album in which listeners can empathize with how he views religion ("Hallelujah"), the club ("Ball"), women ("Guns and Roses," "Can You Learn," and "Crusin'") and so forth.

With his latest effort, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, the 37-year-old Dungeon Family elite again tackles fresh sonic landscapes while remaining nimble with verbal wizardry.

It's packed with the right ingredients for yet another solid appraisal from both fans and critics.

Like a fine wine and all that jazz, they have grown into a formidable group, and MHz Legacy proves that.

The Solution finds Buckshot doing a better job than in his past two at-bats to keep up with the super producer, and he does so by using his relaxed spitting as an anchor.

Skyzoo got himself a winner with this album.

Saigon's second LP offers a sizable amount of diversity over fitting instrumentals, exhibiting how much he has evolved as a rapper by personifying his bars to reflect his music and his life.

Truly, a thrilling upgrade of signature East Coast delivery in the new age and one of the best albums of the year to date.

These verses could've fit on any of his past records or mixtapes. But the production on Mic Tyson ties them together nicely.

Dreams and Nightmares doesn't break new grounds in hip-hop, however it does serve as a respectable release from the rapper who's on the verge of universal acceptance-a road similarly traveled by his cohorts Rick Ross and Wale.

By using his seasoned ear and stuffed phonebook, Dram has fed his base with what is indeed Quality Street Music.

Though he may no longer be quite the underdog he once was, rapping like it--at least for no--still works

[It's the] astute observations on the human condition and keen self-awareness that set this effort apart.

Every record is both complexly arranged and sonically fitting, foregrounding Kendrick's vivid lyricism and amazing control of cadence. There's not a single loophole.

The two feed off each other well, resulting in good music with a message, more often than not.

He's not always as nuanced as he's shown the ability to be, and can indeed come off preachy, so those with already established ideologies may find aspects of this album off-putting.

Jake One helms all 14 tracks, and the Seattle native's distinguished soul production provides the necessary thump throughout, proving that one-producer-one-MC formula works superbly for this juncture.

A healthy batch of impressive, often incredible music.

Though Keys to the Kuffs is no magnum opus, occupying a place just a notch under Take Me To Your Leader in terms of execution, it is an important step for the veteran.

Kiss The Ring is brief and overrun with enough proven formulas and artists that the opportunity for a miss barely exists.

There's rarely a weak bar on welcome to: OUR HOUSE, though the verbal dexterity isn't quite as stunning as it was on their debut.

With plenty of slick metaphors, complex wordplay and hard-hitting rhymes, Sigel comes out on top This Time.

It's an LP that accurately reflects 8 Ball's place as one of the finest elder statesmen of southern rap.

If Teflon Don was a buffet-style feast with deluxe entrées laid out for the listeners, God Forgives, I Don't is a full-course dinner that starts with a plate of bruschetta and ends with a zeppole.

Life Is Good is arguably Nas's best album since Stillmatic.