The rapper coolly exceeds expectations in his artistic self-awareness and this go-round shines like his diamond-studded Fozzy Bear chain.

With Live from the Underground, through deeply authentic takes on his own life and surroundings, the 2011 XXL Freshman has found a way to create some of the most resonating, least selfish rap music around.

In his most recent solo endeavor, Control System, Soul craftily proves that he is indeed a potent weapon on a team full of heavy artillery.

The compilation is short--12 tracks--but if fans are looking for relentless lyrics in their R.A.P. Music, this ATL MC remains a Killer on the mic.

Strange Clouds is a sophomore album that straddles genre lines but does so with an authenticity that many rappers testing the pop waters lack.

The multi-talented artist has indeed gotten better, steadily working towards perfecting his crafts.

Even with so many features, Tyga rarely lets the album get away from him, remaining in the driver's seat even when next to young stars and legends.

With Rich Forever, Ross continues to cement his position as one of hip-hop's best artists.

Ultimately, lyrical dexterity and a versatile delivery prove to be ScHoolboy's biggest assets.

The Dreamer/The Believer may be Com's most digestible LP to date.

Despite the abundance of features (twelve), Snow's fourth studio album is indeed a win.

Although the music is undeniably the most exciting part of the tape, A$AP does little to get in the way, oftentimes, enhancing the beats with his Bone Thugs-N-Harmony inspired flows.

Transformation suffers from a few forgettable beats, but not in a way that devalues the project. Add another four-star LP to Murs's solid catalogue.

A concept album with an equally heavy focus on musicianship and rhymes, undun fantastically transports into the tragic narrative.

Once they digest this one, fans will be eager for seconds.

The album is a standout effort that introduces the full-range of his talents as an MC with crafty songwriting abilities and deft ear for a sonic palette.

Taken on the whole, Camp is full of top-tier lyricism, honesty, uncertainty and triumph.

Overall, Take Care's sum is greater than its parts.

Although some of its strongest cuts already appeared on its predecessor ("My God," "Alone In Vegas," "I Still Wanna"), Pusha ultimately leaves anticipation for his official solo introduction.

The sonic mood of Ambition reflects its title and author and proves, on the whole, far warmer than his debut.

The Wonder Years will be remembered with great fondness.

Despite a few redundant tracks and a lack of cohesion, Honkey Kong paints a good picture of the impressive output Apathy is capable of in 2011.

Undeniably, Charity Starts At Home reminds why the rapper has been a darling of the underground for years.

A very strong debut album from J. Cole.

Even with some lack of vulnerability and risk, Tha Carter IV displays the nonsensical approach that fans have grown to love. Future and previous aside, Weezy's present is bright.

Collectively, the project is incredibly ambitious, yet dexterous; West and his band of producers skillfully lay down a musical foundation that makes it easy to dance to and not be worn down by the, at times, didactic messages.

Maybe influenced by Marshall himself, Royce has learned to channel his loquacious voracity into a controlled rage, and the end result is perhaps his most complete body of work.

Reflecting the Top Dawg Ent. rapper's lyrics and tone, the album is unapologetic and rugged, but sounds anything but rough.