David Banner/The Greatest Story Ever Told/SRC After three previous efforts Banner has finally made the definitive album of his career, capturing the best of his talents as a producer, rapper and activist. On the opening track “So Long” Banner speaks on injustices, urging street soldiers to fight people other than themselves. From there he takes a realistic journey, touching on both the political (“B.A.N.”) and primitive (“A Girl”) sides of his life. In between, the Mississippi emcee provides interludes and music beds that play up to his growth as musician, making the album a complete experience. While admitting to musical mistakes on past releases he does have a couple missteps (“Fuck You Hoes,” “K.O.”) but soulful tracks like “I Get By,” “Hold On” and the selfexplanatory “Faith” make you forget about them. It may be up for debate whether David Banner’s latest album is actually The Greatest Story Ever Told, however, it is the greatest story he’s ever told. — Maurice G. Garland
C-Murder/Screamin’ 4 Vengeance /TRU/Asylum With his No Limit glory days far behind him, C-Murder’s latest effort Screamin’ 4 Vengeance proves he is still capable of putting together an entertaining album. Backed by custom-made beats from his Deadly Soundz production team, C displays his improved song-writing and cadence, and even steps outside the criminal-minded material he’s known for. On “Stay Fresh” he bobs-and-weaves over scattered synths and drums while “Posted On the Block” has him impressively keeping up with fast-paced guest spots from Krayzie Bone, Mia X and Papoose. Unfortunately, those same custom-made beats also eventually allow C to slip too far into his comfort zone, turning in a bevy of lazy sounding songs that probably won’t make you want to hit the repeat button. The bulk of Screamin’ 4 Vengeance leaves a lot to be desired. — Maurice G. Garland
Three Six Mafia/Last 2 Walk Hypnotized Mindz/SONY After winning a Grammy and literally going Hollywood, Three 6 Mafia makes a decent attempt to return to their roots with their latest album Last 2 Walk. While the production still has their trademarked fusion of soul samples over beat machine drum kicks and hi-hats, it lacks that feeling that you used to get from listening to their music. It could be unbelievable drug escapades like “Trap Boomin’” or overt sexcapades like “I’d Rather,” but something is missing. However, there is enough maturity in songs like “My Own Way” featuring Good Charlotte and “Hood Star” featuring Lyfe Jennings to make you look forward to what direction their music will take in the future. — Maurice G. Garland
RICH BOY/ BIGGER THAN THE MAYOR Alabama’s favorite son, Rich Boy, returns with another 808 shakin’ ride through his world of cash, hoes and clothes on his new mixtape, Bigger Than The Mayor. Mainly sticking to telling tales of the baller life, Rich Boy delivers in his signature drawl, 16-tracks of truck-shaking music sure to satisfy until his sophomore set drops. Titles like “Wrist Out The Window” and “Chevy’s A Monsta” let you know this is perfect summer stuntin’ music to ride out to. With appearances from Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane, Shawty Lo, and Trae, the only thing missing is a lack of content seen in last years promising “Let’s Get This Paper.” — Anthony Burgos
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G-Unit/ T.O.S.: Terminate on Sight/G-Unit Records With Young Buck out scurrying on his own, Banks, Buck, and 50 are back on their own hunt. With none of the trio being safe from criticism, G-Unit sets out to convince everyone that they haven’t gone soft. Terminate On Sight is a nolove-song album that is drenched in a lyrical serving of a very resound “don’t fuck with me” attitude, which is shared by each member of Curtis’ gang. While the three craft commendable deliveries and an overall enjoyable album, the lyrics fall short and Yayo’s talent has yet to be found. — Rohit Loomba
Nas/ Untitled/Def Jam QB’s finest is back with an untitled album with enough lyrical content to make up for the seemingly endless supply of 16s about diamonds, rims and ass. Nas is in fine form on tracks such as “Sly Fox” on which he targets Fox News and questions why he’s always accused of promoting violence while Hollywood isn’t. This album goes above and beyond today’s albums, forcing fans to think and go beyond the music on tracks such as “Testify.” There’s finally a true Hip Hop album again, and it’s no surprise that Nas is the one who delivered it. — Rohit Loomba
DJ Scream & Soulja Boy/ THE TEEN OF THE SOUTH Gearing up for his sophomore album, ISOULJABOY, the original “Crank Dat” superstar releases The Teen Of The South mixtape, hosted by DJ Scream. The intro creates a discussion for his position in MTV2’s Top emcees. He attempts to prove his longevity by enhancing his wordplay and upgrading his production. Tracks like “I Know You Hate Me” and “Gucci Bandanna” display his lyrical depth; however, “Go Hard” shows his gift for instrumentals. Fan or not, you’ve gotta love Soulja Boy’s playful lines and respect him as an artist that gives the people what they want. — Isabelle Ahanotu
Killer Mike/I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II/Grind Time Official/SMC “If they tell you, ‘Man, you can’t come up’ you better go against everything they say.” Killer Mike sums up his story simply on “Can You Hear Me,” one of a handful of strong tracks on I Pledge Allegiance To The Grind II, a solid album with few faults. Mike’s lyrical abilities are at the level of the best storytelling emcees and he keeps on the gas, capturing his intensity to the fullest on almost every track. Independent but still going strong, Killer Mike isn’t showing signs of backing up anytime soon. — Rohit Loomba
DJ Drama, Brisco & EClass/Underworld Rise Brisco has been making more news lately for beefing with Yung Berg than for his music. But on this mixtape, the Opa-Lacka goon proves his name belongs in the list of Florida emcees next to blow. The mixtape’s intro, along with tracks like “I Get Money” and “I’m Back” are notable, but Brisco’s limited subject matter grows tiring throughout the 17 tracks. Still, with Drama doing what he does and Bris spitting that goon music, Underworld Rise is a Gangsta Grillz mixtape worth checking out. — Randy Roper