T.I./Paper Trail Grand Hustle/Atlantic After a lukewarm reception to T.I. vs. T.I.P., the King of the South rebounds with his six album, Paper Trail. Rumored to be the first album T.I. wrote his lyrics down for since his debut album, I’m Serious, tracks like “56 Bars” and “I’m Illy” display Tip at his lyrical zenith. The noteworthy “On Top of the World” featuring Ludacris officially puts an end to his differences with Luda and DTP, while “What Up, What’s Hap’nin’” ethers beef with Shawty Lo. Other standout records like “No Matter What” and “Ready For Whatever” are introspective tracks that address the trials and tribulations stemming from his legal issues. Plus, there’s the chart-topping “Whatever You Like.” Certain to be remembered as one of ‘08’s best albums, an argument could be made that Paper Trail is the best album of T.I.’s career. - Randy Roper
Young Jeezy/The Recession/ CTE/Def Jam It’s been two years since The Inspiration but Young Jeezy still remembers the southern grime style that has come to define him. The Recession features imposing southern production as expected but this time around the beats seem more cinematic and Jeezy’s lyrics are on point throughout. The Shawty Redd produced “Who Dat” sounds like it belongs in some ATL horror flick, which is only appropriate as Jeezy slashes through most of this year’s Hip Hop with his tried and tested formula, which is nearly perfected. In a single-driven industry Jeezy offers an album that can be played straight through, hands off the skip button. —Rohit Loomba
DJ Khaled/We Global We The Best Music/Koch The overall theme of this album, the We Global title, is continuously emphasized, as the Miami DJ deliveries standout tracks with Chi-town rap star Kanye West and Tallahassee hero T-Pain (“Go Hard”), NYC God’s son Nas (“I’m On”), and West Coast rhymer The Game, symbolizing the growth in Khaled’s movement. The 305 representer still stays true to his FLA core—Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Plies, Trick Daddy—and drops street anthems like “Out Here Grinding” and “Final Warning.” Appearances from Fabolous, Missy Elliot, Sean Paul, Ray J, Busta Rhymes and others, gives this album’s guest list a Dream Team style roster. With help from some of the biggest artists in the game, DJ Khaled’s third album in as many years is arguably his best. - Randy Roper
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Big Kuntry King/My Turn To Eat Grand Hustle/Atlantic The time has finally come for Big Kuntry King. My Turn To Eat holds a mix of different spices and flavors that should cure most starving Hip Hop fans. On the reflective track “Pots And Pans” King explains how the new generation of Hip Hop is the South and he’s here to prove it. Kuntry does add the party and lady anthems to the recipe on “Yeah” and “Da Baddest” which should have you dancing those calories off in no time. With a few more ingredients, the album could have been a full meal. - Jee’Van Brown
Kardinal Offishall/Not 4 $ale/Kon Live/Geffen Newly aligned with Akon’s international resources as a member, Kardinal Offishall returns with his first U.S. album in seven years. Backed by more uptempo, industry friendly tracks, Kardinal still uses his distinct flows and accent to his advantage, pleasing new listeners and not completely alienating his core fanbase. Even amidst the pop elements throughout, Kardinal still puts lyrics and emceeing first. - Maurice G. Garland
Nelly/Brass Knuckles Derrty/Universal Brass Knuckles, Nelly’s fifth solo album and first in four years, is a star-studded released featuring everyone from LL Cool J and T.I. (“Hold Up”) to Usher (“Long Night”) to Fergie (“Party People”). Nelly sticks with his heavily commercial style, as track after track could be a song for radio; it’s just that the tracks aren’t necessarily songs you’d want to hear on radio. After having this album’s release date continuously pushed back, aside from a few songs that sound like the Nelly fans have grown to love, you’d almost wish this album was pushed back a few more months so Nelly could make some better records. - Randy Roper Devin the Dude/Landing Gear Coughee Brothaz/Razor & Tie With his first album since his departure from his longtime label home Rap-A-Lot, a refreshed Devin the Dude picks up from where those albums left off with perhaps his most lighthearted effort since his debut. Though he still speaks on everyday topics, including relationships, bluecollar living and lust, he doesn’t seem to be struggling with his thoughts. Instead, he sounds to be simply readdressing them, since that’s what he does best. As usual, most of the production is mellow, allowing Devin to recline on the beats and flip through the favorite channels of his life. - Maurice G. Garland Boss Hogg Outlawz/Back By Blockular Demand: Serve & Protect/BOSS HOGG/KOCH Boss Hogg Outlawz’ follow up to their 2007 effort is an album that is dopest when listened to in its proper context. Staying true to Slow Loud And Bangin’ tradition, BHO provide plenty of parking lot parlaying soundtracks but not much to listen to outside of the car. Largely backed by production showcasing Mr. Lee’s diversity, it’s few and far between that BHO actually shines above their formulaic rhymes about getting money and riding clean. But as it was said earlier, this album is better suited for the car instead of the crib, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. They obviously aren’t trying to be anything they’re not. - Maurice G. Garland Willie The Kid/Absolute Greatness/APHILLIATES/ASYLUM With 13 original tracks, this mixtape/album is not your typical Gangsta Grillz. Designed to be released as a mixtape with major label album backing, WTK and his Aphilliate cohorts take an unprecedented step towards taking their mixtape hustling major. Aphilliates’ in-house producers Don Cannon and V12 handle the bulk of a favorable soundtrack for Willie’s vivid wordplay. The Runners-produced “Pressure,” the R. City-assisted “When The Lights Darken” and the street banger “Love of Money” are standouts, making this project an absolute great precursor to Willie’s official forthcoming debut album, The Crown Prince. - Randy Roper Chopper City Boyz/Block Music/Flame Entertainment The New Orleans natives Chopper City Boyz have unleashed their sophomore album Block Music. With the grimy New Orleans sound and laid-back lyrics on tracks like “Leaning” and “I Can Do That,” these two tracks will have you grooving while getting dressed for the club. Block Music will also make you roll one or take a shot of Hennessy and think about the past, present, and future, especially on “One Day At A Time” and “Holding On.” Block Music is a street-driven album with some poignant moments, but falls short of being a classic. - Jee’Van Brown