Playaz Circle/Flight 360: The Takeoff/Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam Ever since breaking through with “Duffle Bag Boys,” Playaz Circle has been constantly releasing quality music, and their second album might be this College Park, GA’s best body of work. From the opening track “Turbulence” to the club banger “Hold Up” to the lady-luring “Can’t Remember” with Bobby Valentino, this album is full of bangers, while keeping their airline flight theme intact. On the downside, most of Dolla and Tity Boi’s braggadocios content doesn’t go beyond money, swag, women, guns, cars and drugs, but their commendable beat selection makes just about every song on the album undeniable. - Randy Roper
Pitbull/Rebelution/Mr. 305 Inc, Polo Grounds/J Despite the political connotations of the title, Mr. 305 gives us another album full of what we know him best for: Spanglish dance hits that make the girls go crazy and the guys, well…hey, at least the girls are going crazy. With most of the bangers here produced by Lil Jon, Pit’s new album seems to be more about fun than anything else. “Krazy” and “Shut It Down” are two standout tracks, but the whole album delivers an upbeat vibe with great tracks. It’s definitely worth your $13.00. - Tony Burgos
Sean Kingston/Tomorrow/ Beluga Heights/Epic Sean Kingston’s sophomore album is a far cry from the music of his debut album. Choosing to go more in the pop direction of his 2007 hit “Beautiful Girls,” Kingston meshes reggae, rock, rhythmic and pop music throughout the album’s 14 cuts. His single “Fire Burning,”“Shoulda Let U Go” featuring Good Charlotte and “Ice Cream Girl” with an assist from Wyclef Jean, are indications that Kingston has no intentions of spitting hot 16’s anytime soon. Nevertheless, for fans that can respect his pop approach, Tomorrow is a fairly enjoyable album. - Randy Roper
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Jay-Z/The Blueprint 3/ Roc Nation/Atlantic Blueprint 3 is one of the few examples of an album made by an emcee just for the sake of putting out good music. With all the success he’s had, and continues to have, there is no need for Mr. Carter to put out another album. But instead he comes out with an album that offers some of the purest Hip Hop of today. Injected with production from Kanye West, No ID, and Timbaland, BP3 is a musically rich effort that outruns its current competition with no mercy like Usain Bolt. - Rohit Loomba
ESG/Everyday Street Gangsta/E1 ESG is known in Houston for his freestyling abilities, but when it comes to a full-length album, most listeners would probably rather hear him freestyle. Everyday Street Gangsta has it moments, but those moments are accompanied by Bun B (“We Still Tippin’”), Chamillionaire (“Soldier”) or Trae (“Get Around”). ESG is a respectable rapper, but his freestyle skills surpass his bouncy flow and everyday street raps. Randy Roper
KiD CuDi/Man On The Moon: The End of Day/G.O.O.D./Universal Motown For some people, KiD CuDi’s debut album is an alternative brand of Hip Hop that might be a tough pill to swallow. But for those that can think outside the proverbial box, Man On The Moon is creative gem. CuDi’s 5-part concept album is mix of inner conflict (“Soundtrack 2 My Life”), lonely nights (“Solo Dolo,”), perseverance (“Sky Might Fall”), nightmares (“Day ‘n’ Night”), dreams (“Pursuit Of Happiness”) and brighter days (“Up, Up, & Away”). And for listeners willing to take a journey into the mind of Scott Mescudi, this album should impress fans with its blend of imagination, introspection and innovation. - Randy Roper Trick Daddy/Finally Famous: Born a Thug, Still a Thug/Dunk Ryders Records After a three-year hiatus, Trick Daddy finally returns with a new album, and his first album not released through his former label home Slip-N-Slide Records. Though the major label budget noticeably wasn’t there for guest features and big-name producers, Trick still manages to put together a solid album featuring vintage thug music like “This The Shit That I Live” and “Gangsta Music,” mixed with his “Thug Holiday” side on cuts like “Everyday Struggle” and “Tears Of A Grown Man.” Finally Famous doesn’t surpass T-Double-D’s previous work, but as an indie release, it’s close to what we’re accustomed to hearing from Trick Daddy Dollars. - Randy Roper Young Problemz/How’s My Rapping?/Unauthorized Entertainment/Asylum/Warner Music Group To answer the question posed by this album’s title, Young Problemz is a decent rap group. Updating a classic Houston sound, YP adds their own element of fresh with songs like “Got Me F’D Up” and “Count My Cash.” But there’s an obvious lack of hits and quality writing on How’s My Rapping?. Without the inclusion of “Boi,” its remix with Gucci and Mike Jones, and a few other decent selections, this album would be disposable. Thankfully there’s just enough impressive production and catchy hooks to salvage the project. - Ms. Rivercity Lil Wyte/The Bad Influence/ Hypnotize Minds/Asylum/Warner Music Group At times The Bad Influence mirrors the feeling of watching a poorly scripted B-movie, but it’s still entertaining nonetheless. Wyte starts off with a rock-inspired intro that isn’t half bad, except for the rapping part. From there, he dedicates one song to nearly every illicit substance created, such as “Leanin Off Dat Yurple,”“One Lil Pill,”“Oxy Cotton” (properly known as OxyContin), and “Maria,” which is apparently a new nickname for Mary Jane. By the end of this 15-track intoxicated joyride, you’ll have more drug education than a CVS pharmacist. And an urgent need to get un-sober. - Ms. Rivercity