Funk Doc is back with his seventh studio album, and perhaps his most interesting to date. The New Jersey native, after celebrating his 40th birthday in 2010. exhibits a distinctly introspective quality on this work. The aptly titled "Reggie" is named for Redman himself whose real name is Reggie Noble. This is a testament to how the middle aged emcee is shedding some of the more theatrical elements of his persona. The album's production excludes long time producer Erick Sermon who has worked on every Redman album prior. One might get the impression that Redman is experiencing some sort of identity/mid-life crisis here. The album itself has much less of the hardcore and at times raunchy content we're used to from Docta Spock. This release is more poppy, and mainstream. Of course, Method Man makes a guest appearance, but only on one track. There are also cameos from Bun B, and Faith Evans. It's funny and upbeat, deviating little from his established form in that regard. This "concept" album is really another effort by Redman to be recognized as being substantial and relevant...and not just a sidekick. It's got character and is enjoyable.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Whut? Thee Album
Dare Iz A Dark Side
Muddy Waters
Doc's Da Name 2000
Malpractice
Red Gone Wild

Track:
Lite 1 Witcha Boi (feat. Method Man & Bun B)

The seventh studio album from an Atlanta rapper with no shortage of 'street cred' is expected to debut at number one. So it goes, the same old story; with this great success comes a barrage of legal issues. T.I. seems destined to end this landmark year the same way he began it; incarcerated. "No Mercy" is a prime example of the level of talent and influence reached by this artist. Produced on his own label, Grand Hustle, the album lends production credits to in-house talent DJ Toomp, as well as Kanye West and The Neptunes. There are guest appearances by Drake, Young Dro, Eminem, and many more big names. One of the things that makes T.I. unique is that he always has something new to discuss, being in the midst of one of the most eventful periods of his life thus far. This new album touches on all of it. "No Mercy" is billed as a conclusion to the trilogy started with "T.I. vs. TIP" that included his last album "Paper Trail". The beats are progressive and everything you'd expect from the best producers in the world. The lyrics are varied and cleverly turned. This is a very talented artist with a flare for drama, both acting it out and discussing it in his rhymes. One can only hope he can stop the former to continue the latter.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
I'm Serious
Trap Muzik
Urban Legend
King
T.I. vs. TIP
Paper Trail

Track:
I'm Back

A Pittsburgh native, Khalifa's musical style reflects the steel city work ethic, even though he's what you may call an army brat. Having lived in most European major cities, the 23 year old is more cultured than he may let on at times in his work. "Kush & Orange Juice" was released as a mixtape, the eighth from the young rapper. After two studio releases as well, he's just begun to come of age artistically, perhaps because this most recent work was produced on his own label, "Taylor Gang". The record itself is pretty chill. The beats are tight, melodic, and project an entrancing quality. The lyrics are just as smooth in their delivery. Content-wise, the bulk of the lyrics allude to marijuana, sex, cars...all the hip hop status quo. What makes Khalifa unique is the "it" factor. He's amassed a substantial cult following. In addition to the more nefarious topics discussed on his more recent work, a theme that prevails as well is his patience in anticipation of success. Wiz is due to release a studio album early next year, already having received noteable acclaim for the single "Black and Yellow". After the 2005 release of his debut mixtape, this artist is poised to blow up in 2011.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Show and Prove
Deal or No Deal

Track:
In The Cut