Perhaps one of the most anticipated hip-hop releases of the past year, "Death of a Pop Star" is a collaborative effort by Mississippi rapper, David Banner and renowned mega-producer, 9th Wonder. This album is billed as a quasi tribute to the late king of pop, Michael Jackson. The overall theme is less of a tribute and more of a "where do we go from here?" kind of feel. The lyrics discuss some of the major issues highlighted by the questions raised by Jackson's death, such as child molestation and drug abuse. Another topic of discussion is the concept of taking responsibility for maintaining Jackson's legacy. Banner's delivery is unorthodox, but wreaks of an intelligence and talent unique to him. He is no stranger to this more socially conscious style, having visited such issues on past solo projects. 9th Wonder is right in his element, having worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop; Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, and Destiny's Child, to name a few. This collaboration lives up to the critical expectations, which were high given the caliber of the artists involved. For these two prolific hip-hop artists, having little in common with the late pop star, in a musical sense, serves as a testament to the scope of Jackson's influence and his ability to transcend genres, which is a grand homage in itself.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
N/A

Track:
Diamonds On My Pinky

The Cool Kids are a pair of Chicago emcees that are being revered for their clever lyrical style and use of eclectic retro hip-hop production. After 2008's debut EP, "The Bake Sale", they've amassed a sort of cult following with their fresh approach and periodic release of mixtapes, the third and most recent of which being "Tacklebox". This duo's originality is promoted by the fact that they produce most of their own work and although they are signed to the Chocolate Industries label, they run their very own division called C.A.K.E.. It is largely due to disputes with their parent company, so to speak, that they've been struggling to release the highly anticipated LP, "When Fish Ride Bicycles". This particular mixtape is meant to tide fans over until they can work out the differences with the label. I wouldn't exactly say fans are 'settling' though. This release is a little more serious than the past two which were light hearted and comical at times. They do, however, maintain their laid back style. The production is tight and a little more modern. "When Fish Ride Bicycles" is expected to drop later this year.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
The Bake Sale EP
That's Stupid Mixtape
Gone Fishing Mixtape
Merry Christmas EP

Track:
Going Camping

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

Heeeee's Baaaack. Kanye returns with his fifth studio album, and all the controversy and gossip that goes along with a Kanye West release. When all the smoke clears, Kanye has a genius about him that cannot be disputed or immitated. This album is just relentless. With production efforts put forth by Mr. West himself, as well as Jay-Z and RZA (Wu-Tang Clan), the record is opulant from beginning to end. The guest appearances by the aforementioned producers and other huge acts like Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Pusha-T (Clipse), among others, only add to the spectacle. Certainly as this artist has progressed, he's grown more egotistical and this is a prominent theme on his latest work. Without the ego, however, there really would be something missing. His ego is what makes it so fresh and so sharp. The grand scale on which he views himself enhances the ornate quality of his work. For as highly as he thinks of himself, he pushes himself that much further to constantly outdo himself. He raises the bar with each album, both for himself and those who make guest appearances on it. Like it or not, he is a force in American music that must be reckoned with.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
College Dropout
Late Registration
Graduation
808's & Heartbreak

Track:
Monster (feat. Jay-z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver)

The highly anticipated follow-up to last year's debut from Kid Cudi does not disappoint. There is something raw about this album that may surprise you. It lacks a certain ornate quality that was present on the first album. This is more noticeable in the production. The beats and instrumentals set a tone that is a little darker. The lyrics follow suit and are much more introspective. The record is conceptual in nature. Cudi appears to see himself as "Mr. Rager", and from track to track regails listeners with stories about long hours spent partying, alcohol and drug use, and the strain that this lifestyle has on relationships and the ability to focus. He's emerged as the poster child for Kanye West's label, GOOD Music. Kanye does appear on the album briefly as well. Cudi shows some growth here exhibiting a more tempered lyrical style. He appears to have stayed grounded after the success of his debut release. Overall, this is a fairly brilliant sophomore effort from a very gifted artist with the gift of gab.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Man On The Moon: The End of Day

Track:
Mojo So Dope

Chiddy Bang, is a duo on the verge of what could be tremendous hip hop notoriety. "The Preview" is just that, a preview; of their upcoming studio album debut. This EP, however is far from lacking. Pharrell Williams (yes, that Pharrell Williams) had a hand in production, and there are appearances by Q-Tip and Darwin Beez. Illustrated on the album cover, Chidera Anamege (right) and Noah Beresin (left) mix traditional hip hop lyrics and backbeats with some more eclectic samples to create something fresh and unique. They sample MGMT on "The Opposite of Adults", which has been released as a single. The lyrical delivery is handled by Chidera, a.k.a. Chiddy, and is handled well. They're hungry and poised for success, or as stated on the opening track, "I'm on the elevator and I'm on the way up". This is a group that's still primarily underground. After a string of mixtapes and the debut EP, they've built a fan base. Get in on the ground floor, these guys are going places. The studio debut, "The Swelly Life" is set for release in early 2011. 

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
The Swelly Express (mixtape)
Air Swell (mixtape)

Track:
The Good Life

Debuting at number four on the Billboard 200 Chart (United States), Erykah Badu's fifth studio album was met with admiration by critics and fans alike. There were high expectations and I would say they've been met if not exceeded. This record, like all of her past works, will satisfy her fan base. Badu, in addition to being obscenely talented, holds to her priniciples of uncompromised artistic expression. She does not do it for the critics, and this earns her my respect. This album, unlike "New Amerykah Part 1" is much more emotionally driven and raw. There is no political undertone to speak of. There is as always, a heavy soul influence on each track. There are samples of songs by Junior Mafia, and an instance of just slightly modified Notorious B.I.G. lyrics in the chorus of the track titled "Fall In Love". Erykah Badu persists in being one of the most genuine artists now and over the entire course of her prolific 'neo-soul' career.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Baduizm
Mama's Gun
Worldwide Underground
New Amerykah Part 1 (4th World War)

Track:
Window Seat

When you hear that N.E.R.D. is coming out with a new album do you get this galvanizing excited feeling in the pit of your stomach? I Do. The trio have out done themselves once again with this album ranging their music and beats from funk, hip-hop, rock, and pop to upbeat tunes to sexy laid back harmonies. Pharrell, Shay, and Hugo are pure artist not just musicians...artists. they take music to a new level and you can't put them in a musicians category with all the swine that is out there. The beats on this album are wondrous and sequential each track flows into the next one with a melodic hip-hop current. I'm positive any fan of music in general will find this album appeasing and will enjoy it as much as I have. N.E.R.D. have their hands into everything at this point in time, and hopefully they will be making music 30 years from now because these guys are "everything" to me not "Nothing."

LoopedEyeless

Past Works:
Seeing Sounds
Fly Or Die
In Search Of...

Track:
Hypnotize U

Track:
Party People (ft. T.I.)