| 1. |
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9th Wonder - The Dream Merchant 2- Hip-hop fans are eating up the latest release from the acclaimed underground beat-crafter. |
| 2. |
|
Jean Grae - The Orchestral Files
- The sensational underground emcee drops this compilation of
previously unreleased material while fans eagerly await the promised
9th Wonder-produced Jeanius and Phoenix. |
| 3. |
|
Blu & Exile - Below the Heavens- Fans of Lupe Fiasco should like this brand of intelligent, entertaining, and downright good, hip-hop music. *
|
| 4. |
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K-Os - Atlantis: Hymns for Disco -
The antithesis of Nas' Hip-hop Is Dead, doesn't wallow in rhetorical
muck, it just gets down to the business of upping the creative ante.
|
| 5. |
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Hi-Tek - Hi-Teknology 3 - Not as strong as the first two installments, this 3rd Hi-Teknology features his signature sonic prowess and great guests.
|
| 6. |
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Little Brother - Getback- The acclaimed hip-hop duo's third studio set has been leaked by member Phonte and follows-up The Minstrel Show.
|
| 7. |
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Cunninlynguists - Dirty Acres - Gorgeous hip-hop emits from this remarkable duo playing host to guests such as Big Rube, Devin The Dude, Phonte and more. *
|
| 8. |
|
Om Records - Om Hip Hop Volume One -
The label known for quality electronica is making inroads with its alternative hip-hop roster.
|
| 9. |
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Apathy - Hell's Lost and Found
- The 2nd installment of the Demigodz frontman's It's the Bootleg,
Muthaf@$kas! series includes mostly unreleased vaulted material
spanning his decade in the industry, as well as 12" only songs,
collaborations, freestyles and fresh remixes. * |
| 10. |
|
Brick Records X: A Decade of Independence -
This 27-track set celebrates the label's 10 years of high-quality
underground and alternative rap from artists such as 8th Wonder, MF
Doom, Mr. Lif, 7L & Esoteric and more.
|
| 11. |
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Panacea - The Scenic Route - This highly creative concept album is a welcome respite from the commercial dribble the industry vomits every month. *
|
| 12. |
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Jedi Mind Tricks presents Army of the Pharaohs - Ritual of Battle
- This follow-up to their 2006 debut Torture Papers features Vinnie Paz
of Jedi Mind Tricks, Outerspace, Apathy, 7L & Esoteric, Celph
Titled, Chief Kamachi, King Syze, Faez One, Jus Allah & more. |
| 13. |
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Median - Median's Relief - The Justus League member drops his highly anticipated debut full length.
|
| 14. |
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Madlib - Yesterday's Universe -
The band's leader, Madlib, drops his favorite unreleased tracks which
offer atmospheric jazzy instrumentals with a hip-hop vibe. *
|
| 15. |
|
El-P - I'll Sleep When You're Dead -
The music innovator teams up with Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails on
"Flyentology," a track written by El-P after he experienced a near
fatal plane crash. *
|
| 16. |
 |
Zion I - Street Legends - The intelligent Oakland duo drops more hip-hop science for your mind. * |
| 17. |
|
dalek - Abandoned Language -
The Newark-based duo present their dark, moody beats peppered with political rhymes. *
|
| 18. |
 |
Busdriver - Roadkill Overcoat - The adventurous underground artist delivers genre-bending hit. *
|
| 19. |
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Snowgoons - German Lugers -
Guests on the German production team's debut include indie hip-hop
greats such as Sean Price, O.C., Edo G., Living Legends, Rasco, Chief
Kamachi, Last Emperor, Jus Allah, El Da Sensei, Wise Intelligent, Reef
The Lost Cauze and many more. *
|
| 20. |
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Deviants of Reality - Love, Sex and Situation - The New Jersey natives are favorites on college radio with their thought provoking style of hip-hop. *
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Our Top 20 picks for 2007's underground rap/hip-hop releases include stuff from 9th Wonder, Jean Grae, El-P, Busdriver, Snowgoons and more.
