Labels have been hella busy mass mailing albums out to critics as everyone and their brother releases records this summer. It's been a few months, but here are a few that were spared from life as a coaster:
Slaughterhouse, Slaughterhouse -- This album should gets its own review, but its been out for a while and y'all already know why it's dope. The power group made up of Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, and Royce bang out reckless hits song after song. Even listening to Budden after a few klonopins is ridiculous yet amazing.
iPod Worthy Tracks: "The One"; "Not Tonight"; "Cut You Loose"; "Onslaught 2" 
The Alchemist, Chemical Warfare -- Usually when producers step into their own spotlight and away from the shadows their artists cast, some wish they stayed in the background. No so with Alchemist. He does what he does best and produces music -- real music. Featuring collabos with Snoop, JadaKiss, Eminem, Twista, Fabolous and more, Alchemist is an evil genius concocting aggressive sounds that his peers probably can't keep up with.
iPod Worthy Tracks: "Lose Your Life"; "Therapy"; "On Sight"; "Smile"
D-Block, No Security -- JadaKiss leads the D-Block emcees back to the stage with their new release. Usually, 10 guys each with a mic leads to chaos resulting in noise, but D-Block perfects the art of delivery -- studio controls help, too. Riding off the success of solo albums from JadaKiss, Sheek and Styles P, the next generation of D-Block displays strength lyrically and commands their music with bravado.
iPod Worthy Tracks: "Get That Paper"; "Hello"; "Round & Round" ; "Like That Ya'll"; "Brother's Keeper"
Ginuwine, A Man's Thought -- It's the sixth album from this sex-fueled artist, and Ginuwine teases the ladies with his smooth voice and grind music. Gotta give it to Ginuwine for always being consistent -- unlike a lot of men out there. If there's one thing G's good at, it's giving women something to chase after.
iPod Worthy Tracks: "Trouble"; "Last Chance"; "Get Involved"; "Touch Me"
A new trend is plaguing rapper these days, and no it's not autotune. It's rap stars willing to go half on a baby with their knocked up jumpoffs. Really? Are we to believe that this new "promise" is a perk? A sign of good values? Or even better, are black men manning up? OMFG!! Tell me it ain't so!?! It's true urban cultured is epitomized by the high percent of single mothers and teenage pregnancies. But as much truth as those numbers show, why is it right for rappers to use the anti-stereotype -- a male taking responsibility and promising to not be a deadbeat dad -- as a thug status? Is it not your duty as a man to own up and take measures to support your child and the mother that bring him/her into this world. That's not even a question; it's a FACT. So, sorry JadaKiss, The Dream, and all the rest of you superstars willing to front the dough for what's baking in the oven...I'll pass.
"No Snitching!" The motto whispered around the world is here to stay and the drive behind it gets stronger. Bronx-native Pistol Pete has linked up with producer/rapper Fat Joe to release a new album on April 21st. and bring their Kill All Rats movement to the forefront. With Terror Squad dwindling down and Dipset drama, looks like Fat Joe and Pistol Pete are reprising the mafia movement. The album will feature DJ Khaled, Jadakiss, Raekwon, and Sean Kingston (yeah, he's real thuggish for this movement) just to name a few.
