jordan@djbooth.net's TOP ALBUMS

“Over the past few years, Ryan Leslie is one of the most gifted musicians I've heard as both a solo artist and as a producer. Yes, his voice isn't the best in the world. And yes, he sometimes does attempt to perform talents outside his safe zone. But the album's incredible live instrumentation, along with Leslie's bright charisma, made up for its sub-par vocal ability. I'm glad he's finally going to get this out to the public, I know I'm supporting it.”

“Thank God you actually brought fresh flavor into this review compared to other reviewers who annoying fail to focus on the soundtrack's new special additions buried in-between Biggie's classics. Jay-Z and Jadakiss really put their hearts out in their respective tracks but I would have liked to see a couple more features and a little hits. Like you said, Bad Boy already dropped a greatest hits album for BIG and most hip-hop fans wouldn't feel the need to buy this one. What did you think about the "One More Chance" remix with Biggie's son? It sounded like a memorable idea on paper but after hearing the final product I don't think "One More Chance" was the route to go.”

“"Oh Kanye, what have you down now?" That's what I asked myself in complete distress when I first heard "Love Lockdown" during Kanye's performance at the VMAs. I hated the idea of an album composed fully on 808s. I hated the idea of an album composed solely with auto-tune. The same artist who brought me the soundtrack to my life with classic cuts like "All Falls Down" and "Touch the Sky" can now only think about love? Love?! Yeah, love, and he did a darn good job doing it. The whole heartbreak theme finally started to make sense to me after hearing a few leaks (and a few interviews) with a focus coming from Kanye's perspective, not mine. My intuition wants Kanye to record an album like "College Dropout" every time, but in reality, his capabilities as a musician are so much more. More than what anyone could have expected, and after listening to this album, who knows what Kanye is going to pull next. The melodies on "808s & Heartbreak" are so simple yet so compelling, and the same goes for the album's brilliant production work. Even though Kanye jumped on the auto-tune bandwagon, he still flipped the concept and made it his own. I can see "808s & Heartbreak" lasting as a timeless piece of art that will always be ahead of its time. Welcome the heartbreak.”

“I've never really been a "fan" of Ludacris. His singles are fresh and his originality is always on point, but there was something about his persona that prevented me from truly becoming a loyal "fan" (maybe it's because he's from the South). Heck, I downloaded this album almost two weeks ago and I didn't get around to listening to it until today. I wouldn't say I was blown away, but I was definitely surprised at Cris' consistent use of quality rhymes and outstanding delivery throughout the entire album. Even the radio-driven records meshed well with their compliments, and I soon found myself enjoying every song. After looking at the project's busy track list, I wasn't expecting enough opportunities for Luda to fully get his mind across, but he did just that and then some. Nate, I don't think I'm ready to put Ludacris in my top-five, or even past Jay-Z for that matter, but he confidently showed up to the occasion with a purpose that undoubtedly proved some listeners wrong. Including me - a fan.”

“Thank goodness for Q-Tip. He really nailed it with this one. After being out of the spotlight for so long, I honestly wasn't expecting him to reemerge with the focused direction and control he exerted on this album. Time obviously didn't fade his gifted talents as an MC and more importantly as a producer. All of the tracks on "The Renaissance" are produced by Q-Tip except "Move" (which was crafted by J Dilla). Lifelong Tribe fans will be delighted to hear that Tip stuck to his '90s roots but also incorporated many fresh sounds and rhythms that truly make him a solo artist. There isn't one single feature from another rapper on the album (something we hardly ever see these days) and there was simply no need to have any. Hip-hop heads have been waiting for "The Renaissance" for almost 10 years so why would they want to hear anybody else besides Q-Tip? The four featured singers really did a tremendously job and in my opinion placed the memorable finishing touches on the project. Q-Tip was right when he told Z that he wouldn't trade love even for a multi-platinum album. Love is so loosely touched by today's rappers and Q-Tip articulates the subject with such authenticity and genuineness everybody can relate to (take notes, Kanye). "The Renaissance" is one of my favorite albums of the year and by far my favorite mainstream body of work. It gets a 4.5 from me.”

“I find it amusing how underground hip-hop heads always carry around some amount of hate for mainstream rap. Hip-hop is hip-hop and meaningless categories only lead to biased views. There are a few producers out there who can throw Slug and Keak Da Sneak on the same track listing and Jake One did it really well. The beats on this album are knocking and all of the artists stepped up to the plate. Brother Ali mentioned in an interview that Little Brother and 50 Cent fight for the same Jake One beats. That should be the only reason for you to buy this album.”

“^ Are you insane? A classic is solidified through an entire body of work, not just the last few tracks on the project. The word "classic" shouldn't even be mentioned around this album, but T.I. delivered a solid release nonetheless considering his hectic personal situations and his responsibility to satisfy his fans at the same time. I have to fully agree with Nathan on this review. Even though T.I. is practically obligated to record top-40 potentential songs, he still came out will a different drive, a different purpose, as if he had to prove something to the rest of the world. "Paper Trial" is far from his best, but it's also far from his worst. In today's dieing industry, it really doesn't matter how good an album is for it to sell millions of copies. No one will be able to do what Lil Wayne did. No one. But I wouldn't be surprised if "Paper Trial's" up there with "Tha Carter III" as one of the top selling albums of year. T.I.'s swagger can do that.”

“N.E.R.D is an outlet for hip-hop heads (like myself) to be able to say that they listen to an actual "band." Pharrell, Chad, and Shay are the only dudes in hip-hop that can pull off a pop-rock band and still incorporate hip-hop influences at the same time. "Seeing Sounds" is clearly more experimental and innovative than their previous two albums, but their musical intent hasn't changed a bit. I agree that Pharrell has holes in his vocals and rhymes, but no one else will be able to compliment N.E.R.D's distinctive sound as well as Pharrell. Nobody can do what he did on "Everybody Nose," the band's chemistry just works. I had the chance to see them at the Glow in the Dark Tour and I was completely shocked at how well they performed live. I decided to skip on a Kanye souvenir and get a N.E.R.D shirt instead.”

“I just picked this up at the record store a couple of days ago and gave it a full listen today. The album is a really strong and well thought out project from Bun B. At times when an album has an excess amount of featured artists, it takes the focus away from the main performer, but Bun B still shines through the numerous guest spots. It is clear that each song has a pivotal purpose and the production work is spot on to compliment TX's signature swaggg. UGK 4 LIFE.”

“Buckshot and 9th wonder deliver once again! I'm still banging old Black Moon albums and it's fantastic to hear Buckshot collaborating with one of today's greatest producers. 9th Wonder's production may sound repetitive at times but it is no question that he has skillfully mastered his signature style. From Murs to Skyzoo, every MC 9th Wonder collaborates with is an instant match. I'm definitely going to be bumpin' all summer!”

“Some can even argue that Kanye West isn't hip-hop but I have to agree with you that hip-hop is taking something ordinary and totally flipping it around. Gnarls Barkley is the most unique group in industry and many people don't realize Cee-Lo's roots in the rap game as well as Danger Mouse's recognition in the underground scene. "The Odd Couple" is by no means as poppy as "St. Elsewhere," but it hits the soul harder with many underlying meanings. The production work is ingenious as Danger Mouse continues to prove himself to be the next "it" producer. Cee-Lo's voice isn't the best sounding one in the world, but his distinctive tone works perfectly with Danger Mouse's distinctive production. This album is way ahead its time, THIS IS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC.”

“REAL HIP-HOP IS NOT PLAYED ON THE RADIO. Bigs ups to you and Z for getting this on the site.”

“I bought this yesterday and jammed it into the evening. MJ truly can be considered the greatest pop artist of all-time. I am actually bumping the stuff my parents listened to and it still sounds fantastic. The remixes on this album were pretty much throw-ins nothing to go crazy over, but they serve as a great connection because the old generation and the new. MJ got the biggest artists he thought were the in the music industry and that just shows something about Yeezy, will, Fergie, and Akon. Thriillllaaaaaa!”

“Just got this...speechless...”

“I totally agree with you about Cassidy being a “gangster with a social consciousness." He has the entire Jay-Z formula going on being able to maintain a considerable amount of street cred and deliver quality music at the same time.”