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Artist:
The Notorious B.I.G.
The King of Brooklyn, Biggie Smalls, busted through with an instant hip-hop classic on his first album, Ready to Die, but he outdid even his standard on Life After Death, an audible, posthumous autobiography about the life of the former dope dealer. The 2 CD set revels in death, especially on "Niggaz Bleed," "Somebody's Gotta Die," and "You're Nobody ('Til Somebody Kills You)," but it's painfully clear that this chestnut-cheeked, fun-loving father of two wanted to see his kids grow up on "Sky Is the Limit" and "Miss U," both of which point to the future. The album also serves as a testament to Biggie's flexibility: he adopts Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's rapid rhyme flow and Midwestern beats when they guest on "Notorious Thugs," he positively bounces on both "Mo Money Mo Problems" and "Going Back to Cali" (guesting Eazy Mo Bee), and even kicks it Wu-Tang style when RZA shows up for "Long Kiss Goodnight." --Asondra R. Hunter
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Artist:
Kanye West
For haters eager to see Kanye hit a sophomore slump--no such luck. Late Registration can't replicate the novelty of last year's College Dropout, but otherwise, this is an impressively more mature and labored-over album. Lyrically, Kanye's only improved a notch but musically, the album sounds incredible, especially with co-producer Jon Brion helping polish the songs to perfection. Tracks like "Heard 'Em Say" (featuring Maroon 5's Adam Levine) and "Hey Mama," are richly textured in their soulfulness while the flint-edge of "Crack Music" and "Gone" (feat. Cam'ron) will appeal to the street-oriented. There's a few duds on here--the sickly-sweet, syrupy "Bring Me Down" (feat. Brandy) being one of the worst offenders--but when the album's good, it's very, very good. In short, Kanye's detractors may not be swayed in their resistance to his charms but not only will his past supporters be rewarded but Late Registration has enough appeal to earn new crowds of fans. --Oliver Wang
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Artist:
M.I.A.
M.I.A.'s debut record is both intensely urban and aggressively modern. The group's sole member, Maya Arul, infuses her blend of hip-hop and chunky electro with raw, tribal overtones and a healthy dose of sex appeal. There are elements of world music here, in Arul's multilingual vocal as well as the tonal shifts and instrumentation (like the drone that opens up "Hombre"). Her delivery uses a variety of yelps and tics full of street-wise confidence and bratty energy. But there's also an appealing melodic sense, like early Neneh Cherry or Miss Kitten when she's not in diva mode. M.I.A. doesn't really sound like anybody; the music is just experimental enough to wiggle out of easy comparisons. The IDM-style bleeps and beeps of "Galang," for example, give an already catchy song extra punch. The only problem with the record, a common flaw for debuts, is a sameness from track to track which robs it of the ability to surprise. Still, Arul is hugely talented and her abundant originality packs a wallop. --Matthew Cooke
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Artist:
T.i.
T.I. has grown to truly be one of his generation's most captivating speakers. Whether he's conversing frankly with a room full of youth about the positive side of staying in school and following their dreams, or moving tens of thousands at one of his concerts, the audiences are immediately engrossed by the King of the South's words. T.I., here delivers his most potent and important LP to date; 'Paper Trail.'The title is a direct reference to T.I.'s return to literally writing down his lyrics- a practice he hasnt engaged in since his debut. By going back to the basics T.I. has evolved into a better MC. The album features guest appearances and production by Lil Wayne. Rihanna, Usher, The Dream, Fall Out Boy, Kanye West, B.O.B, John Legend, DJ Toomp, Swizz Beatz, Drumma Boy, & Danja. This is the clean version.
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Artist:
Various Artists
Queen of the Damned, the movie starring Aaliyah features a soundtrack including Marilyn Manson, Papa Roach, Orgy, Static X. The soundtrack also includes a first time solo offering from Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. Warner Bros. Records. 2002.
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Artist:
Eminem
UK version of the controversial rapper's sophomore album, one of the fastest-selling rap albums of all time. Includes one bonus track, 'The Kids'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.
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Artist:
Nas
Nas is back and more controversial than ever on his new untitled Def Jam release. On this, his 9th studio album, Nas studies and lyrically dissects some of the our most divisive issues: race, inequality, poverty, and power. And who better to stir up debate than the man most consider one of the top five emcees in the history of the game? From his brilliant 1994 debut Illmatic, to his mainstream success with It Was Written, to anthems like "Hate Me Now" and "One Mic" and his venomous lyricism on "Ether," Nas' ability to tell stories, educate, make you dance--and make you look--is the stuff of rap legend. The outspoken Queensbridge rapper has sold over 15 million albums worldwide over the course of his storied career. Nas' Def Jam debut, Hip-Hop Is Dead, was released in December 2006 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 with over 350,000 copies sold in its first week. Preparing now for the 2nd Def Jam release, Nas is ready to release his untitled album on July 15th.
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Artist:
2Pac
An indispensable and definitive collection showcasing the passionate genius of the late rapper. The album's nonchronological sequence highlights the contradictory impulses that made Tupac's music so commanding; the 21 well-loved "hits," some slightly reedited for legal reasons, are accompanied by four previously unheard songs. Of the new material, the raw-sounding "God Bless the Dead" has been the subject of the most speculation, owing to its subject matter: a eulogizing of the late Notorious B.I.G.--a mysterious feat, since Tupac was killed six months before Biggie. And, making its first proper appearance on a Tupac album, the B-side "Hit 'Em Up" stands as the most intense outburst of pure venomous rage ever captured on tape. Whether he's waxing political, philosophical, or just plain paranoid, Tupac's empathetic, charismatic style remains unmatched. --Charley Gothic
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Artist:
Rehab
Explicit Version. 'We always thought 'Bartender Song (Sittin' At A Bar)' was a hit song, but our old label didn't agree and was not interested in pushing it. So we decided to re-record it with better sounds and give it to Universal Republic because they believed in us. It's truly a unique situation when a band has to cover their own song to make it work.' per Danny Boone -founder of Rehab. 'Whether your listeners have been playing this one in their local dive for the last several years or they're new to the song, Rehab's 'Sittin' At A Bar' will strike an immediate chord and will set the phones on fire faster than a bartender can light a pyramid of Flaming Dr. Peppers...' DJ Frito - KJYO of Oklahoma City.
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Artist:
Robyn
2007 UK pressing of the Swedish diva's self-titled album. Although she has been recording for more than a decade, her musical reinvention at the turn of the millennium has increased her profile worldwide. The critically acclaimed album features 15 tracks including the singles 'Konichiwa Bitches' and `With Every Heartbeat'. Island.
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