For fans of: k-os, Brother Ali, Jurassic 5, Murs, El-P

El-P is as angry and cynical as ever, but he may also be at his furtively funny best, here. He has never been my favorite out of these three, but he has easily been the most consistent and he quite possibly has just forcibly grabbed the torch from Sage Francis, who took a step back for the first time in his career on his own 2007 effort, Human: the Death Dance. This is also El-Producto's most consistent individual release as far as a "track to track" basis goes and the perfect amount of fine guest appearances, led by the suddenly rejuvenated Trent Reznor, adds that special touch of a little something different here and there to make sure that things don't get old too quickly. Not that you have to worry about that with El-P anyway. He's still one of the most unique voices around today and along with these other two fellows (and countless others) continues to be one of the main reasons that the underground has, for years now, overtaken the mainstream and become the official home of "real hip-hop".

For fans of: Aesop Rock, Cage, Sage Francis, Trent Reznor, Sole (whether he likes it or not)

Sole has always been ahead of his time. His poetic cadence and deft witticism is over too many people's heads, but he hasn't sounded this accessible since Bottle of Humans, the album that should have made him a living legend. It will still be a bit much for those who are accustomed to a more basic, or shitty brand of hip-hop, so anybody without a brain or who was born in the late 80's or early 90's should stay away from this. But for those who miss the days when gifted lyricists were as important as the perfect beat and when knowledge was one of the most important elements of hip hop, this will be more your cup of tea. Sole will never be for everybody, but I think it says a hell of a lot more about the state of our world today than it does about the artistic ability of one Sole, because when it comes to pure artform, Sole is one of the most genuine purveyors of it that you will ever meet.

For fans of: Buck 65, Saul Williams, De La Soul, El-P (whether he likes it or not)

Reservations For Two
24. (tie) Bless 1 - Starving Artist (self-released)
24. (tie) Citizens of Sleep - Sometimes I Just Can't Get Outraged Over Copyright Law (barakanoel.com)
The music industry is having a hell of a hard time right now, but that hasn't stopped this from being one of the most exciting times for music in many years. Two of the most dynamic rap releases of the year not only came from artists that I had never heard of, but they were also both available for free via the internets. This was by far the best money I've never spent and I therefore plan on shelling out some legal tender to these individuals as soon as possible.