Kris: Site Programmer

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  Talib Kweli — Ear Drum

  Throw away keeping track of sales counts, chart placements, and award nods--Talib Kweli has made simply the best hip-hop album of the year. It's one of those cliche from beginning to the end albums that we here had the privilege of hearing early on in the year, and to this day it is still in rotation in my car and iPhone. Point being, it's an instantly timeless album that will be enjoyed equally if heard years from now.

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  DJ Jazzy Jeff — The Return of the Magnificent

  DJ Jazzy Jeff upholds his magnificence in both production and the art of scratching in what could easily be considered one of the top hip-hop releases of 2007. As if the tracks weren't hot enough instrumentally, each are blessed with verses from first-class lyricists such as Big Daddy Kane, Pos (of De La Soul), CL Smooth, and Method Man, as well as local Philly talents Kel Spencer (who is featured on my favorite track on the album, "The Definition") and Def Poetry Jammer Black Ice. Pick this up now if you haven't already.

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  UGK — UGK (Underground Kingz)

  I didn't just pick UGK's latest because of the untimely death of Pimp C; it's actually a really good record. I can't speak for T.I.'s album (since I didn't take the time to listen to it), but with the dozens of Southern one-hit wonders released in 2007, it is refreshing to hear an entire Southern album that possesses exceptionally-produced beats and a duo whose complementary lyrical delivery you can actually comprehend.

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  DJ 2tall feat. Dudley Perkins, Georgia Anne Muldrow — Beautiful Mindz

  Dudley's usual blunted flow pairs well with Georgia's hypnotic vocal accompaniments in this unexpected precursor to the duo's actual album, Message Uni Versa. It's kind of sad, though, how Beautiful Mindz leaves Uni Versa in the dollar bin as far as overall quality and sound. DJ 2tall did a tremendous job putting this album together, and he showcases a versatile production style that will surely attract the attention of other artists looking for beats, as well as new fans across the world.

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  Kero One Presents — Plug Label

  This is a feel-good-music type of compilation highlighting a selection of releases from Kero One's Plug Label record label. It's heavy in groovy jazz-sampled production with a positive lyrical vibe throughout. If you're looking for a good alternative to the current rap noise heard on the radio, then pick this up and support some real hip-hop.