Curren$y

Stoners aren't known for their work ethic, but Curren$y is labouring to change the stereotype. Only months separate Pilot Talk II from its excellent prequel, but it's just as strong, thanks to the incredible chemistry between the herbal-obsessed Nawlins MC and producer Ski Beatz. The Camp Lo/Jay-Z mastermind largely handles the production, along with live band the Senseis, his spacious, gorgeous beats perfectly matching Curren$y's blunted drawl. The music encompasses luxurious '70s funk ("Real Estate"), '80s R&B ("Famous") and '90s jazz rap ("Flight Briefing"). Those familiar with Curren$y know what to expect: effortless raps about the lush life over breezy, warm production. Though his topics rarely stretch beyond weed, cars and chicks, Curren$y's incredible flow and gift for unusual imagery command the listener's attention; he predicts the death of fake rappers as "written all over niggas like Dapper Dan" and brags about "rolling with Optimus Prime listening to Primus." A sharp verse from Raekwon on the remix of "Michael Knight" is just icing. This might be a sequel, but Pilot Talk II isn't in a holding pattern; it's a creative renaissance. Bring on Pilot Talk III!