1. K-os
Atlantis: Hymns for Disco (EMI)
"Hes introspective, intelligent, poetic and has a fabulous sense of rhythm and stylised sounds. And for once, he has a positive, educational message for his audience. Elliana Grinstein, Winnipeg MB
"I love anything that challenges the norm of shit-hop. He brings it back to the old school and as far away from producers like Scott Storch and Timbaland as possible. The rhymes actually say something and his singing voice has taken strides on this album. Ryan Sadler, London ON
2. Ghostface Killah
Fishscale (Def Jam)
"Ghostface has recorded a genre invigorating album hip-hop that doesnt merely rely upon looping and taking credit for the musical accomplishments of others, with verses that dont boast of bitches and gats. Fishscale boasts a production that is full and warm, thus immersing the listener in the world Ghostface vividly portrays lyrically. He is a storyteller as cheesy as that might sound and this album does it justice with beats and instrumentation that sound full bodied, with back-up singers performing as a coked out Motown choir. Chad Barnes, Montreal QC
3. The Roots
Game Theory (Def Jam)
"Although they are not a conventional hip-hop group by any stretch of the imagination, that is perhaps the greatest asset the Roots possess. Masterminds ?uestlove and Black Thought deliver another mind-blowing record that shows even hip-hop music doesnt have to be all about the bling-bling or the number of Bentleys you own. Game Theory is an eclectic ride through Philly, delivering a fine blend of soul, R&B, jazz and rap that gets more infectious with each listen. Charley Misner, Oshawa ON
4. Cadence Weapon
Breaking Kayfabe (Upper Class)
"It is pretty damn hard to make it in Canada as a hip-hop artist but this guy has done it, and with a very unique sound. Love the beats and love the flow. Andrew Clendinning, Peterborough ON
"Home grown rap that appeals to hardcore rap fans, indie rockers and the general public. This kid is the shit. Paul Borchert, Edmonton AB
5. Lupe Fiasco
Food & Liquor (Atlantic)
"Ive just been getting so sick of crappy hip-hop, and there so much of it right now. Lupes brought back a little bit of that old conscious hip-hop that I used to love in groups like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Lupe will stand the test of time. Richard Wood, Bowmanville ON
Atlantis: Hymns for Disco (EMI)
"Hes introspective, intelligent, poetic and has a fabulous sense of rhythm and stylised sounds. And for once, he has a positive, educational message for his audience. Elliana Grinstein, Winnipeg MB
"I love anything that challenges the norm of shit-hop. He brings it back to the old school and as far away from producers like Scott Storch and Timbaland as possible. The rhymes actually say something and his singing voice has taken strides on this album. Ryan Sadler, London ON
2. Ghostface Killah
Fishscale (Def Jam)
"Ghostface has recorded a genre invigorating album hip-hop that doesnt merely rely upon looping and taking credit for the musical accomplishments of others, with verses that dont boast of bitches and gats. Fishscale boasts a production that is full and warm, thus immersing the listener in the world Ghostface vividly portrays lyrically. He is a storyteller as cheesy as that might sound and this album does it justice with beats and instrumentation that sound full bodied, with back-up singers performing as a coked out Motown choir. Chad Barnes, Montreal QC
3. The Roots
Game Theory (Def Jam)
"Although they are not a conventional hip-hop group by any stretch of the imagination, that is perhaps the greatest asset the Roots possess. Masterminds ?uestlove and Black Thought deliver another mind-blowing record that shows even hip-hop music doesnt have to be all about the bling-bling or the number of Bentleys you own. Game Theory is an eclectic ride through Philly, delivering a fine blend of soul, R&B, jazz and rap that gets more infectious with each listen. Charley Misner, Oshawa ON
4. Cadence Weapon
Breaking Kayfabe (Upper Class)
"It is pretty damn hard to make it in Canada as a hip-hop artist but this guy has done it, and with a very unique sound. Love the beats and love the flow. Andrew Clendinning, Peterborough ON
"Home grown rap that appeals to hardcore rap fans, indie rockers and the general public. This kid is the shit. Paul Borchert, Edmonton AB
5. Lupe Fiasco
Food & Liquor (Atlantic)
"Ive just been getting so sick of crappy hip-hop, and there so much of it right now. Lupes brought back a little bit of that old conscious hip-hop that I used to love in groups like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Lupe will stand the test of time. Richard Wood, Bowmanville ON