A HIP HOP STATE OF MIND

Release Dates

his week, February gained new releases from Bekay, LMNO, Madlib, Maino, and Sadat X. As Erykah Badu, Ludacris, and Snoop Dogg experienced intra-month shifting, March picked up upcoming projects by Juice, Madlib, and Main Flow. In addition, Brisco, One Be Lo, and Rhymefest have called the second quarter home, while Soulja Boy has prepped for a third quarter release.

January 26.

Featured Release: Reminiscent of notable up-and-comers like Blu and Tanya Morgan, L.A.’s CookBook and UNO Mas are back again on January 26 with their sixth release (C&U Music Factory), including guest spots from Evidence and DJ Rhettmatic.

Featured Release: Known for his production on NYOIL’s Hood Treason, Vancouver-based beatsmith Rel!g!on will drop his debut album (Revelationz I) via digital outlets on the same day, featuring appearances by Chuck D, Donny Goines, NYOIL, Planet Asia, and Shyheim.

Additional Releases: Bushwick Bill (My Testimony Of Redemption), Corinne Bailey Rae (The Sea), Cymarshall Law (Creators Kid EP), DJ K.O. (Living Out A State Of Mind Vol. 3), Fabolous (Funeral Service: There Is No Competition 2), Georgia Anne Muldrow (Doobie Down EP), K-Murdock (Piano-rama), Mitchy Slick and affiliates Tha Wrongkind (Yellow Tape), Oddisee (Traveling Man digital version), Raekwon (Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II; purple vinyl), and Strong Arm Steady (In Search Of Stoney Jackson; physical version).

February 2.
Featured Release: Having opened for Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G., Haitian rapper Ques will unveil his fourth album (RAP2K10) via online retailers on February 1, with assistance from The-Dream. In addition to being released via flash drive, the Internet sensation will donate the proceeds to the Red Cross and Wyclef Jean’s Yele organization.

Featured Release: The following day, Maino will drop a digital four-track EP (Unstoppable) via Atlantic Records, featuring his ode to Tiger Woods (“Get Em Tiger”).

Additional Releases: Big Noyd (Queens Chronicle; physical version), Chamillionaire (Major Pain), Lil Wayne (Rebirth), Madlib (Medicine Show No. 1: Before The Verdict; physical version), Statik Selektah (100 Proof (The Hangover)), and Styles P and DJ Green Lantern (The Green Ghost Project).

February 9.

Featured Release: Bekay will follow-up his 2009 LP (Hunger Pains) with The Hunger Pains Remix EP on February 9, a three-track digital EP featuring a guest spot by Dilated Peoples. Featured Release: On the same day, Brooklyn producer DJ Center is set to release his debut album (Everything In Time), fueled by the Oddisee-assisted single “Leave The City Outside.”

Featured Release: Also slated for February 9 is Kuniva of D-12’s upcoming mixtape (Retribution: The Mixtape), which includes collaborations with Royce Da 5’9” and his Dirty Dozen cohorts Bizarre, Mr. Porter, and Swifty McVay.

Additional Releases: Canibus (Melatonin Magik), DJ Kay Slay (More Than Just A DJ), Georgia Anne Muldrow (Kings Ballad), Gil Scott-Heron (I’m New Here), Jaheim (Another Round), Kurupt (Down And Dirty), and Sade (Soldier Of Love).

February 16.

Featured Release: Featured in this week’s installment of Court Dunn and HipHopDX’s 16 Bars series, Johnny Polygon will release his full-length album (Rebel Without Applause), presented by DJ Green Lantern, on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

Featured Release: Two days later, AccessHipHop.com is reporting that Sadat X will put out a 12” EP on February 16, in anticipation for his Wild Cowboys II album (February 23).

Featured Release: On the same day, LMNO of Visionaries will drop Push That Work, his first of 10 planned 2010 albums.

Additional Releases: Freeway and Jake One (The Stimulus Package), Mathematics (Return Of The Wu And Friends), Slum Village (Fantastic Vol. 2.10; physical version), and The Jacka (Dre Area Vol. 2).
February 23.

Featured Release: Equally ambitious, Madlib is scheduled to unleash two albums on February 23 (Miles Away and Madlib Medicine Show No. 2: Flight To Brazil). One month later, the Grammy-nominated producer will drop the third chapter in his Madlib Medicine Show series (Madlib Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta In Africa and India) on March 23.

Featured Release: Nominated for the 2009 San Diego Music Awards’ Best Hip Hop category, up-and-coming artist Jimmy Powers will drop his debut album (The Califoreigner) on February 23, featuring assistance by Blame One, Copywrite, and La Coka Nostra’s Slaine.

Additional Releases: DJ Babu (The Beat Tape Vol. 2), Elusive (District 2 District), General Steele (Amerikka’s Nightmare Part 2: Children Of War), Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime (SomeOthaShip), K. Sparks (A Day In The Life), k-os (Yes!), Oddisee (Traveling Man; physical version), Planet Asia and Gold Chain Military (Chain Of Command), Rob Swift (The Architect), Sadat X (Wild Cowboys II), Snoop Dogg (The West Coast Blueprint), and U-N-I and Ro Blvd. (A Love Supreme 2.0).

March 2.

Featured Release: After a six-year hiatus, Main Flow of Mood will return with his third album (Return Of The Castle) on March 2, featuring guest spots by Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na, Esoteric, and The Grouch.

Additional Releases: Bun B (Trill O.G.), DJ Khaled (Victory), Jason Derulo (Jason Derulo), Lil Flip (Ahead Of My Time), Missy Elliott (Block Party), Raheem DeVaughn (The Love & War MasterPeace), and Usher (Raymond V. Raymond).

March 9.

Featured Release: Freestyle legend Juice will drop his sixth album (The Gift) on March 9. The project comes after a four-year self-imposed break, feeling as though his talent was being unappreciated by fans.

Additional Releases: Kidz In The Hall (Land Of Make Believe), Mariah Carey (Angels Advocate), and Reks (R.E.K.S.).

es: Chamillionaire, Ludacris, Canibus & More This week, February gained new releases from Bekay, LMNO, Madlib, Maino, and Sadat X. As Erykah Badu, Ludacris, and Snoop Dogg experienced intra-month shifting, March picked up upcoming projects by Juice, Madlib, and Main Flow. In addition, Brisco, One Be Lo, and Rhymefest have called the second quarter home, while Soulja Boy has prepped for a third quarter release.

January 26.

Featured Release: Reminiscent of notable up-and-comers like Blu and Tanya Morgan, L.A.’s CookBook and UNO Mas are back again on January 26 with their sixth release (C&U Music Factory), including guest spots from Evidence and DJ Rhettmatic.

Featured Release: Known for his production on NYOIL’s Hood Treason, Vancouver-based beatsmith Rel!g!on will drop his debut album (Revelationz I) via digital outlets on the same day, featuring appearances by Chuck D, Donny Goines, NYOIL, Planet Asia, and Shyheim.
Additional Releases: Bushwick Bill (My Testimony Of Redemption), Corinne Bailey Rae (The Sea), Cymarshall Law (Creators Kid EP), DJ K.O. (Living Out A State Of Mind Vol. 3), Fabolous (Funeral Service: There Is No Competition 2), Georgia Anne Muldrow (Doobie Down EP), K-Murdock (Piano-rama), Mitchy Slick and affiliates Tha Wrongkind (Yellow Tape), Oddisee (Traveling Man digital version), Raekwon (Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...Pt. II; purple vinyl), and Strong Arm Steady (In Search Of Stoney Jackson; physical version).

February 2.
Featured Release: Having opened for Jay-Z and The Notorious B.I.G., Haitian rapper Ques will unveil his fourth album (RAP2K10) via online retailers on February 1, with assistance from The-Dream. In addition to being released via flash drive, the Internet sensation will donate the proceeds to the Red Cross and Wyclef Jean’s Yele organization.

Featured Release: The following day, Maino will drop a digital four-track EP (Unstoppable) via Atlantic Records, featuring his ode to Tiger Woods (“Get Em Tiger”).

Additional Releases: Big Noyd (Queens Chronicle; physical version), Chamillionaire (Major Pain), Lil Wayne (Rebirth), Madlib (Medicine Show No. 1: Before The Verdict; physical version), Statik Selektah (100 Proof (The Hangover)), and Styles P and DJ Green Lantern (The Green Ghost Project).

February 9.

Featured Release: Bekay will follow-up his 2009 LP (Hunger Pains) with The Hunger Pains Remix EP on February 9, a three-track digital EP featuring a guest spot by Dilated Peoples. Featured Release: On the same day, Brooklyn producer DJ Center is set to release his debut album (Everything In Time), fueled by the Oddisee-assisted single “Leave The City Outside.”

Featured Release: Also slated for February 9 is Kuniva of D-12’s upcoming mixtape (Retribution: The Mixtape), which includes collaborations with Royce Da 5’9” and his Dirty Dozen cohorts Bizarre, Mr. Porter, and Swifty McVay.

Additional Releases: Canibus (Melatonin Magik), DJ Kay Slay (More Than Just A DJ), Georgia Anne Muldrow (Kings Ballad), Gil Scott-Heron (I’m New Here), Jaheim (Another Round), Kurupt (Down And Dirty), and Sade (Soldier Of Love).

February 16.

Featured Release: Featured in this week’s installment of Court Dunn and HipHopDX’s 16 Bars series, Johnny Polygon will release his full-length album (Rebel Without Applause), presented by DJ Green Lantern, on Valentine’s Day (February 14).

Featured Release: Two days later, AccessHipHop.com is reporting that Sadat X will put out a 12” EP on February 16, in anticipation for his Wild Cowboys II album (February 23).

Featured Release: On the same day, LMNO of Visionaries will drop Push That Work, his first of 10 planned 2010 albums.

Additional Releases: Freeway and Jake One (The Stimulus Package), Mathematics (Return Of The Wu And Friends), Slum Village (Fantastic Vol. 2.10; physical version), and The Jacka (Dre Area Vol. 2).

February 23.

Featured Release: Equally ambitious, Madlib is scheduled to unleash two albums on February 23 (Miles Away and Madlib Medicine Show No. 2: Flight To Brazil). One month later, the Grammy-nominated producer will drop the third chapter in his Madlib Medicine Show series (Madlib Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta In Africa and India) on March 23.

Featured Release: Nominated for the 2009 San Diego Music Awards’ Best Hip Hop category, up-and-coming artist Jimmy Powers will drop his debut album (The Califoreigner) on February 23, featuring assistance by Blame One, Copywrite, and La Coka Nostra’s Slaine.

Additional Releases: DJ Babu (The Beat Tape Vol. 2), Elusive (District 2 District), General Steele (Amerikka’s Nightmare Part 2: Children Of War), Georgia Anne Muldrow and Declaime (SomeOthaShip), K. Sparks (A Day In The Life), k-os (Yes!), Oddisee (Traveling Man; physical version), Planet Asia and Gold Chain Military (Chain Of Command), Rob Swift (The Architect), Sadat X (Wild Cowboys II), Snoop Dogg (The West Coast Blueprint), and U-N-I and Ro Blvd. (A Love Supreme 2.0).

March 2.

Featured Release: After a six-year hiatus, Main Flow of Mood will return with his third album (Return Of The Castle) on March 2, featuring guest spots by Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na, Esoteric, and The Grouch.

Additional Releases: Bun B (Trill O.G.), DJ Khaled (Victory), Jason Derulo (Jason Derulo), Lil Flip (Ahead Of My Time), Missy Elliott (Block Party), Raheem DeVaughn (The Love & War MasterPeace), and Usher (Raymond V. Raymond).

March 9.

Featured Release: Freestyle legend Juice will drop his sixth album (The Gift) on March 9. The project comes after a four-year self-imposed break, feeling as though his talent was being unappreciated by fans.

Additional Releases: Kidz In The Hall (Land Of Make Believe), Mariah Carey (Angels Advocate), and Reks (R.E.K.S.).

March 16.

Featured Release: On March 16, Ludacris will unleash his upcoming project (Battle Of The Sexes), featuring Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj and Trina.

Featured Release: Scheduled for the same day, Zion I producer Amp Live will present his Electronic and Hip Hop-fused record (Murder At The Discotech), boasting appearances by Eligh, Fashawn, Mickey Factz, The Grouch, Trackademicks, and Zumbi of Zion I.

Additional Releases: Andre Nickatina (Khan!! The Me Generation), Chamillionaire (Venom), and Yukmouth (Free At Last).

March 23.

Featured Release: Following up his 2009 LP (Malice N Wonderland), Snoop Dogg will re-release the project (Malice N Wonderland: More Malice) on March 23, with newfound assistance by Bun B, Butch Cassidy, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, and Mac Lucci.

Additional Releases: Big Boi of Outkast (Sir Luscious Left Foot: Son Of Chico Dusty), Brotha Lynch Hung (Dinner And A Movie), Cam’ron affiliates The U.N. (Gunz N’ Butta), Donwill of Tanya Morgan (Don Cusack In High Fidelity), Game (The R.E.D. Album), J-Kwon, Jamie Foxx (Body), Joell Ortiz of Slaughterhouse (Free Agent), Madlib (Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta In Africa And India), Marco Polo and Ruste Juxx (The eXXecution), Memphis Bleek (The Process), Monica (Still Standing), Plies (Goon Affiliated), Redman (Reggie Noble 9½), Three 6 Mafia (Laws Of Power), TQ (Kind Of Blue), and Yo Gotti (Live From The Kitchen).

March 30.

Featured Releases: Rounding out the month are newly announced releases by Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Pt. 2 (Return Of The Ankh)) and Wordsmith (Vintage Experience) on March 30.

Additional Releases: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Uni-5: The World’s Enemy), Drake (Thank Me Later), E-40 (Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift and Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift), T-Pain (RevolveЯ), and yU (Before Taxes; physical version).

April 6.

Featured Release: The Oakland trio Chosen Few will drop their debut album (New World Symphony) on April 6, kicking off an assortment of 2010 releases from their Hieroglyphics camp.

Additional Releases: BLESTeNATION (Welcome To MBugout City) and Cypress Hill (RISE UP).

April 13.

Featured Release: Fueled by their single “Love MD,” Dru Hill will return with their first album in eight years (InDRUpendence Day) on April 13. The project also marks the group’s first release with new group member Tao.

Additional Releases: Flying Lotus (DJ Kicks) and Jennifer Lopez (Love?).

April 20 and 27.

Featured Release: After causing a commotion this week with his response (“Waka Blacka”) to Gucci Mane’s diss (“Heavy”), Cash Money/Poe Boy artist Brisco is eyeing an April 20 release for his debut album (Street Medicine).

Featured Release: Also slated for April, One Be Lo of Binary Star will release his first album in three years (B.A.B.Y. (Being A Black Youth)), with appearances by Black Milk, Devin The Dude, Freeway, Guilty Simpson, Jean Grae, Kam Moye, Phonte of Little Brother, Royce Da 5’9”, and Zion I.

Additional Releases: Apollo Brown (Reset), Bizzy Bone, Capone-N-Noreaga (The War Report II), D. Woods of Dannity Kane (My Favorite Color), Devin The Dude (Suite #420), Flying Lotus (Cosmogramma), Georgia Anne Muldrow (Turiya’s Smile), J. Hood ($orry I Made You Wait), Nappy Roots (The Pursuit To Nappyness), and Nas and Damian Marley (Distant Relatives).

May 2010.

Featured Releases: Slated for May are releases by G-Unit producer Nick Speed (This Side Of The Speaker), Rhymefest (El Che), and The-Dream (Love King).

Additional Releases: Trek Life (Everything Changed Nothing) on May 4, Evidence (Cats & Dogs) on May 11, Jagged Edge (The Remedy) on May 18, and B.o.B. (The Adventures Of Bobby Ray), Nelly Furtado, and Trek Life on May 25.

Summer 2010.

Featured Releases: Additional release dates announcements this week were for Soulja Boy (The DeAndre Way) on July 29 and Philthy Rich (Funk Season 2) on August 3.

Additional Releases: Ja Rule (Venni Vetti Vecci 2010) on June 1, Kutt Calhoun (Raw & Unkutt) and Trina (Amazin’) on June 8, and 2Pac (Shakurspeare) on June 16.

On The Horizon: Fans should also be on the lookout for upcoming collaboration albums by The Four Horsemen, B.G. and Lil Boosie (Bad Azz & Gizzle), Get Busy Committee (Uzi Did It), Goodie Mob, and KRS-ONE and True Master (Meta-Historical).