The return of CL Smooth – and a nice surprise! We don't know why we should be surprised by CL's still sharp skills circa '05, given the pedigree. That's our problem – but these 2 tracks are problem free, contempory work from a true mic master! "Warm Outside" produced by Heatmakerz. "I Can't Help It" produced by Mike Lowe. 12-inch, Vinyl record

On his second LP, KRS wisely brings in producers Premier, Diamond D, Showbiz and others to liven things up. Except for "Free Mumia", less politics than his earlier LPs. 16 tracks including "MC's Act Like They Don't Know", "Rappaz R N Danja", "Represent the Real Hip Hop", and four BDP classics "I'm Still #1", "My Philosophy", "Jack of Spades", "Why Is That?", and guest vocals from Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Mad Lion, Channel Live, and Das Efx. LP, Vinyl record album

Exactly the kind of record that reminds us why we love Oddisee so much – and why he continues to be one of the freshest talents around – both from a lyrical and musical perspective! At some level, the album's as understated as the look of its cover – with a stripped-down vibe that never needs to push too hard, and which just moves perfectly with the vocal flow that the man himself delivers – with a simple, subtle quality that almost takes us back to that early moment when MCs were starting to break free of simple patterns in the 80s, and also allow some of themselves into their lyrics too. Titles include "Waiting Outside", "Rain Dance", "Things", "Built By Pictures", "Hold It Back", "Digging Deep", and "Things". LP, Vinyl record album