RASCO Time Waits For No Man

One of the strongest performances of all time is Rasco and Fanatik's "Unassisted". Bucking the recent trend of bolstering every song with a reputable cameo, Time Waits is a solo trip of the highest order. Rasco's not a player or a roughneck... just a guy who happens to KICK ASS on the mic. Though many of the tracks lack the punch to keep up with Rasco's aggressive lyrics, "What It's All About" and Me & My Crew prove that Rasco has finally achieved the success he has worked hard for.

PLANET ASIA EP

Rarely does the cutting edge of hip hop production and vocals collide so brilliantly as on this EP produced by Fanatik. Hailing from Fresno, California, Planet Asia will draw you into his orbit with tracks like "On The Corner" (pt.1&2), "Handlin' My Business", "Kalidascope", and the industrial-tinged "Schoolyard Riders". Aside from this EP, Planet Asia's incredible freestyle rotations and a sparkling nebula of collaborations should have you all tuned in to the fact that he is one of the brightest stars in the underground galaxy.

T-LOVE Return of the B-Girl

Two breakthroughs on one album. First -- and I've gotta be straight up about it -- is that this is the best solo release by a female MC that I've ever heard... by a long shot. Second, the EP's strongest cut, the anthemic "L.A. To Brooklyn", really bridges the gap between New York and Los Angeles hip hop. That's mostly because This Kid Named Miles has such a jazzy, New York-influenced production style. But also because two of New York's finest MCs -- Siah and Yeshua da poED -- make their first appearance on an album recorded in Los Angeles. Another prodigious Brooklynite, Kool Keith, also makes a strong appearance on the title cut, "Return of the B-Girl". And now let's all get very excited for this b-girl's next return.

GANG STARR Moment of Truth

Guru and Premier "update their formula" and the result is the most consistent album of 1998. Longevity has lead to maturity. Premier has further refined his sublime balance of melodic subtlety and rhythmic authority on tracks like "Above The Clouds" (featuring Inspectah Deck) and "What I'm Here 4". The lyrics and dialog do get a little weak in spots. But Guru now seems less concerned with his status and more focused on giving sound advice and perceptive insights to fellow members of the hip-hop community. Get deep into Gang Starr at Sean's Massive Hip-Hop Site.

ALL NATURAL No Additives, No Preservatives

The most solid album to emerge from Chicago since Common's Resurrection, Capital D and Tone B. Nimble set the record straight from track 1. A very conscious effort. Maybe even too conscious. The rough edges and idiosyncracies that set many artists apart are notably absent. Still, this is an exceptional album, with cuts like Fresh Air, Phantoms of the Opera, It's O.K., and Thinkin' Cap showing All Natural's mature lyrics and often laid-back style.

MIXMASTER MIKE Anti-Theft Device

From deep within his anus (that's Uranus to you Earth people), MMM The Serial [Tracks] Killer drops a load of stinky surrealism right on your head. Lots of sequencing and familiar samples. But also the mindbending scratches, breaks, and cuts that have made the Skratch Picklz turntabling's current pioneers. For a "DJ" album, Anti-Theft Device is exceptionally listenable, and covers a nice range of styles, emotions, and realitie.

STRETCH ARMSTRONG Lesson 2

Though this "mix-CD" lacks the juggling and scratching of Premier's Reality Check or Rhettmatic's mix (below), Stretch blends nothing but the finest underground joints of 1998. Representing not only the East Coast, but also West Coast artists such as Dilated Peoples and Defari, Stretch's CD is a good slice of hip-hop in 1998. Strong cuts include High & Mighty's "Open Mic Night" and Rahsheed & Ill Advised's "Redd Hott".

THE WORLD FAMOUS BEAT JUNKIES Volume 2

When combined with Primo's Reality Check from '97 and Stretch's Lesson 2, you can rest assured that you've heard some of the dopest hip-hop of the last two years. Rhettmatic wanted a mix-CD that wasn't just a bunch of crossfaded singles. What results is a mix that runs the gamut of DJing, with an emphasis on West Coast artists. Highlights include Show & AG's "Spit", Rasco's "What It's All About", the stomping "Hoes To Doe" by the Foot Soljaaz, T-Love's "I'm Comin" and "The Rules" by Krondon. Don't feel bad if you've been sleeping on this shit... only recently has the West Coast witnessed such a strong surge of underground talent.