In spite of hip hop's current creative quagmire, I was still able to find 10 songs that meet the Stink Zone's exceedingly high standards. We start off this season's Top 10 with the appropriately titled "Lights, Camera, Action" by Mr. Cheeks.

Ken Boogaloo and Yeshua Da Poed (Wee Bee Foolish) continue their tradition of solid lyrics and tasteful beats on "This Kid".

Swollen Members may have won Canada's prestigious Juno Award. But if the judging were up to me, I would have voted for Saukrates and Kardinal Offishall, who team up on the nostalgic "Doin' It". This catchy, radio-friendly song appears on Nettwerk's "Longplay" compilation CD. Sadly, it may never come out on vinyl. But if you've just got to have some Canadian tunes... pick up Kardinal's new single, which includes the Stalag-based "Maxine".

Freestyle Fellowship just released a new album. And I am sorry to say that the best track on it is the "Supernat Interlude", which is basically Supernat's ode to Aceyalone, Micah 9, Self-Jupiter, and PEACE. Very touching.

Representing the West Coast side of our countdown, Droop Capone (aka Dr. Oop), barely saves his latest single with an ode to the year that the Stink Zone started. I mean, he doesn't actually mention the Stink Zone... but that's why it's an important year.

As if we needed proof that hip hop's creative well is running dry... both Nas and Scram Jones jack some hugely famous beats, yet still manage to redeem themselves by stepping up the vocal delivery.

Oh? You say I missed someone?... that must be Bubba Sparxxx. Don't know nuthin about him. But I'd say he sounds like he's probly on MTV or sumthin. Dammit I missed another one too: Roots Manuva. Probably not on MTV. Dope MC with a freaky beat. Not about cars or clothes, money or hoes. MTV... bad. Roots Manuva... good.