Roc-A-Fella is back! Well sort of… call it a relaunch and 1st up to bat’s Philly’s own Freeway. Harder than his debut? Naw, man just more focused and I am really diggin’ this album. A collaboration between Jay-Z and 50 Cent, both heads serving as Executive Producers, It’s release is a solid banger no doubt. Set Free apart from other rappers with his raspy on-point rhymes and lace him up with that “Been there, done that” attitude, there is life beyond the block… Free’s back to let you know.

Oh it is real… on “This can’t be real” Freeway looks back the struggles growin’ up to meeting with ROC heads and starting his career… stay up kid your music is a reality! Jay-Z seems to know what track to lend his skills to because “Roc-A-Fella Billionaires” is off the chain. The beat catches wreck with Jay goin’ head to head with Free’s grimy lyrics. Sorry- I wasn’t feeling 50’s “Take it to the Top”… I really wish 50 would kick back and stop singing and drop that “I get Money” type flavor on Freeway’s track. The track is lacking… “Spit that shit” is vintage G-Unit sound… thats 1 track I would’ve rather heard 50 rep. It’s always good to have Scarface featured on a track… he just breaks it down and brings the best outta Free… peep the track “Baby don’t do it” it’s straight knowledge. “Walk wit me” is a Posse cut featuring Jada Kiss and Busta Rhymes thats on some veteran Hip-Hop mentality, you can really appreciate their appearance.

Yes Freeway is back and just in time. While the industry is signing new young talent for ring tones to go platinum I think we’re treated with a certified recommendations from the likes of Jay-Z and 50 rather than a shady A&R in search of the next big money makin’ hit. The streets is tight and Freeways reppin’ it right!

Word up… The Roc Boys in the Buildin’ tonight!

Hush… this is grown man talk. Jay-Z is back and he’s getting mad creative on the concept tip. American Gangster summed up as “collection of all-new original material is a musical journey and lyrical interpretation of snapshots from the upcoming motion picture American Gangster (starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe) balancing the line between pure entertainment and real life.” Jay certainly has brought back the whole concept album to Hip-Hop and gives us what true heads want. A compromise between Jay’s lyrics and music that Jay appreciates presenting that classic Jay-Z vibe. The beats are as soulful and consistent as his last truly great album- “The Blue Print”

On with the tracks… True to life lyrics come to life on “American Dreaming” over an extremely soulful vibe. A tag team I didn’t expect featuring Lil’ Wayne on “Hello Brooklyn 2.0″ is without a doubt one of the illest tracks on the cd… the beat comes off hard like that 90’s Brooklyn Hip-Hop. Wait until you here the NaS/Jay-Z collabo… we’re teamed up again with Mr. Esco again on “Success” a no-holds barred all-star shakedown of lyrical dopeness. “Roc Boys” is a total celebration track. The beat is uptempo and all hype with horns and trumpets part of the celebration, while “Blue Magic” featuring Pharell is a vintage Neptunes banger. “Ignorant” boasts some 80’s flash back sounds and features an on-point Beanie Siegel (where ya’ been kid) that brings out the best in both Beans and Jay. (Lovin’ the track!)

“American Gangster” is truly a crowd pleaser. Grown man talk? No doubt- and while you won’t be Crankin’ anything, heads will be have the chance to here Jigg prove something on a creative level. Check out the movie too starring Denzel- what more can you ask for? A Ridley Scott film… featuring Denzel, Russel, Common and T.I… backed by a concept album featurings Jay-Z… what didn’t they do right?!?

A double dose from the 36 Chambers… Wu-Tang returns crew deep while GHK drops his 7th solo release!

December is just around the corner and biy are we stoked about 2 solid Wu offerings! First off… The Clan return this December 11th with “8 Diagrams” Wu-Tangs return to greatness and 5th Studio release to the masses. Clan in da’ front: GZA, RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killa, Raekwon, U-God, Inspecta Deck and Masta Killa return with a track fearuring the late, great ODB. The Album also boasts a free bonus DVD with purchase!

December 4th also brings the most consistent Wu-member of them all with his 7th solo album courtesy of Def Jam… Say what?!? I’m still gettin’ my kicks off of More Fish! (Highly underated album!) Ghost Face’s resurfaces with “The Big Doe Rehab” Guestars include Trife, Beanie Siegle, Method Man, Raekwon, Chrisette Michelle, Kid Capri and others. Catch Ghost headlining the Wu-Tang Reunion Tour.

“The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NigyTardust!” is the newest piece of work from Saul Williams produced by none other than Trent Reznor of NIN fame. This album is a free download or you can pay $5 and get a higher bit rate at 320kbps, which I think is worth it, plus the $5 goes to support the artist. Either way it’s a must to download this album to listen to the production of Trent Reznor with Saul William’s powerful voice over it all. Enjoy!

NiggyTardust.com

Happy Friday!