New Release Tuesday

Where to begin? This is a big day for hip-hop releases. At least, it was supposed to be. Lupe Fiasco's Lasers, Raekwon's Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang and Reks' Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme all drop today. And while I was eager to hear all three, reviews for Lupe have been lukewarm at best. Atlantic Records watered down the album targeting a more mainstream audience and Lupe himself said he can't fully support the album. It's a damn shame, because we haven't had a new Lupe album in four years.

As for Rae, things look positive for his new one. Collaborations with Black Thought, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Lloyd Banks, Rick Ross and his Wu-brethren plus production from Erick Sermon, Alchemist, Evidence and Havoc among others set this album up for success. The only misfire I can see so far (and I haven't heard the album yet, will be picking it up this afternoon) is the collabo with Jim Jones. Ghost had Jones on his latest album as well and it was easily the worst song on the disc. I don't understand this love for Jim Jones and I never will.

As for Reks, I expect big things. All-star lineup from a production standpoint with DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Statik Selektah, Nottz, Alchemist and Hi-Tek, plus guest vocals from Styles P., Termanology, Freeway and Lil' Fame. Damn, that's a list right there. Love the first two songs I've heard off this disc, including today's Song of the Day "25th Hour" (check the post below). Really looking forward to this one.