Universal magnetic boogieman deftly maintains his positive polarity in these “marvelous times,” casting stones with West Coast siblings Madlib and Oh No behind the samplers. I was able to deduce that much from the liner-notes. Stand out nods: “Quiet Dog Bite Hard” and the Slick Rick assisted “Auditorium.” – Foe-wK L’oar, SF

Dropping this summer on the 10-year anniversary of his heavyweight debut, Black on Both Sides, The Ecstatic is Mos' fourth solo release and will likely shake the earth once more. Though Kanye West produced and Madlib and Oh No made the beats, the show is Mos Def on the mic as always and despite his recent forays into Hollywood, he's still one of the greatest MCs of our time. Few lyricists can take you on the rides he can, or set the scene and get to the point. Prepare to have your ears cleaned! Featuring Slick Rick, Talib Kweli, and Georgia Anne Muldrow.