Kanye West - Graduation

If 50 Cent is really willing to abandon his solo career if rival Kanye West’s third album, Graduation, out-sells his, then he better start packing his bags. The third installment in West’s trilogy is full of club hits and collaborations with a variety of artists, ranging from billboard toppers like T. Pain to Chris Martin from Coldplay. West’s public image is that of an outspoken, egotistical rapper; however, this album shows that he has more depth than that. On the album’s standout track, Big Brother, West shows that he too can bring himself back down to earth by having a whole song dedicated to his mentor, and asks listeners, “Have you ever walked in the shadow of a giant?” referring to Jay-Z. With all the buzz and hype Kanye has created surrounding the release, Graduation doesn’t disappoint. -Tram Ha

50 Cent - Curtis

Although Curtis has its high points, for a rapper of 50 Cent’s caliber, it is not the least bit impressive. Like his last two efforts, The Massacre and Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent gives us both a fair amount of hardcore (Man Down, Fully Loaded Clip) and softer (Follow My Lead) rap songs. The album definitely has some highlights with I Get Money, a clear favorite of all of the tracks with its solid beats and crafty rhymes. It also has definite low points with Amusement Park, a lame hook-filled redo of Candy Shop. The main problem with Curtis is the lack of established producers that have contributed to it which is very uncharacteristic of 50 Cent. If you want an album with 50 Cent at his best, Curtis is not for you. -Marc Simon

M.i.a. - kala

M.I.A.’s second album, Kala, is elaborate and diverse, proving her to be more than just hype. Despite being denied a visa into the U.S., her fan base remains strong and her message widely heard. After traveling and gaining influences from Asia and Africa, her music reflects elements of Bollywood, tribal music, hip-hop and electronica. She also takes from rock music, such as her use of lyrics from the Pixies in the sultry 20 Dollar. She is alluring both in her distinctive style and focus on politics, never focusing too much on only content or aesthetics. Her music continues to be innovative, as present in Birdflu, where she describes problems in the record industry because her “beats were too evil.” M.I.A. continues to push important issues mixed with intriguing style, proving that she really is “coming back with power.” -Jordan Larson