MUSIC: SEPTEMBER HIP HOP PREVIEW

September of last year marked a time for quite a few heavily anticipated albums, including Kid Cudi, and Hova...This September is more quiet by comparison, but there are still some potential gems out there for the Hip Hop faithful. Here are 4 I'm looking forward to:

August 31: (Ok, not September, but damn close)

KRS-One & True Master "Meta-Historical"

Hopefully KRS's colab with Wu-Tang affiliated producer True Master can make a distinction between legendary emcees that SHOULD release albums, and the ones that SHOULDN'T. I got nothing but love and respect for KRS and all the pioneers, but more often than not, new releases from 20 year veterans find quick exits from my iPod.

September 14:

Black Milk "Album of the Year"

Detroit emcee/producer "Black Milk" will be on the radar again with the fantastically titled "Album of the Year". After seeing this video for the song "Deadly Medley" (Feat. Royce da 5'9" and Slum Village's Elzhi) this is certainly a release I'm looking forward to.

September 21:

John Legend & The Roots "Wake Up"

UPenn Alumni John Legend and Philadelphia natives The Roots get together for a high profile collaboration in conscious Hip Hop and Neo Soul. I'll be the first to tell you I am a COMPLETE Roots fanboy, so I really can't wait to hear this one - HOWEVER...I promise to use my critical ear.

September 28:

Joe Budden "The Great Escape"

(Album Artwork not released at this time)

Prolific, enthusiastic, and hilarious Twitter user @MOUSEBUDDEN (Joe Budden) brings his mood musicianship into the spotlight once again. His latest concept album release "The Great Escape", has a HELL of a producer roster, some of which include Just Blaze, DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Pete Rock, Emile, as well as many others. With all these industry hard hitters, "The Great Escape" definitely has potential to be that 'home run' album of the fall.