After years of making hits for everyone else, Skateboard P created his own worlwide smash. “Happy” is a cultural phenomenon. And his second LP is a joyride of catchy melodies and funky grooves. It may strictly for the ladies but the fellas dig it too.—YN

Gangsta Gibbs proves he can flow over any track as he astounds over complex Madlib productions. Like most of his independent catalogue, Pinata is poppin with dark vivid tales and harsh realities. Ovacion! —YN

With the cloud of Kendrick’s success hovering over him, ScHoolboy stuck to his script detailing his story of selling and later abusing prescription pills. Q maintains your attention throughout because he’s one of hip-hop’s most versatile MCs. Nice work, Puffy.—YN

Don’t take Roazy’s eminence for granted. Mastermind is another solid collection of tunes anchored by a stronger second half that includes “Sanctified”, “Walkin On Air”, and “Thug Cry”. It’s 2014 and The Boss is still giving orders.—YN

Like Kendrick Lamar, YG brilliantly details his Compton upbringing. MKL is a fast-paced cinematic ride that results in another modern day gangsta rap masterpiece.  Score another one for the West.—YN

And it don’t stop.

The Return.

It dropped on Christmas but Soul Tape 3 is the gift that keep on giving. How Def Jam let this one out for free? Don’t ask me. Just accept the present. This is Fabolous at his best balancing the two sides that makes him one of New York’s most consistent spitters. On “Everything Was The Same”, he takes Drake’s track hostage and provides his own ample bars: “All I ask is for the same respect that I be giving ya/ […]

Loso keeps it sexy and classy with this black-and-white visual. Teyana Taylor cleans up nice. Jeremih gets his Playboy photographer on. And what’s this nigga Fab doin’ with a sketch book? Ha! Oh well. Squat Life 4 Life.—YN

Life as a shorty shouldn’t be so rough. Yeah sometimes autograph sessions don’t run smooth. But you didn’t have to rip that poster off the wall. Don’t get it twisted, lil man. Chinx is for the children.—YN

On paper, Yo Gotti and Jermaine Cole may seem like an odd combination. But this captivating vid is proof positive that they go well together. The cinematography here is crisp as we move thru the streets of Memphis, Tennessee. Stlll even on the sunniest day, you can’t take the pain away.—YN

Q just wants to have fun. The TDE’s MC’s beach is better thanks to a bevy of super booty beauties. Point out the bounce? It ain’t hard to find. Being the man certainly has its perks. Paradise is very nice.—YN