Top 10 Rap/Hip-Hop Albums of 2009

1. Jay-Z: The Blueprint 3
Jay-Z showed us once again that his lyrical prowess has not left him in his relative old age (he is 40) and neither has his knack for selecting supporting artists with appearances by Pharrell and Alicia Keys to simply name a few. The Blueprint 3 makes for an interesting mix of social commentary and Jay-Z's classic swagger and is deserving of this top spot.

2. Jadakiss: The Last Kiss
This third album from Jadakiss was under-circulated, being overshadowed by more mainstream artists. With songs like "Death Wish" and "Grind Hard" building up his image as a grittier, darker artist than his more mainstream counterparts, simply cementing his iconic status as the underdog lyrical genius of this new hip-hop generation.

3. Dead Prez: Information Age
The political hip-hop group Dead Prez has become famous for aggressive, inflammatory music and this album is no different. What is different is the transition to a more well thought out use of beats (produced by DJ Green Lantern) and lyrics. This change makes for a beautiful playlist that deserves more recognition than it received.

4. Eminem: Relapse
This brutally honest mix of fierce counterattacks towards his critics and emotionally fueled pleas for forgiveness is, if nothing else, a return to glory for Eminem. It is an experience that must be listened to in order to be fully understood.

5. Mos Def: The Ecstatic
Now nominated for a Grammy award, Mos Def's fourth album is destined to go down in the history books simply for the unique use of a variety of musical styles by Mos Def and his associates.

6. Raekwon: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II
A gritty look at the crime world that may be perceived as over the top for some and painfully close to home for others. The Wu-Tang Clan member provides a realistic description of the criminal underworld of today without making us feel like he is talking down to us, not bragging, simply telling it like it is.

7. Brother Ali: Us
A fantastic return for the underplayed artist, Us will be a classic of the underground hip-hop community.

8. Rakim: The Seventh Seal
While poorly received by many critics, Rakim's latest effort is a worthy (if overdue) follow-up to 1999's "The Master" that doesn't deserve any critical acclaim, but certainly should be hailed as a great return for the now 41 year old Rakim.

9. Rick Ross: Deeper Than Rap
While it is filled with swagger and bragging, this album is everything we've come to expect from Ross: strong beats, strong featured artists and strong statements.

10. Slim Thug: Boss of All Bosses
This Long overdue return for Slim Thug didn't receive the attention it deserved, while not great, it did show promise for the future of Slim Thug's career.