Best Albums of the 1st Quarter

For those of you who don't know, K'Naan is a one of a kind rapper, born in Somalia he later immigrated to New York before settling down in Toronto, Canada. Troubadour is his 2nd studio album, in his 2nd album, K'Naan again deals with a wide range of topics from his childhood to Somalian Pirates. That said, his sound moves more from rap to alternative rap, or more popish. Guests include Kirk Hammett (of Metallica), Chubb Rock, Mos Def, Chali 2Na, Damian Marley and Adam Levine (of Maroon 5). Production was also pretty solid from Track and Field. 8.5/10

CunninLynguist's first concept album A Piece of Strange is an amazing piece of work, and the emcees from the south again live up to expectations. This albums deals with a man's struggles with raising a baby girl alone, right and wrong in addition to quoting multiple bibical references. Guests include Immortal Technique, Tonedeff and Cee-Lo, in addition the production by Kno is amazing. He's use of loops, horns and keyboards add to the albums depth. 9/10.