Kayne West: Graduation

Despite his cocky demeanor, public antics and trash-talking mouth, Kanye West knows how to drop it like it hot. On West’s third effort “Graduation,” the mainstream heavyweight matures his already experimental hip-hop sound with ingenious samples such as Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne” on the song “Champion,” as well as guest spots by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and fellow rapper T-Pain. Relentless in his pursuit of perfecting his craft, West displays his true rock star capabilities on “Stronger,” a fusion of modern rock synth and layered, echoed vocals. MTV may not respect Kanye enough to grant him a moon man, but you should.

50 Cent: Curtis

In an age when the excitement surrounding an album release is virtually dead, a simultaneous drop date for two of the most infamous feuding MC’s in hip-hop is an event of epic proportions. On 50 Cent’s third album “Curtis,” the rapper sticks to the club anthem-style rap hooks that made him a household name in the first place. Not topping the intensity and catchiness of previous songs, “Curtis” has more bark than bite. The only saving grace is that of “AYO Technology,” which features Justin Timberlake, who ultimately steals the spotlight from 50.