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"Destined to Be"
McGruff
The debut disc from the Crime Dog, who might be better known for his uncredited contribution to Monifah's "I Miss You."
 
 

1. "Black Whole Styles"
Various artists
If it's underground flava you're in search of, this is where to look--the Ninja Tune label is responsible for some of the freshest sounds in recent hip-hop, and their Big Dada imprint gets broken in with this album. Featuring Saul Williams (also heard on the "Lyricist Lounge" compilation, and the star of the award-winning Sundance film "Slam") and some of the U.K.'s best new talents.

2. "Order in the Court"
Queen Latifah
All hail the Queen--again. Yup, she's back, and she's still carrying the Flavor Unit sound. If the rest of the Unit (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, et al.) make as strong a showing this summer, it'll be a mighty good year.

3. "El Nino"
Def Squad
Redman, Erick Sermon, and Keith Murray team up to pay respect to the old school and provide lessons for the new crews. Their cover of "Rapper's Delight" may not be as good as the original, but there's not a whole lot that can beat the Sugarhill Gang's genre-defining joint.

4. "I Got the Hook-Up"
Original soundtrack
Say what you want about Master P--love him or leave him--but this soundtrack also features Ice Cube, Jay-Z, Snoop Doggy Dogg, and the Ol' Dirty Bastard.
 

5. "He Got Game"
Public Enemy
The best song on the album may be built around a classic pop hook (Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth"), but this is no Puffy joint. PE are as loud and as on-target as ever, and they've made a strong accompaniment to Spike Lee's film.
 

"Am I My Brother's Keeper"
Kane & Abel

"N.O.R.E."
Noreaga
 
 

"Droppin' Science: Critical Essays on Rap Music and Hip Hop Culture"
edited by William Eric Perkins

"Fight the Power: Rap, Race, and Reality"
by Chuck D. with Yusaf Jah

"Signifying Rappers: Rap and Race in the Urban Present"
by Mark Costello and David Foster Wallace

"Black Noise: Rap Music and Black Culture in Contemporary America"
by Tricia Rose
 

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