Ludacris Presents
Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP/Def Jam)

Though their first compilation barely even woke the neighbors, the Disturbing Tha Peace camp is back with another attempt to live up to their name. With the addition of the always-animated Field Mob, along with newcomers Playaz Circle, NorfCLK, and others, the DTP family is even rowdier than before. Luda and the Field Mob open the album with an ode to their beloved Peach State, “Georgia,” featuring Jamie Foxx in Ray Charles mode. Another standout is “Getting Some,” by the first lady of DTP, Shawnna, in which the lyrical heroine switches styles like she switches her hips. Luda reserves one of the hottest cuts for himself on the bass-heavy “Sweet Revenge.” But the album does have some tracks that lack distinction, such as “Two Miles an Hour,” with its generic lyrics about rims and chains, and Shareefa’s “I’ll Be Around,” which sounds better suited for a mixtape than an album track for DTP’s newest female singer. Still, with guest spots from Stat Quo, Rich Boy, and Gangsta Boo, Disturbing Tha Peace is hard to sleep on
.—Frankie Boy

Lil Wayne
Tha Carter II (Universal)

With his debut peaking at the second spot on the Billboard Top 200 in 2005 (and its lead single, “Fireman,” still burning up the charts), Lil Wayne has proved that he’s found the formula to move units with Tha Carter II. His new album is 90% Naw’lins grit, with a long list of bangers like “Oh No,” “Lock and Load,” and “Hit Em Up.” The first track, “Tha Mobb,” is fire on wax, with Weezy committing verbal assault and battery. The remaining 10% is mostly experimental gristle, with some tracks chewier than others. “Shooter” is a worthy effort with an interesting take on gunplay. However, songs like “I’m a Dboy” are reminiscent of Cash Money’s older work, and the emotional but unengaging track “Grown Man” fails to grab your attention. Despite these lapses, listeners will definitely appreciate the aural gumbo Weezy serves on Tha Carter II as he continues to impress in his still-young career.—Blaine Martin

Prince Paul
Hip Hop Gold Dust (Antidote Records)

Prince Paul has long been one of hip-hop’s most original and eccentric producers, which is why this compilation of unreleased tracks and rarities from artists as diverse as De La Soul, L.A. Symphony, and Gravediggaz is a treasure trove for his devoted following. Many of these songs are from projects that were canned by dunderheaded labels, such as the two cuts from Resident Alien, who could have been mentioned in the same breath as the Pharcyde if they’d been given half a chance. Because the material spans Paul’s
entire career, you can hear his style evolve, from his early hippie-dippy phase (Groove B. Chill’s endearingly dated “Top of the Hill”) to his more sophisticated boardsmanship with underrated underground MC Last Emperor (“The Monolith”). But the disc’s highlight
is “No Rubber No Backstage Pass,” a grimy slice of mid-90’s NYC rap that mixes Biz Markie’s stupid-fresh rhymes with Chubb Rock’s funky Darth Vader flow to
devastating effect.—Marcel Leroux