Hi-Tek

After he spent much of the decade focusing on G-Unit members, producer Hi-Tek returns to the underground hip-hop fold. Talib, Common, Ghostface and Q-Tip all make excellent contributions. And while his clientele has changed over the past decade, his sound hasn't. Standouts "Music for Life" and "Josephine" all attest to his talent at transmitting soul. Drowsy bass lines, strains of classic R&B and florid samples hang off of big, catchy hooks and verses from some of hip-hop's most talented lyricists, making this an excellent album from one of the Midwest's best producers.