Raekwon

Having a legendary rapper in your corner can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it's instant exposure, but on the other you have to overcome the perception that you're a mere lackey. Fortunately, Polite, Stumik, P.C. and D.C. from Raekwon's Ice Water group manage to hold their own here. Thanks to the rappers' flashy lyrics and hard street flows, nearly every track bangs. When Rae and friends' (Three 6, Pimp C, Rick Ross) step on the microphone, it feels more like garnish than the main course, which is maybe the highest compliment you can pay to an album like this.