Top 10 Hip-Hop Releases for March 2008

Rocko secured a deal with hip-hop powerhouse Def Jam on the strength of the Drumma Boi-produced single "Umma Do Me."(Video) The Atlanta-bred rapper attributes the success to his business acumen and consumer consciousness. Question is, can he build an entire rap career off one single? We'll find out after March 18th.

Who's Flo Rida? Well, if you've just returned from a 2-month trip abroad, Flo Rida's Apple Bottom Jeans-endorsing single "Low" is the buzz-worthiest rap song in the U.S. right now. The song generated so much attention that veteran rock drummer Travis Barker remixed it on YouTube, to the amazement of 2 million viewers. And you know what happens once an artist lands a successful single.

Proudly hoisting Michigan's hip-hop flag is the raw and captivating Guilty Simpson. Guilty's latest effort enjoys production from two of Detroit's best producers J Dilla and Black Milk.

It's hard to believe that Sheek Louch is already three solo albums deep in the game. His staying power a testament to the LOX's deep-rooted rap audience. To pave way for his new set, Sheek dropped a video for the breezy single "Good Love" around Valentine's Day.

Let's face it, Fat Joe's best days as a revered MC are long gone. But thanks to the proliferation of crack-rap, Joey continues to find a lifeline every year. Collaborators on board for the project are: Lil' Wayne, Plies, J Holiday, and Cool & Dre. One rapper who definitely won't be on Elephant in the Room is 50 Cent. 50 and Joe have been trading disses back and forth lately.

Cadence Weapon, one of Canada's brightest MCs, exploded onto the scene in 2006 with Breaking Kayfabe. His envelope pushing recipe includes *gasp* proper enunciation of words and offbeat emceeing. How he manages to make it all sound effective is still a mystery.

One big enchilada with a new set out this month is Miami's most popular 300-pounder, Rick Ross. Ross hustled his way to the top of Billboard Charts with 2006 debut, Port of Miami. He's looking to repeat the feat with his second major CD, Trilla. The album's supporting cast includes A-list rappers like Jay-Z ("Maybach Music") and Lil' Wayne ("Luxury Tax").

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Anticipation for Del the Funky Homosapien's latest project is bolstered by two factors: 1) Del is a proven innovator capable of reinventing his sound with each new release; 2) Eleventh Hour is Del's first album in nearly eight years. Judging by the futuristic lead single "Bubble Pop," Del still knows how to make funky music.

Possibly the biggest arrival of this month will be Snoop's Ego Trippin', which drops on March 11. Ego Trippin' is the hip-hop icon's 9th outing, not counting his 402 side projects. Snoop pays tribute to his musical inspirations throughout the album. And if you thought "Sensual Seduction" was eccentric, wait until you hear "Cool," a gangstapolation of the The Time's 1981 hit of the same title.

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Whoever proposed this compilation of Rakim's live performances deserves a fat raise. As I once found out, Ra's ability to truly move the crowd is unrivaled. If you've never had a chance to catch Rakim in concert, Live, Lost, & Found brings his smooth stage presence directly to your living room. For your money's worth, you'll also get four previously unreleased songs.