Top 10 Hip-Hop Releases for December 2007

Propelled by the catchy single "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," Carnival II is Clef's most experimental album yet. The album's rap-meets-everything fusion lineup include: folk legend Paul Simon, jazz princess Norah Jones, and hip-hop soul queen Mary J Blige. Chamillionaire, T.I., and will.i.am also drop by to assist on the hip-hop end.

Street Date: December 4

As Cash Money's legacy continues to diminish with every redundant release, Birdman and co have decided to remind fans why they listened in the first place. 10 Years of Bling ... Vol. 1 features timeless Cash Money tunes such as B.G.'s "Bling Bling," and Lil Wayne's "The Block is Hot." Note: This is not to be confused with Cash Money Greatest Hits Vol. 1, which dropped in 2002.

Street Date: December 4

DJ Drama was transforms his popular Gangsta Grillz mixtapes into a full-length compilation of original recordings. Guest rappers include: OutKast, Clipse, T.I., and Devin the Dude.

Street Date: December 4

Revered hip-hop producer Hi-Tek rallies several upcoming artists for the latest installment of Hi-Teknology, a series which began six years ago. It also features heavyweights like Ghostface, Raekwon, and Young Buck.

Street Date: December 11

From the title alone it's obvious that Styles P is still trying to resolve his Gangster vs. Gentleman personality conflict. Notable therapists on board for the project include: The Alchemist, Swizz Beatz, Akon, Ray J, and comedian Tony Roberts.

Street Date: December 4

Beanie Sigel returns with his fourth album, The Solution. Guest appearances include: Jay-Z, Ghostface, Scarface, and Raheem DeVaugn. Street Date: December 4

After a brief hiatus, Mr. Scarface is back again. M.A.D.E., Face's ninth solo disc, reaffirms his status as a prolific and respected artist. His signature mix of raw storytelling and dark beats remind us that Face is still a significant force in hip-hop. Street Date: December 4

The Big Doe Rehab is as gripping and jaw-dropping as anything Ghost has ever done. There's an abundance of comic content, street tales, and paranoia on this album. Ghost is always meticulous about who chooses to collaborate with, and Big Doe Rehab is no different. His partner in rhyme Raekwon appears on four songs, while Beanie Sigel and Method Man lend their rhymes to the cause as well.

Street Date: December 4

Please accept my apology in advance if you find the next sentence confusing. Lupe Fiasco's Lupe Fiasco's The Cool is the follow up to Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. The album expands on a concept which Lupe introduced on his debut. The stories revolve around three main characters: The Streets, The Game (no relation to the rapper Game), and The Cool.

Street Date: December 18

8 Diagrams finds the Wu-Tang Clan regrouping for one last album. Unfortunately, the drama has overshadowed the music this time. Though group members Ghostface and Raekwon disagree with RZA over the album's creative direction, it still packs plenty of gems.

Street Date: December 11