Top 10 New Rap Releases - July 2010

With the weather now approaching volcanic temperatures (at least, here in Houston), it's time to check out some sizzling records sure to stay in rotation past this summer.

10. Juvenile - 'Beast Mode'

Juvenile is back looking like a shadow of his old self on the follow up to 2009's Cocky & Confident. Fans sick of "Back That Azz Up" can lean on "Drop That Thang," Juvie's attempt at reenacting his biggest single to date.
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9. Tech9Ne - 'Gates Mixed Plate'

Tech9Ne continues to pump out music at an alarming rate. Gates Mixed Plate is billed as the "lighter" accompaniment to 2009's Sickology 101. Don't hold your breath, though. Tech Nina's idea of a light album is a lineup that includes Kutt Calhoun and Brotha Lynch Hung.

Release Date: July 27, 2010
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8. Fat Joe - 'The Dark Side'
© E1 Music

In which Terror Squad chief honcho drops hardbody rhymes and soon-to-be summer jingles. Highlights include "Slow Down" with Jeezy and the party starter "It Ain’t About Money" alongside Trey Songz. Other guest artists: R. Kelly, Clipse, Cam’ron, Lil Wayne, Too $hort, and TA, with production by Street Runner, Cool & Dre, Raw Uncut, Scoop Deville, Just Blaze, DJ Premier, Infamous and Buckwild.

Release Date: July 27, 2010
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7. Curren$y - 'Pilot Talk'
© UMG

Curren$y is a protege of Lil Wanye and former apprentice at Cash Money. I’ve been looking forward to his new album ever since stumbling on his impressive guest turns on Dedication 2.

Release Date: July 13, 2010
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6. Paul Wall - 'Heart of A Champion'
© Swishahouse/Asylum
Almost half of the tracks featured on the album are produced by long-time friend and Expensive Taste band-mate, Travis Barker. Houston-based production duo, Beanz N Kornbread also handled a large bulk of production. The guest list boasts some surprising names: Raekwon, Yelawolf, Jay Electronica, and -- wait for it -- Johnny Dang aka TV Johnny.

Release Date: July 27, 2010
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5. Slum Village - 'Villa Manifesto'

Slum Village’s 6th studio album doubles as both a reunion and a memorial album. "The reason why we call it Villa Manifesto is that it was a statement we want to give our people because we had been away for so long," explains T3. "What we're doing, what's going on, how we're feeling and where we're at today."

Release Date: July 27, 2010
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4. Rick Ross - 'Teflon Don'
© Def Jam

Love "Maybach Music II"? There's Maybach Music III" on Teflon Don. Can't stand Maybachs? There's "Aston Martin Music" here. Teflon Don also has a winner in the Kanye collaboration "Live Fast, Die Young," in which West rhymes: "You can go ahead and sneeze 'cause my presence blessed you."

Release Date: July 20, 2010

3. Rakaa Iriscience - 'Crown of Thorns'
© E1 Music

Uninhibited by the pressures of group obligations, Rakaa breaks away from Dilated Peoples to explore his thoughts on Crown of Thorns. He's joined by group members Babu and Evidence on the boards, while KRS-One, Krondon, and Chali 2Na drop by with some guest vocals.

Release Date: July 20, 2010
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2. Cut Chemist - 'The Sound of the Police'
© Mocchilla
Cut Chemist's latest live mix CD, Sound of the Police, showcases his ability to draw inspiration from just about everything and everywhere. The album spotlights music form Africa and South America. Its title is Cut tipping his hat to the Boogie Down Productions song of the same name. It's also a reference to Ethiopia's military bands, his primary influence to make this mix.

Release Date: July 27, 2010
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1. Big Boi - 'Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty'
© Def Jam

Sir Luscious Left Foot is Big Boi to the extreme. Topics range from well-endowed derriere to sucker MCs, all laid atop the funkiest beats you'll hear all year. Contributors include Sleepy Brown, Big Rube, Yelawolf, and Too $hort.

Release Date: July 6, 2010

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via: Henrys Blog