Rakim The 18th Letter/Book of Life (Universal)

Rakim Allah has returned with a boom. The wafer-thin walls of the Fluff Daddy dynasty crumble in the midst of this true innovator, firmly rooted in the foundations of hip hop. This disc is an absolute must for longtime fans, and also for those who don't know. Rakim rhymes with purpose and clarity, and is joined here by esteemed producers like Clark Kent and the impeccable DJ Premier. This is easily the perfect yuletide treat. 8/10 (Scott C)

Frankenstein UV (Knowledge of Self)

This guy is doing something right, namely a seven-song EP that includes instrumentals, not to mention collaborations with some of Toronto's dopest MCs, all wrapped up in his own signature sound. Frankenstein's production talents have been long in the making, and it's not surprising he shines musically as well as lyrically on this joint. Jams like "Combine with Frankenstein," featuring Grimace Lov, show that there's absolutely no shortage of skills here. A hittin' wake-up call to all serious artists in T.O., Montreal and beyond, to stand up and be counted. 7/10 (Scott C)

Erykah Badu Live (Universal)

Thought her debut set Baduizm was the bomb? This live set takes the experience to a higher level. Anyone who caught her Montreal date this summer should expect that. There's just more here: more experimentation, more vocal range, more playfulness. The one new track, "Tyrone," is cute, but the real treat is Badu's interpretation of the Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and Chaka Khan's "Stay." A real discovery. 9/10 (Gerard Dee)

Tony Toni Toné Hits (Polygram)

TTT have made some of the best soul music in the last 10 years--they were doing retro long before this year's current rage, and have consistently combined past and present musical sensibilities. All the hits are here, including their breakthrough single "Little Walter," right up to a remix of the current "Boys & Girls" from the Soul Food soundtrack. A band that has always understood the true meaning of the rhythm and the blues. 8.5/10 (Gerard Dee)

DJ Cam DJ Kicks (DJ Kicks/K7/Fusion III)

Here is the DJ Kicks series back in full form, after faltering with their last release, a nonsense collection "chosen" by singer Nicolette. DJ Cam is not a chooser. He is a DJ, known for his beat purism--a DJ who totally freaked Europe over last year, getting the title "the French DJ Shadow" (sheesh) from certain magazines. Anyhow, here is a softish, wide-appeal version of what Cam's known for, the tying together of instrumental breaks and "real" hip hop. There's NYC underground rap, mixed with Tek 9, Yellow Recording's warped soulster the Mighty Bop, and some of Cam's own break-bliss. Not earth-shattering, but are jazzy breaks supposed to be? 7.5/10 (Mireille Silcott)

The X-ecutioners X-pressions (Asphodel/Audio Soul)

The X-ecutioners are made up of four people on four turntables and instead of an unrealized tug of war, X-pressions creates a symphony. In "The Turntablist Anthems," the X-ecutioners have hip hop clichés locked in the crosshairs as they blast away from behind their 1200's. Rob Swift's turntable wizardry itself makes this amazing, but alongside Mista Sinista, Roc Raider and Total Eclipse, this hip hop all-star record becomes an essential purchase. 9/10 (Johnson Cummins)

Luther Vandross One Night With You--The Best of Love Vol. 2 (Sony)

Though not as vital as his first "Best Of," this set does include some essential Luther, including the Classic Club edit of "The Best Things in Life Are Free" with Janet Jackson and the Urban mix of "Love Don't Love You Anymore." The four new tracks included here are some of the most solid he's delivered in years, particularly the Jam & Lewis-produced "I Won't Let You Do That to Me." A welcome stocking stuffer for "Lufer" fans. 7.5/10 (Gerard Dee)

Somethin' for the People This Time It's Personal (WEA)

Alternating between bedroom funk and jazzy grooves, SFP are one of the surprise hits of the year. The monstrous "My Love Is the Shhh!" is one of those bump and grinders that'll last beyond the moment, as will the track "Take It Or Leave It." "Days Like This" and "Act Like You Want It" (featuring Eric Benét) bounce on a more jazzy tip. No one-hit wonder here, SFP represent. Truly. 8.5/10 (Gerard Dee)