Among this week’s top rap releases are albums from Freeway, Pac Div, Future and Wu Block. (Check out the latest from Blink-182 drummer Travis Parker.)

Freeway, Diamond In The Ruff

Diamond In The Ruff is Freeway’s fourth studio album, but his first on Babygrande Records. The project finds the Philadelphia lyricist reunited with producer Just Blaze. Other collaborators include Jake One, Needlz, and Bink. The album also includes guest features from several singers—including Marsha Ambrosius, Vivian Green, Musiq Soulchild and Nikki Jean—and from rappers Wale and Neef Buck. Check out the Just Blaze-produced “Early.” It will not disappoint.

Pac Div, GMB

For their sophomore effort, Pac Div enlisted help from several of their West Coast brethren, including Kendrick Lamar, Blu, and Kurupt, and from producers Scoop DeVille, Swiff D, and DJ Dahi. According to the California-based trio, the new album features a harder sound than previously heard on their 2011 debut, The Div. Their new project shows their growth as rappers. To get a feel for the group’s sound on GMB, check out “The Return,” featuring Ty$.

Future, Pluto 3D

Future has re-packaged his debut album—which was released in April—to hit shelves once again as Pluto 3D. In addition to completely revising the track list, he has added three new songs: “First Class Flights,” “Jealous” and the Sonny Digital-produced “My.” The Kelly Rowland-featured remix to “Neva End” and the Diddy and Ludacris-assisted “Same D*mn Time” remix are also featured. If you don’t already have the album, this is a great excuse to pick up Future’s debut. If you are interested in the new tracks and remixes, check out the “Neva End” remix, and never bet against a Future and Sonny Digital collaboration.

Wu Block, Wu Block

Wu Block is a collaboration between Ghostface Killah, who hails from the Wu-Tang Clan, and Sheek Louch from D-Block, (also known as The LOX). The two sought out guest verses from their respective rap groups and ended up with features from Method Man, Cappadonna, Raekwon, Jadakiss, Styles P, GZA, and Inspectah Deck, among others. Singer Erykah Badu is also featured on the project. Great lyrics are guaranteed on this album, which doubles as a dedication to New York rap. Proof? Check out the laid-back “Driving Round.”
Finally, be sure to check out some of the better mixtapes that dropped late last week, including Fabolous’ “The Soul Tape 2,” Kid Ink’s “Rocketshipshawty,” Fashawn’s “Champagne & Styrofoam Cups,” and Joe Budden’s “A Loose Quarter.”
Photo: KillerHipHop