Columbia
Jim Jones has shown himself to be more ambitious, clever and creatively inspired than many of his contemporaries currently battling for hip-hop supremacy. On his latest album, Pray IV Reign, the man behind “The Hip Hop Monologues: Inside the Life and Mind of Jim Jones” again showcases why he’s one of New York’s most underappreciated emcees. His fatherly concerns (“Rain”), sorrow over last comrades (“My My My”), and rants at rivals (“Frienemies”) sit well alongside straight club tracks like “Pop Champagne.” This is easily Jones’ most cohesive and satisfying work to date. –todd williams
