New Nas! Some of these have been around for a while, but never the less new Nas is always exciting. I know I know, he has been dissapointing the last...8 years? Forget that though, despite "Hip Hop is Dead" using the same exact Iron Butterfly sample that was used on thiefs theme from the last album, it's still a certified banger. Nas rips it just like we know he can, and the production is tight with plenty of changes to keep it interesting. The album, also called Hip Hop is Dead, is due out december 19th on Def Jam. Also check "Black Republcan" (what the fuck?) with Nas and Jay-z, not nearly as good but theres still the "oh shit!" value of Nas and Jay on the same track.

Nas - "Hip Hop is dead" : Nas ft. Jay-z "Black Republican"
Pre-Order Hip Hop is Dead (the album)