1. Buck 65 Situation (Strange Famous)
This is a return to classic rap form by one of the last great influences on my own music. The album’s content revolves around the events of 1957, which is very relevant in a time when America has returned to ultra-conservatism.

2. Brother Ali The Undisputed Truth (Rhymesayers)
A rapper appearing on late-night television to perform “Uncle Sam God Damn”? Brother Ali brings social relevance back to hip-hop, as it’s made upbeat and appealing through Ant’s production.

3. El-P I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead (Def Jux)
This album is yet another multi-layered soundscape with lyrics that sometimes require a decoder ring. Ain’t no shame in making the audience work for the reward.

4. Bernard Dolan The Failure (Strange Famous)
This theater of the mind took a decade to come to fruition. A concept album focusing on post-apocalyptic cabin fever, mixing style and content in a way that could only be created in a bomb shelter.

5. Macromantics Moments in Movement (Kill Rock Stars)
America still doesn’t seem to be ready for a female MC with strong lyrics (especially when delivered in a non-American accent), but this album is what the media pretends M.I.A. is all about.

Sage Francis runs the Strange Famous label. His Human the Death Dance is out now on Epitaph.

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