Though best known as Brother Ali’s DJ, BK-One further establishes a name for himself on Rádio do Canibal with the help of beat-making buddy Benzilla and an all-star cast of guest MCs. A playful commingling of samba and bossa nova with a funky foundation help make one of the most unique hip-hop albums of the year.

Additionally, synthetic/organic electronica duo Air issues its most realized album to date, A Place to Bury Strangers releases a hard-hitting post-punk/new-wave sophomore effort, and a half-dozen other noteworthy artists make our list of honorable mentions. (more…)