AK-47 Essentials

Taking a cue from his infamous namesake, AK-47 understands it's not so much about rate of fire as it is about posture and poise. Drawling in smooth and stylish verses, the Russian rapper creates a menacing ambience on his tracks without so much as raising his voice. He teams up with a variety of collaborators—DJ Mixoid and Tati, among others—to deliver a sneering, maniacal flow over an eclectic arsenal of chill and haunting beats, keeping his cool with a nod to the rock-steady swagger of first-wave gangsta rap.