Angeldust & Waffles

Best known for his work with Mobb Deep and The Alchemist (he appeared on Hell on Earth and 1st Infantry), Brooklyn emcee Illa Ghee has been around for a minute but never really had a breakout hit. On Angeldust & Waffles, he teams with producer Dom Dirtee for a nine-track EP that looks to reintroduce himself into the ever-crowded rap game. Unapologetically hardcore, he's got a rough and grimy style well-served by the dark beats and overall sinister tracks. But he's no slouch with the lyricism, proving himself a talented storyteller with serious vocal dexterity. His strong voice is deep and just a little bit raspy, and comparisons to a young B.I.G. are almost unavoidable. He holds his own on the microphone throughout every joint on here, with no other rappers whatsoever: just Bucktown icon DJ Evil Dee, who provides choice cuts on the rock-flavored "Rap Wizardry." Other standouts include "For U," "Name Another Rapper," "Takin' Over," and "Rep for Me."