Classic

A slept-on member of the Stones Throw family of artists, MED (previously known as Medaphoar) has worked steadily with everyone else on the label, appearing on choice records from J Dilla, Lootpack, Madlib, Oh No, Aloe Blacc, Madvillain, and Quasimoto. He released his first solo album, the excellent Push Comes to Shove, back in 2005 but was largely ignored by the public, aside from the most ardent underground contingent of hip-hop heads. Six years later, he returns with Classic, another project largely overseen by Madlib (who produces 10 tracks), with other musical contributions from Karriem Riggins, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and The Alchemist. His smooth flow and easygoing wordplay shine throughout, with mellow and relatable verses atop plenty of jazz-tinged beats. Check out the Cali pride anthem "Where I'm From," the title track/lead single with Talib Kweli, and the breezy, string-laced jam "Flying High."