Z-Ro vs. The World

One of Houston's most popular rappers, Z-Ro has been doing his thing since the late '90s. An original member of DJ Screw's Screwed Up Click, he dropped his first official album (Look What You Did to Me) back in 1998. He's been increasingly busy ever since, with a fast-growing discography and massive props from underground blogs and the mainstream media alike. First released in 2000, Z-Ro vs. the World is his second full-length. While he's still developing his style here, he sounds better than most cats in or out of the H, before or since. Razor-sharp, hustle-centric rhymes are the order of the day; they're set to low-key but extremely funky production. The set boasts collaborations with local players like Big Moe, Hawk, Pap Reu, Dat Boy Grace, and Point Blank. Don't miss "Swang On 4's," "Smokers Anthem," "Screwed Up," and "To Love a Thug."