Dice Game

One of Detroit's most reliably dope lyricists, Guilty Simpson hit the scene with 2007's Ode to the Ghetto and has stayed busy ever since, dropping impressive projects like OJ Simpson (with Madlib) and Random Axe (with Sean P and fellow Motowner Black Milk). Apollo Brown is a prolific producer and the backbone of Mello Music Group; he's carved out a place for himself providing choice beats to a wide assortment of emcees, including The Left, OC, Boog Brown, and Hassaan Mackey, among countless others. His earthy, midtempo tracks are heavy on the soul and light on the synths, somewhat similar to cats like Oddisee and 9th Wonder. They're ideal for Guilty's straightforward delivery and vivid storytelling style. Song topics include the grit and grime of Detroit life ("Reputation"), dealing with divorce ("Change"), the inevitability of death ("How Will I Go"), and putting down the pipe ("Dear Jane"), while solid guest verses come from Torae and Planet Asia. It's grown-man hip-hop from two excessively talented artists. Don't miss "Neverending Story" or the Wu-Tang–inspired groupie anthem "Let's Play."