Wu-block Wu Block [PA]

Spearheaded by rappers Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch, Wu Block is a collaborative effort between members of the Wu-Tang Clan and the LOX. The 2012 debut is a pretty accurate throwback to the sound of golden age East Coast rap, complete with soul samples and boom-bap beats. Minus a few modern reference points, it's an album that's firmly rooted in the grimy, thuggish '90s, packed full of mafia don lyrics and endless references to jackin' marks, sportin' bling, and pushin' yeyo. Still, Shaolin and Yonkers camps wouldn't have it any other way. Guest appearances by Styles P, Raekwon, Jadakiss, Inspectah Deck, and Method Man are the icing on the cake (or if you prefer, the C.R.E.A.M. in the coffee). ~ Jason Lymangrover

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B