The Lowdown (12/8)

Clipse-Til The Casket Drops

December 8th marks a massive list of releases, with the VA duo, Clipse being one of the top. Following their classic Hell Hath No Fury, the Thornton brothers are back to stunt Til The Casket Drops. With a celebratory and feel good vibe throughout the album, the duo create positive lyricism incorporated within production from The Neptunes, Sean C & LV and DJ Khalil. Cam'Ron, Keri Hilson, Yo Gotti, Kanye West, Nicole Hurst, Re-Up Gang member Ab-Liva and plenty of hooks by Pharrell are the guests.

Lead Single: "Kinda Like A Big Deal (feat. Kanye West)", "Popular Demand (Popeyes)(feat. Cam'Ron & Pharrell)", "Door Man"

Chris Brown-Graffiti

Making huge headlines with the assault on pop star girlfriend, Rihanna, Brown will release the most difficult album in his career. Looking poorly in public eye because of the case, Brown attempts to make a comeback. Enlisting big names, Polow Da Don, Swizz Beatz, The Runners and Ryan Leslie, Brown has been relatively quiet since making such huge headlines. Possibly one of his most important releases, we'll see how the public responds to the singer's pleading which is evident throughout the album.

Lead Single: "I Can Transform Ya (feat. Swizz Beatz & Lil' Wayne)", "Crawl"

Gucci Mane-The State vs. Radric Davis

BURR! BURR! BURR! GUCCI! The Atlanta trapper has developed a considerable amount of acclaim and status within the rap game. Building a strong following, Gucci was involved with big singles, "Obsessed" with Mariah Carey, "Boom Boom Pow Remix" with Black Eyed Peas and Mario's "Break Up". All the mainstream appeal has made Gucci into a bigger star, following the steps of former enemy, Young Jeezy and other big name trap rappers. Potentially the biggest album of his career thus far, Gucci was sent to prison as of November for violating his parole. Before the rapper had violated his probation because he performed merely 25 hours of his 600 community service hours. It seems the same reason was why he went back into prison. With plenty of advertising stating, "Decem-BURR 8th", southern heavyweights, Lil' Wayne, Soulja Boy, Rick Ross, Bun B, Plies and OJ Da Juiceman all make appearances. Memphis producer Drumma Boy handles several tracks, along with Polow Da Don, Zaytoven, Shawty Redd and Bangladesh.

Lead Single: "Wasted (feat. Plies)", "Spotlight (feat. Usher)", "Worst Enemy", "Heavy"

Snoop Dogg-Malice N Wonderland

West Coast veteran and uncle of the rap game, Big Snoop Dogg returns with his tenth solo album. It's a testament to the rapper's longevity, continuing to rep the West Coast and his Long Beach hood. Released with the album will be a mini movie to accompany the songs on the album and the journey of Malice in Wonderland. Guests include Lil' Jon, Jazmine Sullivan, The-Dream, Soulja Boy, R. Kelly and Nipsey Hussle. Usual suspects, Scoop DeVille, Nottz, The Neptunes, Teddy Riley produce, along with big names, Timbaland, The-Dream & Tricky Stewart and Dr. Dre.

Lead Single: "I Wanna Rock", "Gangsta Luv (feat. The-Dream)", "That's Tha Homie"

Timbaland-Shock Value II

Releasing his second edition of his solo Shock Value releases, well known producer, Timbaland compiles a list of popular artists to create one big party. Similar to his first release, its pretty much a collaboration of a number of artists, to create party jams which Timbaland becomes part artist in addition to production. Collaborating with Brandy (in her alter ego, Bran'Nu), Justin Timberlake, JoJo, Miley Cyrus, Nelly Furtado and Drake, to name a few. Mainly produced by Timbaland with protege, JRoc, Polow Da Don, Jim Beanz and some of the artists featured assist with beat duties.

Lead Single: "Morning After Dark (feat. Nelly Furtado & SoShy)", "Say Something (feat. Drake)", "Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake)"

B.G.-Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood

The final release of the first holiday release date is the New Orleans veteran and original Hot Boy, B.G. aka BGizzle. Fellow Hot Boy, Juvenile released his newest album, Cocky & Confident, so it was only right that B.G. deliver his newest and oft delayed return to a major label with Too Hood 2 Be Hollywood. Intended to be released in 2008, T.I. went to prison and he had executive producing duties, which the label didn't provide as much push for the album and was left on the backburner. Despite it all, street savvy B.G. kept his head high and is ready with production from Mannie Fresh, KLC, Oddz N Endz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Cool & Dre. Keeping things all the way street, guest appearances feature Hot Boy members, Lil' Wayne & Juvenile, along with T.I., Young Jeezy, Lil' Boosie, C-Murder, Soulja Slim (R.I.P.) and hooks from Trey Songz, Magnolia Chop and Matravious Cooks. Chopper City member, Gar is also featured on several tracks.

Lead Single: "For A Minute (feat. T.I.)", "I Hustle (feat. Young Jeezy)", "My Hood (feat. Gar & Mannie Fresh)", "Ya Heard Me (feat. Lil' Wayne, Juvenile & Trey Songz)", "Back To The Money (feat. Magnolia Chop)"