5. Big Boi "Sir Lucious Left-foot: The Son of Chico Dusty"

Outkast is one of those rare groups that consistently puts out great stuff. However, when thinking of the group it's hard not to think of Andre 3000 first, and Big Boi second. It's not that Andre is better, it's just he's better known. Well, that might be changing, as Big Boi's SLL-F:TSoCD, is the year's best rap album. Period. It has everything you could want from an album: triumphant trunk rattlers like "General Patton," "Tangerine," and "Daddy Fat Sax," intimate slower jams ("Be Still" and "Hustle Blood") as well as pure, unadulterated hip-hop ("Shutterbugg," "Shine Blockas," and "Fo Your Sorrows"). An no matter what the environment, Big Boi destroys it with his signature rapid fire delivery. A more enjoyable and diverse hip-hop album I could not ask for.

Big Boi feat. Yelawolf "Ain't No DJ (Video)"

4 Albums You Need To Hear

So I noticed a lot of sites are doing their top 10 albums of 2010 (so far), as this is the mid-way-point of the year. As much as I would love to do this, I figured it would be far easier to just give you guys four albums, in no particular order, which I feel are among the years best so far. Hopefully you haven't heard them yet, and if you have, you better agree with me.

Sleigh Bells- Treats

I noticed this on almost all top 10 lists, so I figured I'd give them a listen. The Brooklyn duo represents a new genre of music known as "noise pop." Basically, it's just what it sounds. Lots of noise (guitars, drums, synths) combined with the airy vocals of Alexis Krauss. Sounds pretty bizarre. And it is. However, the sheer contrast between the very pop sounding vocals combined with the cacophony of instruments creates an extremely unique sound. Admittedly, it took me a few listens to begin to like it. But just listen to "Crown on the Ground" a few times, and try to not have it stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Big Boi- Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty

Yes I'm aware this just came out Tuesday. But it is just so fantastic, I had to make sure everyone was aware of it. Take Big-Boi from Outkast, add some RIDICULOUS funk/soul/r&b influenced beats, sprinkle in guest appearances from the likes of Janelle Monae, Gucci Mane, Jamie Foxx, and T.I., and you've got a recipe for one of the year's best albums period. Nothing else can really be said. You've just gotta listen. (Sidenote: The skits are hilarious.)

Big Boi feat. B.o.B. and Joi- "Night Night (produced by Andre 3000)"

Marina and the Diamonds The Family Jewels

I know I've already posted about Marina Diamandis, such as her fantastic video for "Oh, No" but she deserves a little more focus. The Welsh born singer of Greek decent is equally adept singing on both slower piano led ballads ("Obsessions") as well as more poppy electronic songs such as "Oh, No" and "Mowgli's Road." With one of the most distinct voices in the ever growing electro-pop genre, Marina delivers a wide-variety of songs on her debut, showcasing her immense talents.

Marina and the Diamonds- "Obsessions"

Theophilus London I Want You

Yes, this isn't really an album, it's a mixtape. Good for you, cause you can get the whole thing for free. London flows lazily, while still remaing razor-sharp with his rhymes, over some of the most eclectic beats ever assembled. You've got Marvin Gaye, Discovery, Ellie Goulding, and Vampire Weekend, which London glides over with tremendous skill. Definitely something you're going to want to pick up before your hipster neighbor starts claiming he found it first. And it's ridiculously good.

Theophilus London- I Want You (Mixtape)

Big Boi feat. Vonnegut "Follow Us (Video)"

Some visuals off that upcoming Sir Lucious Leftfoot, which drops July 6th. Btw, I heard it's really really good.

Big Boi "Shutterbug (Video)"

While I'm trying not to break my TV while watching the horrible reffing in the Celts/Magic game, I came across this premiere for the visual for Sir Lucious Left-foot's single off his (hopefully) soon to be released album. Love this record.

Big Boi "Shutterbugg"

Oh my lawd. This is so dope. Production by Scott Storch, and this song just works so well, on so many levels. Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is shaping up to be incredible.

Big Boi- "Shutterbugg"