*** B.G., “Chopper City in the Ghetto,”

Cash Money/Universal. On his fifth solo album, the New Orleans native uses his city’s indigenous slang to create thoroughly entertaining and intricate street-life narratives. As enjoyable and polished as B.G.’s raps are, it’s the powerful production of Mannie Fresh that drives the album. Using rapid-fire drum tracks, stunning synthesizers and gripping guitars, Fresh creates a hip-hop aural utopia.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.