Hero (Thirsty): A
Released in March, Toronto producer Darp Malone and Brooklyn MC E-Dot’s “Hero” is 2008’s most slept-on positive rap gem. E-Dot’s rhymes are sharp and smart but never heavy-handed, while his partner’s catchy, acoustic-driven beats make this a proper disc to cruise, dance or get nasty with. Think K-OS or Pigeon John with a degree from the school of hard knocks. Download: “Mogadishu.”
