UGK – Underground Kingz

What We Said Then: “Truth is, if UGK had cut their output in half, they would have had the true definition of a ‘classic’ long player on their hands. Ultimately, what UGK is a real contender for 2007 album of year, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.” Rating: 4

What We Say Now: A double disc suffers the same problem it did in 1998 – a little too much fat on the steak. But with so much to say after so long apart, I never excused it more than with UGK’s swan song. “International Player’s Anthem” drew so many in, but this album really had a carefully constructed theme and reintroduction to the kiddies. With Gang Starr, Pete & CL and so many duos going out with beef and bitterness, UGK not only surprised charts, it was a role model to Hip Hop. I’m proud to look at this beauty on my CD tower in the box-set slot with The Temptations and Rolling Stones. Pimp C’s tragic death makes this disc the one for historians to begin with in their truest understanding of slab genius. Rating Now: 4.5/5 – Jake Paine

Talib Kweli – Eardrum

What We Said Then: “There is still room for improvement, but this largely the album from Kweli that everyone has been waiting for. He sticks to production that fits his style rather than try and force himself outside of the box, and pens an album full of lyrics that remove any doubt as to why he has the reputation that he does.” Rating: 4

What We Say Now: To be honest, I wasn’t expecting greatness with Eardrum. I was dead wrong. Talib delivers in every way shape and form. After the shock that hit me over Talib picking a production team and sound that actually WORKS I’m still blown away. I’d bump this to 4.5/5. – Joel Zela

Aesop Rock – None Shall Pass

What We Said Then: “Labor Days is easily the crowd favorite and there is nothing here that can touch Daylight or No Regrets, but there are also isn’t three snoozers here anchoring down the last half of the album. Time will tell which body of work is better, for now, just enjoy one of 2007’s dopest albums.” Rating: 4

What We Say Now: I’m still in a trance from the hypnotic beat of the title track. Aesop Rock is an acquired taste, but if you sit and analyze him long enough, you too will realize that None Shall Pass is way ahead of its time. Ghostface’s melanin deficient brother from another mother to has done it again – even if you don’t know what the hell he’s talking about until listen 77,627. The 4 out of 5 stands – Andreas Hale 

Blu & Exile – Below The Heavens

What We Said Then: “While “keeping it real” seems to be the “cool” thing to do with most rappers, Blu does this simply because he wants his story to be heard. Comfortable enough in his own skin, he lays it ALL out there … not just concentrating on the extremes.” Rating: 4

What We Say Now: Sometimes an album falls into your lap and you look up and thank God for blessing you with it. Below The Heavens is one of those albums. Don’t know where to get it (legally) so this is one of those times I thank the digital gods for bootlegging and file sharing. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have heard of Blu and one of the finest debut albums in years. Easily a 4. – Andreas Hale 

Kanye West – Graduation

What We Said Then: “Graduation was built around a concept that Kanye wanted an album to sound good while he performed in front of tens of thousands in huge arenas with ear popping sound systems. Production wise, Kanye accomplishes this for the most part. Big sounding production sprinkled with synthesizers is prevalent throughout the album and accomplishes exactly what Kanye set out to do.” Rating: 4.5

What We Say Now: It isn’t flawless by any means, but even a few months later I think this one is going down as a classic. I can’t put my finger on it, the album has just got that special feelings to it. Say what you want about Kanye, but more artists need to care about their music as much as he does. I’ll call it a 5 now and get ahead of the curve. – J-23

Little Brother – Getback

What We Said Then: “Without 9^th anchoring the album, it most definitely has a different feel. Not anything too radical, but surely more dynamic. I would rank it somewhere between The Minstrel Show and The Listening at this point, but we’ll see how it plays in time. Either way, whomever, whatever or where ever they were getting back, they got it.” Rating: 4

What We Say Now: After a few months of bumping Getback, I realize that LB didn’t need 9^th Wonder to craft a fantastic album. With Phonte staking claim as today’s finest everyman emcee and Big Pooh shutting down naysayers who questioned his ability (check his verses on “Sirens” and “After The Party” for proof), Little Brother is the group everyone will appreciate long after their gone. The honesty, humor and knack for weaving interesting concepts with exceptional lyricism forces me to bump that 4 to a 4.5.