With over 40 albums and an unassailable legacy as the originator of one of Africa’s most popular and enduring sounds, the job of curating Fela Kuti’s catalog for the 21st century is a difficult and enviable task. Ink 19 dives into the Knitting Factory’s Chop n’ Quench, Fela’s first nine albums re-released, and gives a heads up on the Na Poi set of albums due to drop on May 11.

With over 40 albums and an unassailable legacy as the originator of one of Africa's most popular and enduring sounds, the job of curating Fela Kuti's catalog for the 21st century is a difficult and enviable task. Ink 19 dives into the Knitting Factory's Chop n' Quench, Fela's first nine albums re-released, and gives a heads up on the Na Poi set of albums due to drop on May 11.

Ruff Draft (Stones Throw). Review by S D Green.

On the historic day that America elects its first African-American president, an eloquent messenger for “change,” Q-Tip releases The Renaissance. Coincidence? John-Thomas Crockett sits down with “The Abstract” prior to the outcome to discuss The Renaissance, Obama, and how he feels about Q-Tip vs. Lil Wayne.

Chris Catania is utterly floored by Brother Ali’s recent Chicago performance. Is the future of indie rap an albino Muslim who comes off equal parts Muhammed Ali, KRS-One and southern preacher? Maybe you should find out for yourself…

Finding Forever (Geffen Records). Review by Tim Wardyn.

The Tipping Point (Geffen Records). Review by Tim Wardyn.

The Drum N Bass Album…The Farewell Tour (Mends). Review by Henry “Hank” McCoy.

Matt Cibula listens to weird records you never heard of, maybe. Here are 19 of them that deserve a wider audience.

Music From the Motion Picture Soundtrack (MCA). Review by Bill Campbell.

The Tortoise and the Hare (Cool Hunter / Ryko). Review by Bill Campbell.

Song of the Sovereign (Mush). Review by Bill Campbell.

The Living Soul (Hum Drums/Groove Attack). Review by Bill Campbell.

Got Lyrics? (Weightless). Review by Bill Campbell.

Embrace The Chaos (Almo Sounds/Interscope). Review by Julio Diaz.

The Philadelphia Experiment 12-inch (Rope-a-Dope/Atlantic). Review by Kiran Aditham.

Coming off the Spit Kickers tour with De La Soul and Biz Markie to his new album, Like Water for Chocolate, going gold, it’s clear that Common’s message and his hip hop grooves are finally making it to a wider audience. So what is his message? That’s what Nirav Soni found out, as they discussed politics, inspirations, and spirituality.

Common is self-conscious with a conscience, ignoring today’s rap paradigm of …