Emcee and label-owner Immortal Technique may be one of the un-sexiest artists in hip-hop today. He cites Marx, criticizes American domestic and foreign policy, favors self-reliance over major-label approval, and spends time helping to get orphanages built in Afghanistan, trying to get young gang members off the streets, and urging high school kids to write. He does what some people consider the unspeakable: think critically.

For those still reading, please note that his third record includes a cast of like-minded beasts on the mic, like Chino XL, Ras Kass, Crooked I and Pharoahe Monch. Production is obviously handled largely by the host Green Lantern, but it's augmented by Scram Jones, Buckwild and Southpaw.