Stalley Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music)

This Midwestern MC made a splash in 2009 with his MadStalley: The Autobiography project, which was inspired by his move from Massillon, Ohio to Brooklyn. It also paired up Stalley with re-worked Madlib production, a factor that of course enticed listeners who hadn't heard this rapper's name before. From there, Stalley only continued to improve in 2010 as he collaborated with the likes of Ski Beatz and the Cool Kids. But for this effort, Stalley decided to look back home to Ohio, where he linked up with producer Rashad to make melodic, 808s-driven bangers with personal lyricism. The result is Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Muzik), a fitting title consider this duo's hopes to make you both think and turn up the volume.

Abstract by Andrew Martin