Out of nowhere, the new music department is suddenly exciting again. A plethora of eagerly awaited albums makes the investigation of this month’s rap release schedule worthwhile. Here are 10 hip-hop albums to check for this November, accompanied by my thoughts on each.

10. Glasses Malone – Beach Cruiser
The West Coast is need of a revival. I don’t know that Glasses Malone is the prescription, but he’ll do for now.

9. Kid Sister – Ultraviolet
If you’ve ever gone a Halloween candy binge, then you have an idea of what Ultraviolet sounds like. Sure, it will make you bounce off the walls, but it’s bad for your teeth.

8. Gift of Gab – Escape 2 Mars
Gift reaffirms that he’s an underrated lyrical genius. That said, I’d rather see him back in the studio with Chief Xcel.

7. Felt (Murs & Slug) – Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez
The first Felt album still holds the throne, but the fun factor on this go-round is contagious.

6. Masta Ace & Edo G – Arts & Entertainment
This may be the only time Boston (Edo G) and NY (Ace) will be cheering each other in a game.

5. BlakRoc – BlakRoc
Dame engineered this piece of artistry that seeks to merge the Black Keys with various MCs.

4. Timbaland – Shock Value II
Tim throws a lavish party, replete with exquisite drinks and renowned guests, but forgets to show up.

3. Wale – Attention Deficit
I left my expectations on the floor while listening to Attention Deficit, but I shouldn’t have. Wale played to his strength and delivered a quality debut.

2. Rakim – The Seventh Seal The rhymes will make the exploration of Ra’s career a delight for neophytes. The beats will leave the heads of Ra faithfuls sore from furious scratching.

1. 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct
Fresh from a spate of memorials and funeral toasts to his career, Curtis travels six years back in time in a bid to rediscover the formula that made Get Rich or Die Tryin’ a success.

• Full Breakdown: 10 New Hip-Hop Albums to Check for in November