Let’s face it, all the “quality” albums have either dropped or leaked at this point. So, assuming you still disagree with Nasir’s early Album of the Year pick, what other hip-hop albums^* made you feel warm and tingly inside? Sound off.

[* No Drake mixtapes, please]

Says Will Loesel about the recent Slaughterhouse gig:

The biggest issue, however, came with the planning. Royce opened the show with a twenty minute set, followed by Joe’s feature set, which lasted an hour or so. At no time was Joell (or Crooked I, but that didn’t bother me) even on stage.

Now, let me paint the picture for you. If you’re not a native New Yorker, then you might not know the significance SOB’s has for Joell. He made his come-up in that venue. He’s been at every open mic there, every event. If he’s Derek Jeter, SOB’s is his Yankee Stadium, more than any other club. He didn’t even get to perform ONE solo song!

Concert Review: Slaughterhouse Performance at SOB’s [HipHopGame]

Unlike 2007 which brought tons of excitement, this year’s lineup looks uninspiring (so far). We already know that Dre’s Detox won’t happen anytime soon. The G-Unit album will probably be disappointing without Buck Marley. And that Eminem comeback seems highly unlikely this year. It’s probably too soon to tell. A lot can change between now and year-end.

For now, here are the ones I’m looking forward to:

• Nas, Nigger
• The Game, LAX
• Bun B, II Trill
• Gnarls Barkley, The Odd Couple
• Big Boi and Andre 3000 solo albums
• Jay-Z’s November album
• CRS album (wishful thinking)

What do you think? Who’ll bring the excitement in 08?