Hi-Tek's Top 5 Albums of 2007

The critically acclaimed Black Star album not only introduced the world to two gifted emcees, Mos Def and Talib Kweli, it also opened the world's eyes and ears to the sounds of Cincinnati native, Hi-Tek. Born, Tony Cottrell, Tek has since gone on to become one of hip hop's elite producers working with the likes of everyone from 50 Cent to Snoop to Common to Nas to The Game. Today, the follow up to one of my favorite albums of 2006, Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip, Hi-Teknology 3: Underground hits stores.

Hi-Tek says, "A good producer has to have the best choice in music, that's his job to be able to hear and know good music." Now, let's see what albums made his Best of 2007 (in no particular order):

50 Cent - Curtis (G-Unit/Interscope)

Kanye West - Graduation (Rocafella/Def Jam)

Common - Finding Forever (GOOD/Geffen)

Talib Kweli - Ear Drumb (Blacksmith/Warner)

Pharoahe Monch
- Desire (SRC/Universal)

Tek says his latest effort, "Captures the Cincinnati feel better than any other work I've done." We'll see if that Cincy feel, along with guest appearances by Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, T-Pain, Little Brother and Young Buck will be enough to find Hi-Teknology 3 on Best of 2007 lists.

Looking ahead to 2008, Tek says the plans are in place to get back in the studio with the other half of Reflection Eternal, Kweli (who also appears on Hi-Teknology 3). "We haven't started officially, but I am excited to get together in the studio." Don't be surprised to find that collaboration on Best of 2008 lists, should it hit shelves next year.