As a mega-successful recording artist, producer and actor, Snoop Dogg has carved out a permanent place in pop culture and musical history as hip hop's ultimate wordsmith and most compelling superstar. The hip hop legend and multi-platinum artist returns with his ninth solo effort, "Ego Trippin'." On this album, Snoop makes his singing debut on the No. 7 Billboard Hot 100 single "Sensual Seduction," and cover of The Time's "Cool." On his approach to this album, he says he wanted it to be considerably less "gangster," and set out to be the "Marvin Gaye of Rap." Snoop also co-produced "Ego Trippin'" along with producer DJ Quick (Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, Ludacris), and Blackstreet's Teddy Riley.

"Trilla," the second album by Miami (by way of Haiti) rapper Rick Ross is one of the most hotly anticipated sophomore releases of the year. This collection is a more than respectable follow-up to his monster debut "Port of Miami." Produced by J-Rock, the Runners, Cool & Dre, and others, the album features the hit single "Speedin'," with guest singer R. Kelly.

"Funky Nassau: Compass Point Story 1980-1986" is out this week on Strut Records, and is a compilation of songs recorded between 1980-86 at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. The studio was responsible for the fusing of reggae sounds with early influential punk and disco artists, and was led by famed reggae producers Sly & Robbie. The album features 13 tracks, from several 1970s' icons including the Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club, Grace Jones and Ian Dury.