A Chicago emcee heavily influenced by classic Wu-Tang, Killarmy, and Jedi Mind Tricks, 14th Century is extremely under the radar and very mysterious; there's virtually no information about him online. But one thing's certain: this album is outstanding. With a potent combination of ultra-grimy, loop-driven production, dense and visual lyricism, and a raspy flow that's more than a little bit reminiscent of a young AZ, this is hardcore, East Coast–style hip-hop ideal for heads unimpressed with the current crop of slicked-out, song-and-dance types rapping over IDM beats. Snippets from kung fu flicks are all over the place (he's an unabashed Sonny Chiba fan), interspersed with raw guitar chops, hard-knocking drums, and dusty jazz samples, topped with roughneck rhymes about musical superiority, groupie domination, and appreciation for the finest organic intoxicants. Guests include the Bay's Orukusaki ("Classic Hits") and the underrated New York emcee Oktober Zero ("Cold Mic Assassin"). Don't miss "Suki Suki," "In Love," or "Sushi."