Free City
Only in hip-hop could a heretofore unknown from St. Louis have  enough clout to get his boys put on. Of course, if the recently  anonymous individual is six-times-platinum-and-counting rapperNelly, it's easy  to understand why his longtime crew the St. Lunatics warrants some  buzz. LikeCountry Grammar,Free Citybrims with bass-driven, relatively sample-free,  syncopated shake and a set of songs that celebrate cars, girls,  partying, and making (and spending) cash. And, likeCountry  Grammar, they make a point of celebrating their local lifestyle,  with songs like "Midwest Swing," in which Nelly declares "What you  think we live on the farm? N**** be for real / We got Benz, Rovers and  Jags, Hummers and Devilles." Granted, the Lunatics aren't deep lyrical  thinkers, but for the hazy hot days of summer, there is a real appeal  to their bounce-heavy beats and drawling down-home vibe.--Amy  Linden