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Westwood 10
Def Jam/Universal
***

Seeing as it's now reached volume 10, BBC Radio One DJ Tim Westwood's now-that's-what-I-call-hip-hop series has obviously become quite a cash cow for all concerned. This double CD, rounding up the best of the bangers from the past year in commercial hip-hop, will add to that loot. Those who prefer their hip-hop music from the underground side of the fence should proceed with caution, as there is little room here for the MF Dooms and J Lives of this world. Instead, it's the biggest and brashest bangers around from 50 Cent, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Lil' Wayne, Lil' Jon and other assorted lil' ones which will have everyone bumping. Add in a few tips of the hat to Kanye West, a detour to take in some reggaeton delights and a medley of Tupac bits and pieces, and you have an XXXL stocking filler of an album. www.timwestwood.com  - Jim Carroll