The latest releases reviewed.

LIL WAYNE

Tha Carter III

Cash Money

****

Dwayne Carter knows that humility doesn't butter many parsnips in the hip-hop game, which is why the former Hot Boy from the Big Easy has been bigging himself up of late as the "greatest rapper alive". Solo album No 6 shows that Carter may actually be onto something with a run of funny, sharp, smart and occasionally surreal bangers.

The supporting cast is as large as they come for a big-deal blockbuster album, but it's the name on the marquee rather than Jay-Z (whose wry endorsement of the newcomer on Mr Carter is a delight), Kanye West, Just Blaze, Swift Beatz and Busta Rhymes that really sets this album alight.

Carter's flow and lexicon are remarkable, giving him the sort of pace and poise few of his peers can match. Take a listen to Dr Carter, where he puts hip-hop on the operating table (propped up by a David Axelrod sample) and marvel at someone near the top of their game. w

ww.myspace.com/lil wayne

JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Dr Carter, Tie My Hands, 3 Peat

TRICKY

Knowle West Boy

Domino

****

With a new Portishead album and Massive Attack curating this year's Meltdown Festival, the trip-hop reunion picture is now complete with the release of Tricky's new album. Still loathing the phrase "trip-hop" and still keen to put a distance between himself and his West Country colleagues, Tricky is his typical idiosyncratic self on this coruscating slab of rap/rock/electro-blues.

Knowle West Boyis named after the Bristol council estate on which he grew up, and one of its highlights is Council Estate, which evokes a long forgotten picture of Thatcher's divisive Britain and comes complete with added social commentary. The autobiographical theme continues on School Gates, while there is a judicious foray into barroom blues with the woozily paced Puppy Toy. You could be forgiven for thinking that Tricky is perhaps the least likely person to attempt a cover of  a Kylie Minogue song, but listen to his fascinating take on Slow- it's almost worth the price alone.

www.trickyonline.com

BRIAN BOYD