InsideHoops.com now presents monthly music picks. Some new releases, some older stuff. We aren't naming every good cd under the sun that comes out. Just the stuff we get our hands on and deem worthy of being a Pick of the Month. In the future, as this section evolves, it may focus more on brand new releases. Right now it's a mix. Enjoy.

InsideHoops.com Music Picks of June, 2003

50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

This album (rap) is flooded with great-sounding hits. The subject matter revolves around living, dying, trying not to die, shooting people, getting shot, trying not to get shot, getting high, helping others get high, and other such content. The sound is great and the songs are pretty addictive. You'll want to blast it. 50 Cent has packed this cd with a ridiculous amount of top tracks.

Jimi Hendrix - Electric Ladyland

One of the greatest albums in the history of popular (rock) music. If you don't own it, something's wrong with you. Electric Ladyland came out in 1968, but it's greatness makes it timeless. There's nothing "old" about it.

InsideHoops.com Music Picks of May, 2003

Busta Rhymes - It Ain't Safe No More

A long, hot album that's packed with great tracks. Busta brings it like you'd expect. Some known hits off this include "Make it Clap" and the Mariah Carey-assisted "I Know What You Want." Other great tracks include "Call the Ambulance," "Riot," "Hop," and the InsideHoops.com favorite, "Till It's Gone." Too many good songs to name.

Daredevil - Movie Soundtrack

If you wanna rock loud and hard, get this album and turn the volume up. A very solid collection of guitar-driven rock and roll from Fuel, Nickelback, P.O.D., Hoobastank, 12 Stones, Evanescence and more. Blast it. Wearing a superhero costume while listening is recommended, but optional.

RUN-DMC - Greatest Hits

This album is essential. The greatest hits from the guys most responsible for the growth of rap music. Unless you already own all their main albums, buy this cd immediately. With ground-breaking, famous jams like "King of Rock," "Walk this Way," "My Adidas," "Down with the King" and 14 more, it's classic, timeless stuff from start to finish.

White Stripes - Elephant

The rock/alternative world has needed this for a long time. The album rules. It's mostly a "lo-fi" type of sound, but in a really good way. Be warned: you may find yourself playing this cd about 40 thousand times in a row, possibly causing your speakers or headphones to wear out. Elephant is the type of album that makes you want to immediately rush out, buy a guitar, amp and distortion pedal and imitate them. The White Stripes nailed this. If you've heard even just one of their songs, and you like their style, then grab the cd. The whole thing is terrific.

Amandla! - The Soundtrack

A truly beautiful, wonderful album. Subtitled "A revolution in four-part harmony," these songs come from brilliant African singers and the album accompanies a film that was a winner at the 2002 Sundance film festival. You don't need to be a fan of spiritual or African music to appreciate this album. And while understanding the history and story that inspired these songs is certainly helpful, you can be totally clueless and still love and be moved by what you hear. All you need is a heart and soul. And a device to actually play the cd. And functional speakers, those help as well.

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