Amazon.comThe U.K. abstract hip-hop label Ninja Tune has always encouraged the freshest beat forays, and its latest hip-hop-dedicated imprint, Big Dada, is no exception. Boasting a laid-back collection of previously released, exclusive, and remixed underground hip-hop cuts from MCs and DJs/producers on both sides of the Atlantic, familiar names like Luke Vibert (Plug, Wagon Christ), the Runaways, and Saul Williams (who most recently brought his enlightened poetics to the Lyricist Lounge compilation) pop up alongside less-familiar heads like Toastie Tailor and DJ Rumple. Showcasing some of the brighter talents emerging from Big Dada's connection to the U.K. and U.S. underground and incorporating a smattering of ragga and drum & bass influences, Black Whole Styles could give Lyricist Lounge Vol. 1 a run for its money when it comes to capturing creative, independent-minded beats-and-rhymes purveyors. --Stacy Osbaum