Chilltown, New York (2004)

Erick Sermon's a vet. After 15 years as a producer-rapper -- solo and as half of seminal duo EPMD -- E-Dub has mastered his patient, lisp-laden flow and a unique electro-funk sound to match. Sadly, on his fifth solo album, his preoccupation with age and past-due credit -- ''A&R's sayin' they won't sign me/'Cause they see my face and think I'm done'' -- deadens even his thickest bass lines and most buoyant beats. Never let the chip on your shoulder outweigh the bump in your trunk.