With a supposed release from Dr. Dre, a controversial opus from Nas, and a highly-anticipated disc from Lil' Wayne, here are the essential hip-hop albums for 2008

With hip-hop a bit in the slumps lately (think Soulja Boy's short-lived reign in 2007), many fans of the genre are begging desperately for quality material. To the people who are afraid of a further decline in quality, don't fret, 2008 may be your year. Though each major region will see a release this year, here are five albums that simply cannot be skipped in 2008.

1. Tha Carter III by Lil' Wayne:

Featuring production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, Mannie Fresh, and Scott Storch, Weezy's Tha Carter III is hip-hop's most anticipated album of the year. Following a leak last year (leading Lil' Wayne to start over almost from scratch), the world is patiently awaiting the release from the self-proclaimed "best rapper alive." With an astounding amount of songs released in 2007 (more than 70), Birdman Jr. sets out to prove that perhaps he can create a classic.

2. Detox by Dr. Dre:

If it were not for the fact that hip-hop has awaited this "masterpiece" (is it too early?) for more than five years now, Dr. Dre's third solo effort would easily reign at number one on this list. With a superb team of producers at his command (imagine Dre's skill combined with the likes of HI-Tek, Just Blaze, and RZA), Dre's supposed final album will indeed be one for the ages.

3. Nigger by Nas:

Following 2006's controversial Hip-Hop is Dead, Nasty Nas will be provoking more thought with his latest work. With tracks from DJ Toomp, Just Blaze, and Diddy and the Hitmen (along with mental support from rappers from each region in hip-hop) , Mr. Nasir Jones sets out to take the sting away from the world's most detrimental word.

4. LAX by The Game:

Claiming that LAX will be his final album, hopefully for The Game, the third time will be the charm. Though a cloud still surrounds this latest album, The Game is said to be joined by Nu Jerzey Devil, Cool & Dre, and almost vital to most hip-hop fans, Dr. Dre. Perhaps most important -- seeing if The Game can drop a classic before retirement.

5. The Odd Couple by Gnarls Barkley:

Soon to return with their frenzic mixture of hip-hop, soul, pop, and rock, Gnarls Barkley's The Odd Couple will feature producer DJ DangerMouse as the sole contributor. Possible single "Run" leaked to the internet on January 28, 2008 and the album will be released in April of this year. After the surprise invasion of St. Elsewhere in 2006, the release should be quite interesting to hear.

More To Watch for in '08:

Hip-Hop promises an exciting year with releases from established artists such as Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Snoop Dogg. Also, despite his current situation, rapper TI is expected to release Paper Trial sometime this year.

With sounds coming from each region in 2008, hopefully the genre can return to a past apogee soon. Out to prove themselves, Lil' Wayne and The Game will release albums this year in order to establish themselves as legends. Out to prove they are still legends, Dr. Dre and Nas plan to release classics. Finally, Gnarls Barkley will attempt to penetrate the American charts from the get-go. Soulja Boys everywhere -- watch out.