12 Independent Albums You Must Own

In support of what we call "Independents Day | " BET.com offers a list of 12 indie albums you must own.

Jay Stay Paid - This release from the late J Dilla is one that fans should definitely have in their collections. A collection of superb beats and special guests make "Jay Stay Paid" one of the late producer's best outings ever.

1 / 12

Jay Stay Paid - This release from the late J Dilla is one that fans should definitely have in their collections. A collection of superb beats and special guests make "Jay Stay Paid" one of the late producer's best outings ever.

The Padded Room - Joe Budden puts together a healthy dosage of raw lyrics and introspective songwriting on this release. It's difficult to say he's not one of the best emcees out today.

2 / 12

The Padded Room - Joe Budden puts together a healthy dosage of raw lyrics and introspective songwriting on this release. It's difficult to say he's not one of the best emcees out today.

All In A Day's Work - Saigon and Statik Selektah put this project together in 24 hrs. But what they did in 24 hrs is better than what most artists can do in a year. Definitely a must-have.

3 / 12

All In A Day's Work - Saigon and Statik Selektah put this project together in 24 hrs. But what they did in 24 hrs is better than what most artists can do in a year. Definitely a must-have.

Brooklynati - Forget about the fact that their name sounds like a woman, the trio of Tanya Morgan deliver an early candidate for hip-hop album of the year with "Brooklynati."

4 / 12

Brooklynati - Forget about the fact that their name sounds like a woman, the trio of Tanya Morgan deliver an early candidate for hip-hop album of the year with "Brooklynati."

Delightful Bars - 1/2 of Little Brother, rapper Big Pooh goes at it solo and the results are amazing.

5 / 12

Delightful Bars - 1/2 of Little Brother, rapper Big Pooh goes at it solo and the results are amazing.

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Stone & Rob Caught On Tape - The "Lucini" duo of Camp Lo jump back on the scene with this release that reminds people why they were a sought after group in the '90s.

6 / 12

Stone & Rob Caught On Tape - The "Lucini" duo of Camp Lo jump back on the scene with this release that reminds people why they were a sought after group in the '90s.

Born Like This - DOOM (minus the MF) is chock full of sub three-minute songs, no choruses and head-scratching, side-splitting non sequitur rhymes. Just like we would expect.

7 / 12

Born Like This - DOOM (minus the MF) is chock full of sub three-minute songs, no choruses and head-scratching, side-splitting non sequitur rhymes. Just like we would expect.

The Truth Is Here - The greatness of Brother Ali is in the strength of his powerful rhymes. "The Truth Is Here" is no different as one of the most under the radar emcees shows why he should be spoken in the same breath as any top 10 emcee.

8 / 12

The Truth Is Here - The greatness of Brother Ali is in the strength of his powerful rhymes. "The Truth Is Here" is no different as one of the most under the radar emcees shows why he should be spoken in the same breath as any top 10 emcee.

Radio - This collection of production from Exile is absolutely stellar. The concept of creating an album incorporating any sound you may hear on a radio—from the actual music to the static, pointless chatter and even dead air—is brilliant.

9 / 12

Radio - This collection of production from Exile is absolutely stellar. The concept of creating an album incorporating any sound you may hear on a radio—from the actual music to the static, pointless chatter and even dead air—is brilliant.

Nuclear Evolution - Call them funky or call them weirdos. Either name applies as Sa-Ra mixes the funk with the strange on this exquisite release. Definitely an adventure for your ears.

10 / 12

Nuclear Evolution - Call them funky or call them weirdos. Either name applies as Sa-Ra mixes the funk with the strange on this exquisite release. Definitely an adventure for your ears.

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Diabolical Fun - Gifted lyricist/poet Illogic is absolutely one of the most underrated emcees in the game today. "Diabolical Fun" further proves the point as Illogic showcases his ridiculous talent behind the mic.

11 / 12

Diabolical Fun - Gifted lyricist/poet Illogic is absolutely one of the most underrated emcees in the game today. "Diabolical Fun" further proves the point as Illogic showcases his ridiculous talent behind the mic.

Double Barrel - Torae and Marco Polo bring it back to the "Golden Era" of hip hop with this release. Focused beats and hard-hitting production satisfy those nostalgic cravings while maintaining 21st century relevance.

12 / 12

Double Barrel - Torae and Marco Polo bring it back to the "Golden Era" of hip hop with this release. Focused beats and hard-hitting production satisfy those nostalgic cravings while maintaining 21st century relevance.