Swollen Members

For their sixth studio album, Vancouver, BC-based group Swollen Members made a conscious effort to bring their sound into 2009, replacing what Mad Child calls the "abstract expressionism" of their early records for a grimier sound that's more "street-oriented." Aiding with the transition is new Battle Axe Warrior Tre Nyce, whose hunger and ear for songwriting shine on "Warrior" and "Bang Bang." Explaining the group's low profile in recent years is "My Life," a Mad Child solo on which he raps, candidly and without glamorization, about a four-year pill addiction he only recently overcame: "Oxys, Percocet, Vicodin, Somas, doesn't really matter long as I am in a coma." Production remains high energy, with Rob the Viking behind the boards, and guest appearances include Talib Kweli ("Cross Fire"), Tech N9ne ("Bollywood Chick"), La Coka Nostra ("Dumb") and Glasses Malone ("Real P.I.").