New and Notable

C-Murder, “Trapped in Crime,” No Limit/Priority. The New Orleans rapper creates one of the genre’s most convincing gangster rap products, and on his third album he adds some soul-searching and social commentary to his violent tales. (Soren Baker)

Cubanismo!, “Mardi Gras Mambo,” Hannibal. The teaming of this Havana group with ace New Orleans musicians is a natural. Even something as potentially hokey as the Cubanized version of the R&B; novelty “Mother in Law” is irresistible fun. (Steve Hochman)

Wyclef Jean, “The Ecleftic--2 Sides II a Book,” Columbia. The Fugee’s second solo album is more hip-hop-minded than his debut, but it’s still a freewheeling, wildly eclectic affair. (R.H.)

Nelly, “Country Grammar,” Universal. This debut collection establishes the St. Louis rapper as a force to be reckoned with. The combination of easygoing rapping and easily accessible production pushes his album over the top. (S.B.)