To start off the new year, we run down the list of pioneering artists that released albums in 2009.  It's impossible to ignore the fact - the gods were definitely putting in work.  Check out the staying power and the undeniable greatness of the artists that released material in the last 365 days.

Rakim made a triumphant return to the scene after multiple delays and setbacks and the wait was worth it.  No doctor was needed on the scene as the 18th letter held it down near-perfect on his third official solo offering "The Seventh Seal."

The Conscious Daughters represented for Guerrilla Funk with their third album "The Nutcracker Suite" after not having released an album since 1996's "Gamers."  The duo proved they could still bring it over production courtesy of Paris, Rick Rock, Fred White and Stephen King.

Masta Ace & EDO.G teamed up for "Arts & Entertainment", a definite highlight of the year, only made more potent with guest spots from Large Professor, Pos from De La Soul, KRS-One and Doitall from Lords Of The Underground.

X-Clan followed up 2006's "Return From Mecca" with "Mainstream Outlaw."  Brother J, flowing with one of the best voices in hip hop, still spits knowledge and that "grown lyricism, bangin' for your children's".  Stop, look and recognize like the man says.

KRS-One & Buckshot connected for "Survival Skills" on Duck Down Records and the team up was magic time.  DJ Revolution, Havoc from Mobb Deep, Black Milk, Ill Mind, Marco Polo, Moss, Nottz, 9th Wonder and Khrysis provided the soundtrack for these legends to really put in work.

Cage has morphed and changed as an emcee in so many ways since his debut guest verse in 1993 on Pete Nice & Daddy Rich's "Dust To Dust" album.  So it should come as no surprise that on "Depart From Me" he colors outside the lines even further, rhyming and singing over production by El-P and Aesop Rock.

Tash released his second solo album to follow up 1999's "Rap Life."  Tha Alkaholiks emcee got down on "Control Freak" with Del The Funky Homosapien, King T and J-Ro from Tha Liks.

DJ JS-1 put together "Ground Original 2: No Sell Out" and invited everyone to the party.  The list is damn near endless and the results made it the best compilation of the year.  KRS-One, Masta Ace, Chino XL, Sean Price, CL Smooth, Sadat X, OC, Pharoahe Monch, Craig G, AG, Edo G and Ultramagnetic MC's are just a few reasons why this one should be in your collection.

Busta Rhymes released "Back On My B.S." after quietly leaving Aftermath Records.  The results were mixed but no one can deny that Busta has still got it, flowing as crazy animated as ever.

Sadat X from Brand Nubian came through with another successful solo album.  Entitled "Brand New Bein'", Sadat X found himself in good company on the mic, with guest spots from CL Smooth, Buckshot, Craig G, KRS-One, Lord Jamar and Grand Puba.

La Coka Nostra put it down in a big way with their debut album, "A Brand You Can Trust."  Featuring Everlast, Danny Boy and DJ Lethal from House Of Pain, plus Ill Bill and Slaine, this was one of the best albums of the year.  A sh!t talking, political conspiracy theory, b-boy mash-up that worked on every level. 

Q-Tip finally saw his "Kamaal The Abstract" project officially see the light of day.  Originally slated for release in 2001, this experimental record found the Tribe Called Quest front man singing more than rapping and even playing several instruments. 

Ghostface Killah created his last album for Def Jam on the R&B tip.  "Ghostdini Wizard Of Poetry In Emerald City" featured Ghostface crafting a record for the ladies with Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, John Legend and Lloyd providing the hooks.