Best Solo Voice

Tupac Amaru Shakur was a highly influential and controversial figure in the late 20th-century hip-hop scene, known for his politically charged lyrics, prolific recording output across multiple albums, and involvement in both music and activism.

Nasir Jones, known professionally as Nas, rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with critically acclaimed albums like *Illmatic*, showcasing intricate lyricism and narratives exploring themes of urban life, poverty, and social commentary within a distinct East Coast hip-hop style.

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a groundbreaking rapper, producer, and businessman, achieving immense commercial success while becoming one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

Marshall Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with his rapid-fire delivery and often controversial lyrics, becoming one of the best-selling hip-hop artists of all time and a significant figure in mainstream music culture.

Andre Romelle Young, known professionally as Dr. Dre, rose to prominence as a record producer and key figure in the development of West Coast hip hop during the early to mid-1990s, shaping iconic albums by artists like Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur.

Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game set in a fantasy realm where a young man named Wander seeks to revive a lost girl. He undertakes a journey to defeat sixteen colossal creatures scattered across a desolate landscape using horseback and foot travel. The player controls Wander as he c...

Kanye Omari West is a highly influential and often controversial American rapper, producer, fashion designer, and businessman who rose to prominence in the early 2000s with groundbreaking albums like *The College Dropout*.

Maxwell Jacob Freedman, known professionally as MF DOOM, was a prolific and enigmatic American rapper celebrated for his intricate, often surreal lyrics, masked persona, and distinctive sampling style within the underground hip-hop scene from the late 1980s through the 2010s.

The Durston X-Mid 1 is a masterpiece of minimalist engineering, utilizing Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) to achieve an incredibly low weight without sacrificing structural integrity. It uses trekking poles for support, making it one of the lightest orienations available. Its sleek design provides ex...

Claude Debussy was a pioneering French composer whose work formed the cornerstone of musical Impressionism. Renowned for his innovative use of harmony, texture, and timbre, he created evocative, atmospheric works that broke from traditional German Romanticism. His masterpieces, such as 'Prélude à l'...

Black Thought, a highly respected lyricist and founding member of The Roots, is renowned for his technically complex flow, dense vocabulary, and socially conscious storytelling that has solidified his position as one of hip-hop’s most influential voices since the late 1990s.

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a key member of the influential G-Funk collective, significantly impacting West Coast hip-hop with his distinctive flow and laid-back style.

The Ecobee SmartThermostat remains a top contender due to its superior sensor integration and robust ecosystem. It excels by using remote sensors placed throughout the home, ensuring that the thermostat regulates temperature based on where people actually are, not just where it's mounted. Its built-...

Brad Mehldau is a leading figure in modern jazz piano, known for his sophisticated harmonic language, lyrical improvisations, and insightful interpretations of both jazz standards and classical works. His solo albums and trio recordings demonstrate a remarkable depth of musicality and a profound und...

Kendrick Jamal Rodney, known professionally as KRS-One, rose to prominence in the mid-1980s as a founding member and key lyricist of Boogie Down Productions, significantly influencing hip-hop’s conscious rap movement with politically charged narratives and intricate wordplay.

Born O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ice Cube rose to prominence as the frontman for N.W.A., significantly impacting West Coast hip-hop and challenging societal norms with politically charged lyrics and aggressive delivery throughout his career.

Shin Lim has redefined close-up magic with his incredibly precise card handling and captivating stage presence. His performances, often silent and intensely focused, create a unique and mesmerizing experience. Winning 'America's Got Talent' propelled him to international fame, showcasing his artistr...

The Heil Sound PR40 is a dynamic microphone designed for voice and music recording, particularly popular in podcasting. It offers a warm, full sound with excellent intelligibility and a wide sweet spot. Its unique capsule design provides exceptional off-axis rejection, minimizing room noise. The PR4...

A haunting, slow-burning blues epic that builds from a sparse guitar line to a cathartic, screaming solo. The lyrics reflect on mortality and redemption. The studio version on 'Blak and Blu' is powerful, but the live version on 'Gary Clark Jr. Live' is transcendent the solo stretches for over two m...

Ricky Walters, known professionally as Slick Rick, rose to prominence in the late 1980s with his distinctive storytelling style and flamboyant appearance, primarily through hits like “La Flame” and “Children’s Story,” solidifying a unique place in early hip-hop.

The Logitech Harmony Elite remains the gold standard for universal remote control, offering unparalleled device compatibility and a robust feature set. It seamlessly integrates with a vast array of entertainment and smart home devices, simplifying control through a user-friendly app and intuitive ph...

Jason James Everett, known professionally as LL Cool J, rose to prominence in the early 1980s as a pioneering figure in hip-hop music, blending rapping with pop sensibilities and achieving significant commercial success through iconic tracks and albums.

Russell "Ghostface Killah" Jones is a highly influential and critically acclaimed American rapper known for his distinctive storytelling, eclectic sampling style, and significant contributions to the underground hip-hop scene since the early 1990s.

Johnny Winter was a groundbreaking guitarist renowned for his blistering electric blues-rock performances. His distinctive style blended traditional Southern blues with hard rock influences achieved through masterful slide guitar work. Primarily a solo artist, Winter’s music is appreciated by fans o...

Missy Elliott is recognized as a highly innovative and influential figure in hip-hop music, known for her experimental production techniques, distinctive vocal style, and groundbreaking visual music videos that pushed creative boundaries throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.

The Durston X-Mid Solo is a highly efficient shelter designed for the solo adventurer. It prioritizes weight savings while maintaining enough interior space to feel comfortable. The tent's geometry allows for great airflow, which is essential for preventing condensation in smaller shelters. Its high...

Big Daddy Kane was a highly regarded and technically skilled rapper of the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his intricate lyricism, complex rhyme schemes, and sophisticated flow within the Golden Age of hip-hop.

Alinea is a celebrated Chicago fine-dining establishment led by Chef Grant Achatz. It’s notable for its innovative American cuisine employing advanced culinary methods like molecular gastronomy. The restaurant offers immersive dining experiences primarily catering to adventurous diners seeking uniqu...

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a versatile condenser microphone often used for podcasting due to its clear and detailed sound. While technically a condenser, its low self-noise and good rejection of background noise make it a viable option for those without a dedicated recording studio. It requires ph...