Sha Hef — Hustlin Ain't a Sin

Born in Brooklyn, made his name uptown. Hustlin Ain't a Sin is the first album since Sha Hef finished a five-year sentence, and the religious material is the spine of it rather than a detail: the title track opens on a child's bedtime prayer, then asks whether a dealer who prayed the whole time gets into heaven. He does not answer it. Thirteen tracks, out in June on Black Market Records. Harry Fraud produces three, including “Gotti,” and leaves the vocal clear; Grimm Doza, Nicholas Craven and 183rd take most of the rest. Ab-Soul, Jay Worthy and ANKHLEJOHN guest. “Gotti,” “LIDS” and “No Discussion” are the standouts.