| I'll suggest a few:
Atmosphere was suggested they are a very different from mainsteam rap, pianos and horns make up the beats usually. I 've only heard their new album a few times so I won't comment on it. Look for "Caved In" probably the most heartfelt song I've heard in a long time (though he's BSing) "Abuse of the Rib" is another one to look for.
Talib Kweli /Reflection Eternal has many a great song. My favorite one is with Morcheeba , don't remeber what its called and just looked at the time I should hit the sack so I'll cut the rest short.
NAS - "World is Yours"
Mos Def/Blackstar good choice if you like rock "Definition" and "Hip Hop" couple good choices.
bah could go on assume your gonna download before buying, Common Sense, Company Flow, Blackstarr, Aesop Rock, Roots, and Jurrassic 5 are all good bets.
If you planned on buying a CD get a compilation from Rawkus Records such as Sound Bombing or Lyricist's Lounge. Sound Bombing 2 is prolly my favorite could prolly do a search for Soundboming also I guess, heh | 