The 50 Best Albums of 2008

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Santogold SANTOGOLD Downtown

Before going solo, the singer-rapper Santi White fronted a punk band, studied African drumming and co-wrote a song for Lily Allen. As Santogold, she wields those influences like hot wax, sealing together icy electro, pogo-worthy ska, fierce dancehall anthems and downtown art-rock for the most ear-opening debut of 2008. Like M.I.A., Santogold specializes in off-kilter street jams. But on songs like "L.E.S. Artistes," she also has the creative ambition and the pop hooks to play venues bigger than Brooklyn basements.

• View List: The 50 Best Albums of 2008
• View List: Readers' Top 30 Albums of 2008