Author: Kevin “Pigeon” Montes
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Though I’ve come to appreciate some of the highs Lady Gaga has delivered since 2011’s Born This Way, nothing has hit me as noticeably as her music has, especially as a pop fan. That changed with her latest album, Mayhem, which shifts away from Chromatica since it’s not produced by the milquetoast DJs like Axwell,…
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There is no denying this immense love for The Lumineers’ Cleopatra, especially compared to their debut, which had substantial joy in its string orchestration. Unfortunately, as the years have passed since “Cleopatra,” it feels like The Lumineers have seen their better days since they attempt to do nothing new or inventive with each passing album.…
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Life is Beautiful is the latest release by Larry June, 2 Chainz, and The Alchemist. It is a surprisingly smooth project that shows we’ve been left starved by 2 Chainz’s lack of rapping over Alchemist beats. The writing treads familiarity for both artists, but having Alchemist’s smooth and calm production that radiates summer sun as…
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Drake has experienced a tumultuous couple of months since telling Kendrick Lamar to drop his response on the track “Push Ups.” During this moment in the zeitgeist, Drake showed that it didn’t faze him as he built hype for a new album. This time alongside PartyNextDoor, Drake has shifted to what he does best: R&B-centric…
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Hurry Up Tomorrow by The Weeknd closes the circle of another trilogy of albums connected through sound and thematic motifs. Similar to Trilogy, which contained the three previous mixtapes dropped before signing to a major label, it shows us this evolution of the artist and how his sounds have traversed different sonic planes. Whether it’s…
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We have many great up-and-coming rappers from the UK, yet it’s disappointing that some remain too inactive, like Dave and Stefflon Don. However, I take each in stride and enjoy the music they deliver. That includes Central Cee, who presents his debut, Can’t Rush Greatness. While the bars are strong, the beats aren’t as compelling.…
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I can’t deny that I became a fan of Ela Minus later than I expected, given that her sound is something I strongly gravitate toward. Fortunately, friendship is invaluable; through it, I was eventually introduced to her music. Although I may be listening with fresh ears, there’s no denying that her music is outstanding. As…
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When Lambrini Girls appeared in my algorithm due to their profile on NME.com, I became intrigued, specifically by the aesthetic of sheer punk they imbued. Popping in some singles and eventually their debut album, Who Let the Dogs Out, showed listeners that they were here to cook exponentially. Their debut is an album riddled with…
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It’s safe to say I was more tepid about Bad Bunny’s last album because of how bloated it felt and its loss of focus amidst the plethora of features. It was as if he couldn’t hold down an identity like in past albums and instead just tried to hone in on the heights of his…
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When Lil Baby came onto the scene, his aura was massive. He had something to say and did so with vigor, specifically with the dynamic “The Bigger Picture,” solidifying that thought. Unfortunately, as the years progressed, his output dipped in quality, giving us some forgettable follow-ups where only a few tracks have a sticking point.…
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