Category: Reviews

  • The Lumineers – Brightside: Review

    In sports, we have what we call “the glue guy or player;” it is usually that player who molds everything together in the most subtle ways. We’re talking mannerisms that encourage good plays and elevate after bad plays for the team members; they can be a top 5 player or someone on the bench. That…

  • Cordae – From A Bird’s Eye View

    Sometimes, the Destiny’s Child characteristics for their post-career get used to comparing the success of artists who branch out from a group. For the YBN Collective, talent and status ran through the blood of Cordae, whose debut in 2019 was a pleasant surprise amongst hip-hop debut albums. Simply put, it was a breath of fresh…

  • Earl Sweatshirt – SICK! : Review

    One thing has always been evident about Earl Sweatshirt’s talent: his lyrical and rhythmic skills are unmatched by most artists today, even though his topics may not reflect the modern, pop-like, hip-hop interest in fans. I’ve had conversations with friends where they express how hard artists like Pooh Sheisty or Nav go as lyricists; it…

  • The Weeknd – Dawn FM: Review

    We’ve taken an exhaustively fun and thrilling ride from his debut to After Hours; from a front-row seat, we hear The Weeknd encapsulate and transition into 80s nostalgia with composure as the adrenaline rushes high. But The Weeknd, along with co-producers, don’t let nostalgia shroud over the complexities to keep sonic sensibilities modern. Dawn FM…

  • Curren$y – Pilot Talk IV: Review

    Say what you will about Curren$y and his musical output, but the credibility from his consistency has allowed him to immerse himself in the universal hip-hop sphere, easily acquiring great producers, like Harry Fraud and The Alchemist, for his projects. It continued to show throughout 2021, as he dropped six projects – ending on Christmas…

  • Nas & Hit-Boy – Magic: Review

    Months after the riotous King’s Disease II, Nas and Hit-Boy reunite for their third collaborative album in Magic; unfortunately, it is far from magical. Nas and Hit-Boy take a new approach oozing nostalgia for 90s Hip-Hop, with the delivery being 50-50. Hit-Boy is back in his bag and finding his path within these sonic complexions…

  • Roddy Ricch – Live Life Fast: Review

    Since 2018, Roddy Rich has shown he can be exponentially great with his creative output; especially, in the feature department. From his verse on the Nipsey Hustle track “Racks In The Middle” to “Rockstar” by DaBaby, Roddy has shown up and delivered A+ verses; unfortunately, he has limits as an artist. Roddy Rich is a…

  • Big Boi & Sleepy Brown – Big Sleepover: Review

    Last weekend Big Boi and Sleepy Brown delivered – somewhat anticipated, based on which music community you ask – The Big Sleepover, a collaboration album between the longtime collaborators. We’ve heard them since the dawn of their career, but never a complete project conceived and created by these two artists. After the modest Boomiverse by…

  • Rick Ross – Richer Than I Ever Been

    Rick Ross has constantly teetered between delivering quality and quantity, and it has caused him from producing standouts like 2012’s God Forgives, I Don’t, and 2010’s Teflon Don. Unfortunately, 2021’s Richer Than I’ve Ever Been continues to teeter between two things: quality and necessary. Within most Rick Ross albums, you find yourself hearing that his…

  • Arca – KiCk iiii & iiiii: Review

    Over the last few days, the intake of new music from Arca was at an all-time high – it was one helluva roller coaster ride. There were highs and exponential lows, but within the confines of these monstrous projects, there is an artist that’s ready to bloom. After a lackluster return-to-form approach in the third…