Stoney is pure style over substance. Full of that "trill pop" sound he basically birthed, with mainly forgettable verses, but big, catchy hooks, and irresistible melodies. It's a solid debut that proves he's more than just "White Iverson."
Marvin Touré is an up and coming visual artist out of New York City by way of Atlanta, Gerogia. He talks about how he got his start in art, the different cultural influences that both America and the Ivory Coast have had on him and his work, and what he wants to accomplish. He also gives a unique perspective on hip-hop and comic books in relation to art and gives some advice to other artists looking to pursue their dreams.
The Altar tries to bring an edge and darkness to pop that has some very hit and miss production that at times can feel more trendy than authentic. Her personal, vulnerable songwriting is the real highlight of the album.
Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin' is a very welcome return to form for Kid Cudi. It's full of all those big spacey synths, infectious bounces, atmospheric vibes, and irresistible melodies we've come to expect, while still managing to sound fresh and new. He's come to reclaim his throne as the vibe King.
Filthy America is the LOX's first album in over 15 years, and it sounds like it. They haven't lost a beat with their lyricism, and they still do street raps better than most, but their production did not age nearly as gracefully. The worst part of it all though is that this wouldn't have even been a good album back in their prime. I'm still left pondering about what could've been.
December 99th will undoubtedly infuriate some of his die hard fans, as there's few remnants of what used to be Mos Def. However, as an experimental album there are some very interesting pieces in here that are worth a listen to.
Axcess is an up and coming rapper out of the midwest and he sits down to talk with us about juggling teaching, coaching, and music; whether he'd take a state championship or a sold out concert, and bringing positivity to hip-hop through his music. He also discusses the current state of hip-hop, his influences growing up, and his upcoming mixtape, Rebel Against Society.
Process is the long awaited debut of music's hidden 'it' man and it delivers in every way imaginable. The production is a fantastic blend of R&B, pop, and electronic that kept me engaged throughout. While his unique voice and deft lyricism showed the special kind of talent he is. Amazing debut.
Flytrap was an unexpectedly dope album for me; fusing traditional East hip-hop with modern Southern influences to create some of the best modern East coast hip-hop I've heard in a while. Pro Era just might have their next breakout artist.
Big Sean may not get the full respect he deserves from people, myself included, but he has proved yet again that he's one of hip-hop's most solid, consistent artists out there today. While I Decided. is more of a half-step forward for Sean than a giant leap ahead, it shows why it's time he gets mentioned among hip-hop's elite.
Voyager was a sharp turn from his previous album, with decidedly dialed down production that ultimately left the music sounding more generic than ever. The whole affair just feels meaningless and empty; not good feelings to have about an album.
Rebel Against Society was another big step forward for Axcess as he continues to find his groove and his voice. I only hope that he doesn't pull any punches next go around when it comes to speaking what's on his mind. He along with artists like Chance the Rapper are making me more of a believer in positivity in hip-hop.
Do What Thou Wilt. is a step in the right direction for Ab-Soul. It features some of his best production and sharpest lyrics in some time. Even though there are still some baffling contradictions that I guess I'm just not "woke" enough to get.
Rogue One, despite not having some of the traditional Star Wars pillars, still puts together fantastic world building, engaging characters, and some of the most iconic moments I've ever seen. It's gritty and impactful in a way I've never felt from the series before and is a contender for my favorite Star Wars movie. A more than worthy addition to the Star Wars lore.
Revolution Radio was a refreshing return to the basics of rock and roll. It's hard hitting, guitar heavy compositions really stand out in a time when mainstream rock has gone full blown pop, and it's hard not to appreciate artists who've already reached the top, that still "go there."
Blue & Lonesome is a passion project for the legendary and it shows. They don't subvert the songs they cover and stick to the traditions of blues rock but they sound so good together and Jagger's voice sounds so at home, that it leaves you wondering what took so long.
The New Toronto 2 and Chixtape 4 are the exact follow ups I was looking for. He's a legit dual threat and he does it better than most others out there. I'm convinced; Tory Lanez is the real deal.
My expectations for Run the Jewels 3 were sky high after their first two projects and they delivered in every way possible. It's new age riot music that'll push any system to it's limits and they attack songs with such rage and ferocity that you have no choice but to pay attention. This has cemented them as one of the greatest duos to ever do it and this could easily go down as their magnum opus.
Rennen was such a unique listening experience that produced an interesting dichotomy between the modern synths/beats and the melancholy vocals. It's a mesmerizing album that showed SOHN to be a world class producer.
Her EP gave us a great look at the type of smooth, sultry music that SiR will bring to the table for TDE and it bodes well for the future. He already has such a strong grasp on his artistry and I can't wait to hear what he puts out next.
The Easy Truth is hip-hop in it's purest form with Apollo Brown taking us through a master class of producing and sampling, and Skyzoo taking each track through a lyrical exercise. It's a beautiful, refreshing album that shows exactly why Apollo Brown is one of my all-time favorites.
It's been a log 5 years since their last release and while Near To The Wild Heart Of Life has lost some of the rough charm their previous albums had, it's still a great listen that embodies the very essence of Rock and Roll.
Ty Segall was my first entry into his catalog, and it was a hell of an introduction. He's a prolific guitarist who's ability to employ a dizzying array of styles is awe inspiring. Will go down as one of the best rock albums of 2017.
Season 2 of Ash vs Evil Dead was full of all the crude humor and slapstick gore I loved so much about the first season. But outside of the core of Ash, Pablo, and Kelly there wasn't anybody really memorable that added much to the proceedings. In particular, the extremely weak main villain. But all in all, outside of a perplexing ending, it was another fun (albeit flawed) ride that couldn't quite reach the heights of Season 1.