Ambitious in scale, but straightforward in execution, the album’s subject matter is rich and varied, and Ali delivers it with the passion and conviction of a holy warrior.
Read moreRedman Returns in Dynamic, Distinctive Form with Long-Awaited ‘Muddy Waters Too’ | Album Review
Although Redman’s presence on ‘Muddy Waters Too’ alone makes for an instantly memorable listening experience, he invited an impressive crew of collaborators to contribute to the affair.
Read moreFreddie Gibbs Rises to the Occasion Once Again on “You Only Die 1nce’ | Album Review
Throughout his sixth solo affair, Gibbs captures genuine emotion and displays his continuously improving lyrical and stylistic abilities.
Read moreKurious Unleashes the Rhymes Up His Sleeve on Artfully Executed ‘Majician’ | Album Review
Though this album has been completed for a while, Kurious and producer Mono En Stereo’s shared passion for their craft ensures that it retains its freshness.
Read moreBlu & Exile Celebrate the City of Angels and the Legacy of West Coast Hip-Hop with ‘Love (the) Ominous World’ | Album Review
Revealing an inkling of what things may come, ‘Love (the) Ominous World’ should leave every hip-hop fan eager to see the duo continue on their musical journey together.
Read moreLL Cool J Returns to the Mic Reinvigorated with ‘The FORCE’ | Album Review
The lengthy process to complete the album does not appear to have affected its quality, as it’s the best LL Cool J project to surface in nearly three-and-a-half decades.
Read moreCommon & Pete Rock’s Musical Kinship and Kineticism Radiate on Exquisitely Executed ‘The Auditorium Vol. 1’ | Album Review
The project’s title suggests that this is just the first installment from this legendary pairing. And we’re all ears.
Read moreYour Old Droog Showcases the Breadth of His Talents on Impressive ‘Movie’ | Album Review
‘Movie’ is simultaneously a victory lap and a new beginning for Droog, as his career really does feel like it’s hitting its next gear.
Read moreVince Staples Looks Deep Within to Examine Life, Love and the Limelight on ‘Dark Times’ | Album Review
As the title suggests, much of ‘Dark Times’ is tinged by melancholy, as loss and existential dread weigh heavy on Staples.
Read moreDa Beatminerz’ Artistry Thrives on Expertly Executed, Ironically Titled ‘Stifled Creativity’ | Album Review
Replete with their signature boom-bap soundscapes, a bevy of skills-oriented emcees, remixes, and bonus cuts, the duo’s new album honors the past while still sounding dope in the 2020s.
Read moreRapsody Navigates the Depths of Her Psyche with Candor and Clarity on Revelatory ‘Please Don’t Cry’ | Album Review
Rapsody doesn’t require any more accolades to justify her greatness, but the bravery and depth of feeling that she displays on her fourth studio affair is moving.
Read moreMach-Hommy’s ‘#RICHAXXHAITIAN’ Illuminates the Lyrical Gifts of the Enigmatic Emcee | Album Review
Another high-quality release from the extremely private artist, ‘#RICHAXXHAITIAN’ is also Mach-Hommy’s most accessible album and a great entry point for new listeners.
Read moreMasta Ace & Marco Polo’s Musical Symbiosis Shines Bright on Riveting ‘Richmond Hill’ | Album Review
Marco Polo’s no-nonsense, boom-bap approach to beats has served Masta Ace well for close to two decades, and ‘Richmond Hill’ is yet another great collaboration between the pair.
Read moreNas & Hit-Boy Deliver Captivating Culmination of Their Recent Musical Partnership with ‘Magic 3’ | Album Review
A victory lap of an album, ‘Magic 3’ finds Nas celebrating the final (for now) chapter in his fruitful collaboration with Hit-Boy.
Read moreBlack Thought’s Top-Tier Lyricism and El Michels Affair’s Soulful Soundscapes Converge on ‘Glorious Game’ | Review
With Black Thought operating at the peaks of his talents and Leon Michels’ soundscapes tailored to match the depth of subject matter, this musical partnership will hopefully endure.
Read moreNas’ Voice Is as Vital and Reflective as Ever on Impressive ‘King’s Disease III’ | Album Review
‘King’s Disease III’ reinforces that there’s a whole realm of possibilities open for Nas as an emcee, as he looks toward the promising future of his already prolific career.
Read moreThe Du-Rites Fortify the Funk on ‘Plug It In’ | Album Review
‘Plug It In’ reinforces that the duo have become one of the best and most consistent instrumental soul/funk groups of the 21st century.
Read moreLyrics Born Flexes His Creative Muscles on Idiosyncratically Inspired ‘Vision Board’ | Album Review
On ‘Vision Board,’ Lyrics Born and producer Rob Mercurio generate a genre-bending stew, fusing elements from all types of musical styles, to complement his imaginative lyrical content.
Read moreDanger Mouse & Black Thought Achieve Supreme Musical Symbiosis on Captivating ‘Cheat Codes’ | Album Review
Danger Mouse’s dustier production aesthetic throughout ‘Cheat Codes’ serves Black Thought well, as he conducts lyrical clinics on each track.
Read moreYasiin Bey & Talib Kweli Reconnect Their Lyrical Powers as Black Star on ‘No Fear of Time’ | Album Review
Fortunately, Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli do not try to “change the game” with ‘No Fear of Time.’ It’s a solid effort, but not particularly ambitious, and that’s fine.
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