Kali built a strong foundation with his debut album ‘Low Tide’ (2019) and he builds on it with his latest offering.
Read moreRoyce Da 5’9” Educates and Enlightens on ‘The Allegory’ | Album Review
By naming his new album ‘The Allegory,’ Royce indicates that the LP is meant to convey a message and his mission is to enlighten.
Read moreLuke James Examines Multiple Dimensions of Love on Stirring, Soulful ‘to feel love/d’ | Album Review
The many manifestations of love have inspired many R&B and soul albums. But few albums capture the experience as poetically as James' new album, ‘to feel love/d.’
Read moreAdrian Marcel Captures the Sound & Spirit of Modern Soul on Stellar ‘98TH’ | Album Review
On his latest album, the Oakland-bred Marcel fully embraces the moody, nocturnal sound of today’s R&B.
Read moreLeven Kali Delivers Dynamite Soul in Droves on His Debut Album ‘Low Tide’ | Album Review
Like his contemporary peers, Kali pulls from multiple genres. But soulfulness is the common thread that pulls together the different sounds on his debut project.
Read moreVince Staples Expands His Sound, Refines His Dynamic Delivery on ‘FM!’ | Album Review
The Compton-born, Long Beach-bred emcee’s music has grown more accessible with each new release, and ‘FM!’ is the largest leap forward in this process.
Read moreElla Mai Transcends Hefty Expectations by Crafting Diverse, Dynamic Eponymous Debut | Album Review
Meeting the high hopes that accompanied the massive success of “Boo’d Up” was as daunting as pulling off a high jump. But Ella Mai gracefully clears the bar with her self-titled debut album.
Read moreMac Ayres Gives Us ‘Something to Feel’ with Dynamic Debut and It Feels Mighty Fine | Album Review
On his debut long player, Ayres pulls from a rich musical history, but his work is a revamp of classic sounds rather than a cheap imitation.
Read moreL’Orange & Solemn Brigham Unite as Marlowe for Unconventional, Eponymous Debut Album | Album Review
Together, L’Orange & Solemn Brigham create an album that isn't easy to grasp, but grips your attention nonetheless.
Read morePusha T Solidifies His Musical Identity with ‘DAYTONA’ | Album Review
On his third solo album, Pusha T displays more self-assurance than at any other point in his career.
Read moreRoyce Da 5’9” Embraces Introspection on Bold & Brave ‘Book of Ryan’ | Album Review
Royce evolves into a full-fledged author on his new album, sharing one of the more compelling autobiographies you'll come across.
Read moreEric Bellinger Flexes His Versatility, Vivacity & Vulnerability on ‘Eazy Call’ | Album Review
Bellinger embraces today's trends in R&B on his latest effort, but he uses them as tools rather than crutches.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: CRIMEAPPLE & Big Ghost Ltd Unite for Dark, Dynamic Collaboration ‘Aguardiente’
With a sense of theatrical drama throughout, CRIMEAPPLE & Big Apple Ltd’s joint effort demonstrates why they’re both notable talents.
Read moreCommon, Robert Glasper & Karriem Riggins Craft Inspired Debut as August Greene | Album Review
Common's thoughtful input takes center stage throughout most of the album. Yet, Glasper and Riggins still manage to showcase what makes them special talents.
Read moreKhrysis & Elzhi Unite for Cerebral, Compelling ‘Jericho Jackson’ Collaboration | Album Review
The LP may be the first collaboration of its kind between Khrysis and Elzhi, but their styles mesh as if they've been working together for years.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Shareef Keyes & The Groove Serve Up Aural Treats Galore with ‘Cooking Something’
On ‘Cooking Something,’ the band’s play powers the album as they go beyond the boundaries of what one might expect from funk music given the genre's history.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: SiR Enthralls on Subtly Smooth Debut Long Player ‘November’
Despite the shifts in SiR's perspective, the album flows well from start to finish, largely because of how he sings.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Dave East Finds Redemption, Embraces New Life on ‘Paranoia 2’
‘P2’ as a whole is more than a long exercise in nostalgia. It's another big step for Dave East as he works to be an influential force for future rappers in his own right.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: CyHi The Prynce Flexes His Creative Muscles on Debut LP ‘No Dope on Sundays’
CyHi’s debut long player may not be a flawless sermon, but it's enough for the gifted emcee and storyteller to grow his congregation.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Problem Thrives on Varied, Self-Reflective Debut Solo Album ‘Selfish’
The Compton-bred emcee’s debut solo full-length album serves as an introduction to some fans, but ‘Selfish’ is more of a reinvention for Problem.
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