So many projects dropped this weekend.

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Giggs – Zero Tolerance

Giggs has just dropped his eighth studio album, Zero Tolerance. Can you believe this marks his first album release in three years?

In Zero Tolerance, Giggs shines by sounding like a black Batman who likes to smash chicks, follow strict street rules, and entertain smoke. While I enjoy the guest appearances, hard-hitting beats, and dark vibes the album boasts, I do wish it didn’t sound as raw (Most songs sound like freestyles). That said, if you are a fan of scary-ass hip-hop music, I recommend you give the album a shot.

Favorite Tracks: “Mandem,” “We Nuh Fraid,” “By Chance,” and “Incredible Sauce.”

 

 

RGM RATING

(D+)

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Dame D.O.L.L.A. – Don D.O.L.L.A.

I have no clue where Damian Lillard will be playing next year. What I do know is that he released a new project last Friday titled Don D.O.L.L.A., and that s**t is pretty dope.

If you follow the NBA, you know that Damian Lillard is one of the dopest ballers out there. In his music, he’s real with a cherry on top. Throughout Don D.O.L.L.A., the point guard talks about getting it out of the mud, the homies he’s lost, the lessons he’s learned throughout the years, his boxing skills, and his luxurious lifestyle. Interestingly, he doesn’t speak about basketball much.

For those of you who are wary of basketball players who try their hand at music, trust me, Dame is different. Throughout this album, he hits us with next-level punchlines and flawless flows. He truly sounds like he belongs. Do I wish the album was a little more exciting? Yes. However, it never sounds like some knucklehead or amateur s**t, which I appreciate.

There are some excellent guest appearances on this album. Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign, and more all share songs with Dame. The song Wayne is on is unbelievably good.

 

 

RGM RATING

(C+)

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Boosie Badazz – Goin Thru Some Thangs

Boosie Badazz has returned with a new album called Goin Thru Some Thangs. I swear, I just rated an album by him yesterday.

Goin Thru Some Thangs has 14 tracks. Throughout the album, Boosie Badazz addresses various topics, including the absence of authenticity in hip-hop and his relationship struggles. What stands out is the emotional tone that the album gives off. Across a significant portion of it, Boosie alternates between fierce rapping and fearless singing, all set against theatrical production. Whether you’re a fan of the Louisiana rapper or not, you’ll find value in his candidness and vulnerability as he navigates personal challenges.

Favorite Tracks: “Jail Talk 2,” “No Lies Told,” and “Broken Inside.”

 

RGM RATING

(C+)

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KEY! – Marquis

KEY! is back with a new album called Marquis. If you aren’t familiar with his game, this is all you need to know: He’s Young Jeezy without the raspiness.

Marquis sounds like an old-school hip-hop album (one that was created in 2006). We mainly get bouncy, triumphant production and raw lyrical content from KEY! on it. Also, the Atlanta native relies on several rapping styles to entertain us. Sometimes he sounds gutter as f**k, while at other times, he sounds playful and carefree (Honestly, I’m being too nice: he bounces off the walls like s**t on this project). You won’t get bored listening to this album.

Favorite Tracks: “You Need God,” “Hey Intro” & “Crank Dat”

 

RGM RATING

(D+)

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Bryson Tiller – SLUM TILLER VOL. 1

Bryson Tiller excels when seamlessly transitioning between singing and rapping and when he experiments with R&B beats that bridge the gap between the 90s and the present. SLUM TILLER VOL. 1 delivers this kind of music from the Louisville native. Is the album of impeccable quality? Not necessarily. However, what stands out is the undeniable hunger he exudes throughout the project, which I find quite appealing.

Favorite Tracks: “Coy” and “Big Spender”

 

 

RGM RATING

(D+)

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Ciara – CiCi

You get the best of both Ciaras in CiCi. Content-wise, she gleefully talks about her relationship with Russell Wilson, while sonically, she does work over the types of uptempo R&B beats she used to mess with when she first came out. This project was designed to make Ciara feel like she got her groove back.

Some songs on this album sound crisp, while others, like “Type A Party” and “Low Key,” sound generic and like some watered-down s**t. It’s good to hear new music from Ciara when it’s all said and done.

Favorite Tracks: “How We Roll,” “Forever,” “Winning.”

 

RGM RATING 

(C)

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Dro Kenji – WISH YOU WERE HERE

Holy s**t, this negro sounds like Juice WRLD!

Before today, I’d never heard a Dro Kenji song before. I am familiar with his game now after listening to this WISH YOU WERE HERE project. Based on what I heard, Dro is a Juice WRLD-like artist who loves the balance between sounding vulnerable and like a carefree dude. He also loves fearlessly switching vocal and rap styles within songs and rocking with dramatic alternative trap beats. If Dro can make more original-sounding cuts, I can see a bright future for him. 

Favorite Tracks: “PSYCH OUT,” “WHITE OUT” & “PRESIDENTIAL.”

 

RGM RATING

(C+)