More Album Ratings: Rakim, Gordo, C Stunna

More album ratings for your head top.

Rakim – G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH

(B)

Rakim has been rapping for longer than I’ve been alive.

Many of your all-time favorite rappers looked up to Rakim, including JAY-Z. That’s how long he’s been in the game. Apparently, he still has some hunger in his belly. On Friday, Rakim released G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH, his first album since 2009.

Rakim hasn’t lost a step. In G.O.Ds NETWORK – REB7RTH, his raps still sound crisp as ever, boasting the gritty flavor that made him stand out, street-inspired lyrics, and sturdy flows. He also raps over hard-hitting boom-bap beats, giving folks flashbacks to the ’90s.

While Rakim kills it, the biggest thing that might stand out to you about this album is all the guests on it. In just seven tracks, you get guest appearances from Kurupt, Compton Menace, B.G., DMX, Fred The Godson, Canibus, KXNG Crooked, Nipsey Hussle, Snoop Dogg, Kool G Rap, Joell Ortiz, Method Man, Prodigy, and more. That’s a good mix of living and late hip-hop legends.

Favorite Songs: “BE ILL,” “LOVE IS THE MESSAGE,” & “SIGN OF SE7EN.”

Gordo – DIAMANTE

(B)

This whole album is a f**king vibe.

Just like you, I couldn’t wait to check out the two Drake tracks from the album: “Sideways” and “Healing.” Both are fantastic and have already earned their place in my iTunes library. While distracted, I let some other s**t play and loved what I heard. DIAMANTE features the soul-clenching, upbeat house tracks that I love, often found in bars that might only welcome certain kinds of black people (usually the Odell Beckham types).

The vocal performances from artists like Alice Aera, Sech, T-Pain, Leon Bridges, and others are top-notch. And for my thugs who can’t go an hour without looking hard, you’ll be pleased to know that the album also features Young Dolph and Larry June.

Favorite tracks: “Sideways,” “Healing” & “Cafecito.”

C Stunna & DJ Drama – Still Stuntin

(B-)

C Stunna is yet another rapper from Florida that the world needs to pay very close attention to. This year alone, he has had some impressive guest appearances and has released certified bangers. Recently, he got another major endorsement: one from DJ Drama.

I am a huge fan of projects that flow well, and “Still Stuntin” is one of those. From the moment you press play on the mixtape, you will be greeted with hard-hitting, explosive beats that Florida and Detroit rap fans will love. As for C Stunna, I love the sly confidence he exudes. In his verses, he always has some cool s**t to say while maintaining an unbothered, extra-player sound. All in all, I think this project is a very solid listen.

Favorite Tracks: “Curtis Jackson” and “Lose Control”

Soulja Boy – Swag Season

(D+)

I can’t believe Soulja Boy is 34 years old now (He just celebrated a birthday the other day). Respectfully, I can’t tell. He still looks young as hell and makes music that young people vibe with. Recently, SB dropped a new project called Swag Season, and honestly, it’s not that bad. Unlike in his other projects, Soulja’s flows are sturdier, his punchlines are stronger, and the audio quality is ten times better. He also works over a variety of beats, sounding like a natural on many of them. While his content might not be groundbreaking, and his singing could use some work, the project is not a complete waste of time.