Ratings for albums by Babyface Ray, Jay Worthy, Talib Kweli, and more.

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Babyface Ray – The Kid That Did

(C+)

Babyface Ray makes up for lost time with the release of this stacked project.

I remember being amazed a couple of years ago when Babyface Ray had one of the best first-week sales for his album Face. Honestly, at the time, I had no idea who he was. Since then, Babyface Ray has seen steady success. This past Friday, Ray returned with a new album titled The Kid That Did.

From the get-go, what stands out is how relaxed much of the album sounds. Ray maintains a chill demeanor, delivering genuine lyrics with a laid-back flow. His consistency is notable, but the beats grab my attention. Many tracks feature Detroit-influenced vibes, while others have a more action-packed sound. Overall, this album is a solid addition to the hip-hop scene.

Favorite Tracks: “Groupies & Goofies,” “2 For 6,” “The World Is Yours.”

Jay Worthy & MADEINTYO – Time After Time

(B)

This is one of the most interesting hip-hop listens this year.

If you had told me in 2016 that MadeinTYO, the dude who made “uber everywhere,” would drop a whole collab album with gritty rapper Jay Worthy in 2024, I would’ve asked what kind of drugs you were on. But ever since TYO rebranded himself, he’s been aligning with artists like that. On Friday, Worthy and TYO released a ten-track project called Time After Time. What’s interesting is that the album features soothing, jazzy production paired with gritty bars—like, that’s it. While Jay Worthy delivers in a sluggish, unorthodox style, TYO adds a little spice to his delivery. I like how their sounds merge.

Favorite tracks: “Chop,” “School Daze” & “Master Delux.”

Terrance Martin – Nintendo Soul

(B)

I will never appreciate Terrance Martin’s music as much as I should.

I’ll be real with you: I was always more of a Sega Genesis guy than a Nintendo one, though I did mess with the Super Nintendo. Anyway, this past Friday, Terrance Martin dropped a new ten-track project called Nintendo Soul, and it’s smoother than Tua Tagovailoa’s brain (Too soon?). Every track has chill production, easygoing vocals, and laidback, thoughtful lyrics. What I appreciate is how Terrance plays around with different genres and sounds. You’ll catch some dance tracks, along with Afropop, neo-soul, and even some commercial R&B vibes. Overall, it’s a therapeutic listen.

Favorite Tracks: “Solo,” “Read The Room,” and “Forever.”

Talib Kweli & J. Rawls – The Confidence Of Knowing

(B)

Talib Kweli puts on a fantastic performance in “The Confidence Of Knowing.”

Conscious rap just doesn’t hit the same these days. For starters, there aren’t many OGs left that I’m eager to listen to. Plus, “lyrical miracle” rap doesn’t get the spotlight like it used to. But Talib Kweli has stepped in to save the day with his new joint EP with J. Rawls, The Confidence Of Knowing. Throughout the project, Talib brings the heat, delivering verses with confidence, sharp punchlines, and untouchable flows. Lyrically, he paints a vivid picture of liberation while addressing the harsh realities that affect the Black community, like lies and oppression. The EP’s old-school, top-tier hip-hop production adds another layer of appeal. Overall, it’s a fantastic listen.

Favorite Tracks: “Breath, Eyes, Memories,” “Native Sons,” and “To The Ghetto.”

Foushee – Pointy Heights

(B)

Fousheé has some fun in this project.

Do you know how I started following Foushee? I used to go out on the weekends and hear “Deep End.” At the time, I had no clue who made the track. Once I found out, I gained significant respect for her. Now, I’m paying attention to everything she releases. That said, on Friday, Fousheé dropped a short but fun new project called Pointy Heights. In it, she glows by delivering airy, eccentric vocal performances topped with lyrical content that feels free and effortlessly juicy. When you combine her contributions with the vintage, sometimes funky, and always hazy vibes the production delivers, you get a body of work that will have you floating if you took some ‘shrooms before listening to it.

Favorite Tracks: “birds, bees,” “100 bux,” and “still around.”