Ratings for albums by Power Pleasant, Jordan Ward/Joony, and Leon Bridges.
Power Pleasant – Life Sucks
(B)
One of the hardest collaboration albums to drop this year.
I’ve always appreciated how Pro Era moves in the hip-hop scene. They’re a crew that stays true to their street roots and doesn’t actively chase commercial success, yet their authenticity always brings them mainstream attention. Last Friday, Pro Era affiliate, DJ and producer Powers Pleasant, dropped his new album Life Sucks, which features collaborations with big names like Joey Bada$$, Denzel Curry, A$AP Ferg, and more.
What I enjoyed most about Life Sucks is how free and unrestrained everyone sounds on it. For example, Joey Bada$$ brings an untethered energy to a track like “Rumble,” while on “Galore,” DC The Don delivers a performance that feels like a playful homage to Lil Uzi Vert. Then there’s Ferg and Armani Caesar, who go all-in with a club-ready vibe that’s fun and vibrant. Despite the laid-back feel of the album, the bars and lyrical content remain top-tier, making the project feel fresh, energetic, and high-quality.
Favorite Tracks: “Rumble,” “Ball Alone,” “PAMPER PAMPER.”
Rome Streetz & Daringer – Hatton Garden Holdup
(B)
Hip-hop in its grittiest form.
Rome Streetz and Daringer’s Hatton Garden Holdup is a 13-track collaboration album that stays true to the gritty essence of underground hip-hop. As expected from a project featuring Rome, the album is packed with raw, street-centric bars. The beats, provided by Daringer, are dark and chilling, perfectly complementing the themes of hustling, revenge, and street survival that Rome Streetz delves into.
If you’re familiar with either artist’s previous work, Hatton Garden Holdup fits squarely within that lane — an album that doesn’t stray from the formula but instead perfects it. Expect hard-hitting, no-nonsense lyricism and production that puts you in the thick of the streets. As someone who knows about trapping mixtapes on CD-Rs (And CD-RWs if I was feeling really froggy), this album dug deep into my gutter trap side (Yes, I have one).
Favorite tracks: “Starbvxkz,” “Sage” and “Pro Tro.”
Leon Bridges – Leon
(A-)
You just knew Leon Bridges would pour his heart into an album called “Leon.”
If I wasn’t a stupid dummy boy who manages his time poorly, I would’ve absolutely done a full review of Leon Bridges’ Leon album. I think his voice is captivating, his lyrics are powerful, and I love how he fits perfectly into the alternative R&B category. If you’re new to his work, it’s actually a blessing in disguise because Leon represents the peak of his artistry so far, and experiencing it fresh is a real treat.
Leon has a calming effect, putting me at ease and even making me reflect on love in a deeper way. It also made me appreciate the different layers that exist within R&B. From a production standpoint, the soundscapes are stunning—organic and rich, like they were crafted right in front of you. This immersive backdrop creates a trance-like state that draws you in and doesn’t let go.
Leon’s unfiltered, soothing vocals add to this effect, making it feel like he’s speaking directly to you. His lyrics, which focus on self-discovery and cherishing his partner, blend seamlessly with the lush production, resulting in an album that’s a joy to listen to from start to finish.
Favorite Tracks: “Peaceful Place,” “That’s What I Love,” and “Never Satisfied.”
Jordan Ward & Joony – JRNY
(B)
I’d be lying if I said I was already tuned into Jordan Ward and Joony’s music before, but their names definitely ring a bell. So when I saw their new collaboration EP JRNY, it was an easy choice to hit play. And I’m glad I did because this project is dope as hell!
Even though it’s just five tracks long, JRNY delivers incredibly smooth and impeccable vibes. For starters, the easygoing production perfectly complements their style. As for Joony, his vocals really set the tone, creating a chilled-out, mellow atmosphere, while Jordan Ward’s carefree, witty bars add that playful, “playa” energy. Together, their chemistry is on point, and they effortlessly bring out the best in each other’s sound.
JRNY is a quick but satisfying listen, blending mood-setting melodies with clever lyrics, and proves that they’re a duo worth keeping an eye on.
Favorite Tracks: “Jealousy” & “Burning Rubber.”
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
