Album Reviews

Royce Da 5’9 – Book Of Ryan (Album Review)

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I feel like “Book of Ryan” was the album that Royce Da 5’9 was born to make. Never the first option when it comes to assembling a hip hop super team, Royce has grinded his way to rap relevance by writing some of the most jaw-dropping verses in the game these last couple of years. I feel like listeners are finally starting to take notice of what he’s been doing rapping-wise, and with this new 21 track project, he looks to make his argument for top 5 in the game; do you think “Book of Ryan” buffers his case?  (more…)

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Slim Jxmmi – Jxmtro (Album Review)

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You know what I was guilty of in the past? Thinking Rae Sremmurd would be just another gimmicky duo that wouldn’t get past slightly relevant in the rap game; well it looks like they proved me wrong. In present day hip hop, I believe they have been just as influential as any one of their peers, but for some odd reason, it seems like they never get the credit they deserve. With that being said, I expect “SR3MM” to be the album that elevates them to super star status, especially since they’ve been showing off what they are capable of doing on the solo tip as of late. In part 3 of my 3 part review for this album, I look at Slim Jxmmi’s hard hitting “Jxmtro.”

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The Ratings Game Presents: The Rest of the Pack: 04/24-04/30

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Reviews of a couple of albums I skimmed through. This list features new albums from Arian Foster, YFN Lucci, Lil Baby and more. (more…)

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DMV Darryl – The Dire Straits of America (Album Review)

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DMV Darryl hails from my hometown, the DC metropolitan area, and he’s one of the few MCs in the game that has this willingness to keep it all the way real on a variety of controversial topics. On his newest project, “The Dire Straits of America,” Darryl looks to leave the meaningless records we’ve been hearing in hip hop lately to his peers, and opts to focus on music that contains a message instead. Lets keep it real, we don’t get enough music like this on a daily basis, so I’m going to go ahead and indulge in this ten track project for the next couple of minutes. (more…)

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Terrence North- Dreams of Average (Mixtape Review)

 The first release from Houston Northsider, Terrence North, features some real heat! The up and coming rapper/songwriter has described himself as “dedicated to the music and motivated by the struggle,” so it is to no surprise that he pours those sentiments into literally every track on this mixtape. With that being said, “Dreams of Average” contains plenty of passion, and features music that is meant to be felt just as much as it is meant to be heard. (more…)

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Post Malone – Beerbongs & Bentleys (Album Review)

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Pit Post Malone’s career against any other hip hop artist under the age of 22, and I like his chances. Since exploding onto the scene with his highly infectious “White Iverson” hit, Post Malone has had quite the run, collaborating with several major artists, dropping four top 20 hits, and even going double platinum on his debut album. However, believe it or not, I think his best is yet to come. I feel like in his recent music, he’s gotten his melodies down pat, and has been able to successfully establish a sound that is truly unique. These are the many reasons why I have been looking forward to the release of this album. (Lets see if the man they call ‘White Iverson’ can finally put up 100 for us) (more…)

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Ugly God – just a lil something before the album…(EP Review)

Ugly God was nice enough to drop off a 4 track EP in anticipation of his new album. It’s safe to say that hip hop was blessed today. (more…)

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Read more about the article Mike Renell – Exposed(Album Review)

Mike Renell – Exposed(Album Review)

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To me, the word “Grace” has always had a pretty deep meaning. I’ve always interpreted it as being in God’s favor, and having the ability to stay clear of sin. Nowadays, it feels like the word is mostly used to describe someone who is falling from it. In this new album by Mike Renell, he tackles both sides of the fence, discussing the trials and tribulations that emerged on his journey to salvation. I expect everything about the album to feel authentic, especially his subject matters and lyrical content. I’m ready to dive into Mike’s world. (more…)

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Read more about the article J. Cole – KOD (Album Review)

J. Cole – KOD (Album Review)

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It’s Saturday afternoon, I’m in the hospital with my brother because his wife just gave birth, and the NBA Playoffs are set to begin with a match-up between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors. After getting past all the analysis from the commentators, the intro to the game finally emerges. On it, we get a chance to see some of the best plays from this years NBA season, narrated by a riveting verse from J. Cole. For me, hearing this version of Cole for even 45 seconds was a pleasant surprise, because I feel like this version of Cole was missing the last couple of albums. Sure, his feature on “Boblo Boat” with Royce Da 5’9 was absolute flames, but think back to his music from “For Your Eyes Only” — It wasn’t as lyrical as his past first few projects (Mind you, he had a song about folding clothes on that album). For “KOD” (An album with a cover that features our hero with a crown on his head and a bunch of kids beneath him that are clearly indulging in the toxins that hip hop artists promote today), I expect a fiery Cole (aka Playoff Cole) to show his face, putting his oddball competition in place while entertaining true hip hop fans everywhere.  (more…)

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