Album Reviews

Smokepurpp & Murda Beatz – Bless Yo Trap (Album Review)

 

The amount of growth both Murda Beatz and Smokepurpp has went through since I first heard about them is substantial. Initially, it felt like Murda’s trajectory would lead him no higher than a Migos mixtape song. And as for SmokePurpp, I saw him as just another young trap rapper that would eventually fizzle out when the next Lil Whatever made their emergence to the scene. Since then, Murda has been a part of several hit records, and SmokePurpp has been one of the go-to trappers in the industry. Does that mean this collaborative album is the second coming of the ‘Best of Both Worlds?’ Not quite yet, but I think it’s pretty dope that these two young studs were able to link up for a full project at this time in their careers. (more…)

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Jacques – This Time I’m Serious (Album Review)

Jacques says this time he’s serious, and I believe that 100%.  In my opinion, he is a major musical talent, at times showing the world that he can be both a legitimate rap figure and R&B crooner whenever he feels like it. In “This Time I’m Serious,” I look forward to hearing him do a little bit of both, as he attempts to remind people why many has labeled him as one of the main artists in the game that has next. (more…)

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Lil Xan – Total Zanarchy (Album Review)

Why are we OK with this guy looking like a dude that just had a big bowl of drugs with 2 percent milk in it for breakfast this morning? Anyway, Lil Xan’s outrageous brand has taken him all the way to rap relevance, and old heads like myself have to live with it. Well since he’s here, I’m interested to see if he will stay both in the rap game and alive. (more…)

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Saba – Care For Me (Album Review)

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The beautiful mind of Saba is beyond interesting, to me. Hailing from the west side of Chicago, the extraordinary rapper/singer’s mind is so brilliant that he skipped two grades in elementary school, started High School at the age of 12, and graduated by 16. From there, he really began to dive into rap music, releasing several different mixtapes and performing at local clubs. Now, his journey has brought him here — a major album that I think has some lofty expectations. But let’s be real, who realistically thinks he won’t live up to them?  

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LIC- The Beast Within (Mixtape Review)

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Signed to Cold Anthem Records and hailing from Long Island, New York, LIC is the latest to break out of the hip-hop scene up north. His mixtape, “The Beast Within,” is packed full of original hits showcasing his raw talents. 

Coming up as an artist in the digital era is infinitely easier than it used to be. Before websites like SoundCloud and datpiff made it possible to get your sound out and into the world at the speed of light, many artists could only dream about being discovered. In the digital age, artists are taking matters into their own hands, dropping their mixtapes and albums online and letting the listeners decide for themselves what’s hot and what’s not. However, exposure does not equal talent or skills, so it’s a great thing that LIC has both!

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Tink – Pain & Pleasure (EP) (Review)

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The Weeknd wasn’t the only artist to drop a sensual six track project this weekend, Tink also did. In “Pain & Pleasure,” the Illinois based rapper/singer was able to dive deep into our feelings, giving us something that is sultry enough to consider staying home with your lover as opposed to hitting up The Park at 14th street for the night. (more…)

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Read more about the article DJ Esco – KolorBlind (Album Review)

DJ Esco – KolorBlind (Album Review)

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Dear Readers,

My birthday is this weekend, so I’m going to need a few songs to get me amped up and s**t, and think DJ Esco’s “KolorBlind” might do the trick! With lots of Future featured on the project, I expect an abundance of bangers, especially considering the fact that Esco and Hendrix has built up quite the rapport these last couple of years. As a reviewer, I never like to play cheerleader, but today, I’m hoping Esco can deliver a masterpiece for ‘ass shaking’ purposes. 

There are a lot of great features on this project: Future, ScHoolboy Q, Nas, and plenty more!  (more…)

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Lil Durk – Just Cause Ya’ll Waited (Album Review)

I feel like Lil Durk is Chicago’s golden child, so to a few of them, it might feel like a bit of a disappointment that he no longer has a major record deal. I actually think it’s a blessing in disguise, because I feel like he’s even hungrier than he was before — a hungry Durk is a Durk that I think will shock many in the music industry.  (more…)

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Rich The Kid – The World Is Yours (Album Review)

Lets keep it real: Rich The Kid is the poster boy for this new age rap s**t. He’s flashy (See the album artwork), gets plenty of love from the heavy-weights in the game, and mumble raps with the best of them. As a leader of the new school, I think it is imperative that he drops a body of work that confirms his potential, especially considering the fact that there are plenty of ‘Lil Whateva’s” that are willing to knock him off that top spot. I have my doubts and I have some faith in the ATL kid, and expect answers to both on this new album.

This album boasts some really good features: Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Khalid, Chris Brown, Future & more!

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