Charli XCX Charli Atlantic Records · September 13, 2019 Charli XCX upended the foundation of her artistry three years ago by partnering with the enigmatic SOPHIE to create the Vroom Vroom EP, a whiplash-inducing collection released to mixed reception because people simply didn’t realize the greatness of what they were listening to. Charli was undeterred; […]
EARTHGANG Mirrorland Dreamville/Interscope · September 6, 2019 EARTHGANG members Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot, otherwise individually known as Olu and WowGr8, have been steadily churning out a number of projects seasoned with their distinct flavor of southern hip hop since joining forces 11 years ago. They injected fresh capital and newfound promotional ability into their […]
Rapsody Eve Roc Nation · August 23, 2019 Among those who comprise the star-studded feature list of Kendrick Lamar’s seminal To Pimp a Butterfly, only one artist was asked to drop a guest verse alongside him. In my first introduction to Rapsody, she effortlessly rose to Kendrick’s call and professed on the dreamlike “Complexion (A […]
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Bandana RCA Records · June 26, 2019 Freddie Gibbs and Madlib caught lightning in a bottle with their 2014 collaborative debut Piñata, lauded by critics and listeners alike for its rugged authenticity and punchy execution. In the years since, fans have been eager for a second helping from the Gary, Indiana […]
Takeoff The Last Rocket Capitol Records · November 2, 2018 As the album progresses, it becomes evident that despite his group members’ absence, it is still a Migos album through and through. Takeoff’s solo debut The Last Rocket is the most recent release in a string of albums that feature the members of Atlanta trap trio […]
N.W.A Straight Outta Compton Ruthless Records · September 1988 “You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge.” Dr. Dre’s opening words on N.W.A.’s debut is a proclamation that bites just as hard today as it did thirty years ago. Hip hop had just hit its teen years: DJ Kool Herc’s seminal 1973 block party […]
Lupe Fiasco DROGAS WAVE 1st and 15th Productions · September 21st, 2018 While we will never know how Lupe’s career might have unfolded under a different record label, we do know that an independent Lupe can still reliably deliver his fans a great product. Lupe Fiasco has had a tumultuous relationship with his former label […]
Travis Scott ASTROWORLD Epic Records · August 3, 2018 With Astroworld, Travis has crafted a worthy spiritual successor to his debut Rodeo and a thoroughly enjoyable album in its own right. Having first teased what would become his third album over two years ago, Travis Scott has finally released his highly anticipated Astroworld. It’s named for Six […]
