REVIEWS
The first few minutes of Indicud sets the tone for the album. The ominous sounding instrumental seems more fitting to be played during the climax of a horror film rather than the beginning of Kid Cudi’s third studio album. However, the only words on “The Resurrection of Scott Mescudi”, are ‘Once you realize you can do anything, you’re free… You could fly.’ This sentiment is understood throughout Indicud. He’s no longer working with Plan Pat and Emile, he’s parted ways with G.O.O.D. Music, and after one of the most vicious label rants in recent memory, it doesn’t appear Republic has...
Tyler, The Creator has matured since breaking on to the scene with Bastard. The rape, murder, and overall “horrorcore” label placed on his music is all but absent on his sophomore LP Wolf. There are moments when we’re taken back to the “Transylvania” Tyler (e.g. “Pigs”), but those all to seem to be in jest to live up to the persona of Tyler, The Creator. Before releasing Wolf Tyler said he couldn’t make music about those subjects anymore, because that’s not his life. Wolf is the story of that Tyler, The Creator A 20 year old icon. Rich. Straight Edge....
Lil Wayne will go down as one of the best rappers to ever live when he hangs it up. Whether you go by record sales, critical acclaim, or impact you’re hard pressed to find many who have done it better. However, the Lil Wayne that could say he’s the best rapper alive without anyone batting an eyelid is a distant memory. After listening to Lil Wayne’s tenth studio album, I Am Not a Human Being II, it’s hard to see that rapper ever returning.
Signing to a major label can have a drastic effect on the outcome of their career. The increased exposure and budget can put an artist in the mainstream to an extent that would more than likely not be possible. However, if the situation isn’t right a rapper can be shelved and a promising career ruined due to mitigating circumstances. When Rockie Fresh announced he was joining the MMG team and planned to release albums through Warner Bros. it seemed too soon. There was concern all of the talent and potential shown on his previous work wouldn’t get the shine it...
2012 was supposed to be the year of A$AP Rocky. He was expected to release his debut album shortly after ending a world tour with Drake and Kendrick Lamar. However, as each month passed we were given more delays and push backs which didn’t bode well for the hype surrounding everything A$AP that slowly died down as the year progressed. When Rocky announced his final release date (January 15, 2013), it appeared like a kiss of death. But after one run through of Long.Live.A$AP it becomes clear that 2013 can just as easily be the year of A$AP Rocky.
Wiz Khalifa has a lot of money. Since releasing his polarizing debut Rolling Papers he’s been on the hip hop Forbes’ list twice and performed hundreds of sold out arena concerts, and if for some reason you didn’t know Wiz Khalifa has a lot of money he spends the majority of his sophomore album O.N.I.F.C. reminding you. The message varies from subtle chant on “Paperbond” “Get your money up and make your swag a little harder to follow” to the outright obnoxious mantra “I got so much money I think I could pay for all this” on “Bluffin” one of...
The wait for Fabolous’ The Soul Tape 2 is finally over. After its predecessor, The Soul Tape, received such praise for its witty punch lines, smooth beats, and deep lyrical content, The Soul Tape 2 has some large shoes to fill. Sequels are always judged harsher than the original, but I’ve got to be honest, the original Soul Tape felt as though there was just . . . a little more soul. The beat and lyric content of each song on the first tape meshed so seamlessly to create a particular mood… a vibe that supported the mix tape’s title...
The Alchemist has been paying homage to classic New York rap since working with Mobb Deep and Nas in the early 2000s. That knowledge paired with the face that in the last year no one has been compared to classic New York rap more than Action Bronson. The rapper and producer collaborating for an entire project sounds like one of the more exciting projects that could be released at any given moment. However, halfway through Rare Chandeliers I found myself waiting for that excitement.
