this is jazz rap to a T; vocalist tony stone's flows are silky smooth with a confident delivery to match, and the way he carves crisp pockets of one slick, standout line after another into rami b and doomx's production is truly a feat to behold. interestingly, it's a lot of the guest appearances that end up holding the final product back, but this is definitely one of the most underrated groups out right now and a name to look out for.

jessie ware continues to make some of the most danceable, dynamic, vibrant pop music on the planet. if it just weren't so top heavy, this would be much more involved in album of the year conversations.

mick jenkins has been one of the most skilled and consistent rappers on the planet for almost a decade now and, on this one, he sounds like he's tired of people not realizing it.

with an unmistakable charm, ear-catching wit, and a clear knack for making songs you want to play over and over again, hemlocke springs is proving why she's absolutely a name to keep a close eye out for.

this is simply one of the most naturally talented music makers to emerge within the past few years fully fleshing out and bringing her ideas to life for the first time, and it went about as well as that sounds like it would.

with personality, introspection, self-awareness, and undeniable chemistry, the boys are here and i hope it's to stay.

some of the freest jazz you'll hear all year; an unexplainably unique and unforgettable audial journey.

this is absolute bliss. rest easy.

an album unafraid to make statements, whether they're outward or inward, whose slight inconsistencies hold back an otherwise flawless eclectic, genre-bending adventure.

an improvement on all fronts from her already boundary pushing sound; underscores is a super producer, but there aren't many that can compare to her song crafting, narrative writing, or versatility on wallsocket either. an unpredictable emotional rollercoaster that demands your undivided attention and unlimited replays.

these would all be top 10 on for all the dogs and that's a bad thing

lush, delicate, flawed, warm, human; a record full of life in its most breathtaking and heartbreaking moments.

At its best, passable. At its worst, unbearable. Most often, boring. Overall, drake.

on an album where noname showcases significant improvement as a songwriter, a song crafter, a hook and melody writer, and a storyteller, after already excelling massively on all of those fronts,
on an album where noname speaks candidly and truthfully about black burden, black exploitation, black rebellion, and black freedom,
on an album that is sonically dynamic and striking (primarily through its percussion) but also manages to create a consistent soundscape to fall into and get lost,

how ... read more

the soundtrack to my life.

an unrivaled representation of the beauties, struggles, nuances, and intricacies of life from a man who has never even been able to physically see them. if aliens came to earth and wanted to hear some music from our planet, this is what we'd play for them.

the most authentically human artistic experience ever crafted.

quick! think of some of the qualities that are most important to you in a great album. no matter what you thought of, i have no doubt that it appears here to the highest ... read more

pure bliss encapsulated.
seven of jazz and music in general’s greatest heroes all at the peak of their powers. the pinnacle of technical virtuosity and a full spectrum showcase of the human experience. the definition of a masterpiece.
my pick for the most perfect musical snapshot ever taken.

perfect imperfection. one of the most beautiful pieces of human expression i've ever had the honor of hearing.

instrumental jazz perfection; some of the greatest musical compositions of all time.

honest, endearing, sticky, a pop rollercoaster of dance, glitch, lofi, and balladry all with a scientific spin.