The Dump Lord returns with the better album of his this year so far. Pretty much just Fahim speaking some truth over looped non offensive instrumentals. I think this release is a bit brighter and more inspired than 'Lost Kingz'. Only complaint is that I don't think it needed to be as long as it is. Even though there is no filler, i'd like to see it cut about 4 songs.

Added to playlist: Some Live Dreams , After every Dark Day

The album has great cohesiveness coming from both thematics and overall sound. The transitions are impeccable and the lyricism is still top notch. Within the 33 minutes there is no filler and nearly no features which showcases Ka for his style at its purest. Only complaint is that sometimes the production can be a little bit too stripped back (Unto the Dust, Pray) that with Ka' almost spoken word delivery can be a bit boring.

Added to playlist: My Brothers Keeper, Solitude of Enoch, ... read more

Just a pretty generic attempt at a drill record from Tjay. Its actually almost unlistenable, I just dont think he has the sound for these kinds of beats. I seen someone comment about the overplayed Pop Smoke drum patterns, which I agree with 100% and Tjay just has too much of a high pitched voice for these hard drill beats - which is why Pop Smoke worked relatively well over them. For that reason, 'My City' is the best sounding here, but with the drill beats theres just too much ... read more

E-40 Stays being one of my favourite voices in all of hip hop, but this collection of songs doesn't hit unfortunately. Intended to be a fun little EP, it's just not really that fun. Features didn't really add anything either.

Added to playlist: None

An easy listening, fresh sounding disco throwback EP. I enjoy Ric Wilson's Q-tip-esque voice over the groovy production from Terrace Martin. I think 'Beyond me' could have been on a different project as it strays away from the happy, groovy cohesiveness the rest of the project has

Added to playlist: Chicago Bae, Before You Let Go

Nav may have good intentions but this doesn't translate to good music in this case. He uses the same flow I think I counted on 15 different verses and with basic beats means everything pretty much sounds the same.

On 'Codeine' hearing NAV use the same flow for 90 seconds and like 100 bars only for Gunna to come in and follow the exact same flow over the most stripped back beat is easily one of the worst things I have heard this year.

Yes I acknowledge that NAV' strong suit has never ... read more

Royce has some of his greatest bars in the last 10 years or so on here, It's true that (in his own words) he doesn't age. I just wasn't the biggest fan of the production on this. Which is ironic because this has one of my favourite beats all year on it (Overcomer). Its a shame because most of the songs on here are just missing something which would make them all great songs, as there are no bad ones on here. Just far too many average songs to bring a higher rating.

Added to playlist: ... read more

Of the *abstract hip hop* releases so far this year, this one is my favourite. Short, to the point & the Jazzy influenced samples and production just feels a little bit more clean which makes it feel different than the others (in a good way).

Added to playlist: Try Again, Face

This is by no means Hus' best work. In saying that, I enjoyed this project for its more caribbean/afro vibe compared to his other work. Maybe because it came out during Summer down here and the vibe fit well. The features worked well here to keep from Hus' verses getting too stale.

Added to playlist: Big Conspiracy, Play Play, Repeat

I have heard this back to front about 10 times and I when I go back to it I cant seem to remember what any individual song sounds like before i press it. I think this is because the production is just so monotonous and boring and Mick doesnt have nearly enough deliveries to keep it interesting.

The 19 minutes definitely feels a little longer here.

I hope this was just a few B sides put together to keep the fans hydrated and not an indication of the quality of his next LP.

Added to ... read more

First time hearing a Grip tape (pun). As soon as I heard the Kenny Rodgers sample at the beginning I knew I was in for something I would like. Shout out the dude, he abides.
Was pleasantly surprised with this and feel this is a great introduction to this artist. Beats are knocking on this one and the final track to this song gives you an insight to Grips life. I consider this a hidden gem.

Added to playlist: Cassius, Randy Watson, No Más! , Memories is 4eva

Pretty much what you would expect from a tape intended for streams. We have heard it all before. Would have a lower rating had there not been a couple of outlier songs which hit surprisingly good

Added to playlist: Go crazy, Animal

15 minutes of music which serves its purpose of satisfying us until her next big LP.

Added to playlist: None

Both of these artists are nothing to write home about, but they are enough to serve as a fun tape you can just throw on in the background and not think about too much.

Added to playlist: She think, Terrified

Kudos to Headie for trying to expand his sound and it could be something he can work with to get him more exposure moving forward. I will admit I much prefer him over traditional drill production though. Fortunately theres enough going on here to keep you listening through its short run time. Was looking forward to some of the features here, can't say they particularly delivered too.

Added to playlist: GANG, Charades

Just overall pretty boring. No real experimentation or anything we haven't heard before. Just pretty much watered down PND over less inspired production. Once you have heard the first 2 tracks you pretty much have heard them all.

Added to playlist: TURN UP, LOYAL, BELIEVE IT

One of the best releases of the year so far. The whole world built around this with its cinematic Music Videos are reminiscent of Kanyes MBDTF short film (but perhaps less abstract messaging) and the new red Jacket, short fro, Mosustache'd Weeknd character drawing similarities to Tyler's Igor around how he has branded it. The whole atmosphere built around this and the cohesive sound of the record itself bringing back refreshing elements from the 80's without being corny, works well with Abel's ... read more

I could see this as being one of those albums like '808's and Heartbreak' where you don't see it at the time, but its about to influence a new sound moving forward. As far as right now goes, this aint it, unfortunately.

Added to playlist: Time, 12.38

His EP last year really wasn't all that bad. This, however, is. The only positive here is the first verse in 'First Class' which has a few clever one liners which makes me believe he put more effort in writing that single verse than he did the rest of the album.

Added to playlist: First Class

Going in not knowing a single thing about Anonymuz, I didn't have the highest hopes. Turns out this is an interesting little project I am glad I gave the time to. He has a familiar sounding voice with enough different deliveries to keep it interesting. Am I the only one that hears Gambino's 'Feels like Summer' all over 'We'll be in Love"?

Added to playlist: Long Night, We'll be in Love