Kanye makes an album that finally breaks his horrible losing streak, where the production stands out showing he still does have the stuff in that area. The main issue with this album to me is that most of concepts and ideas are under developed, and it makes me wonder if he really wants to be here at all. If this album is a sign that Kanye is emerging from his funk, then that makes this album solid. If this is a last hurrah before an extended break or retirement, this fall shorts in nearly every ... read more
The first half was a strong collection of songs that definitely feel like they show where the scythe should go in their music. On the other hand, the back half was lackluster at best, the production is the strongest part of the whole album but especially the first half. A strong performance by Denzel and surprisingly by Ferg and TiaCorine. The group needs a full project to make a true verdict though. Standout track: PHONY
A truly ambitious return to form by Gorillaz, and they remind us of the importance of life and death itself, and reminding us it doesn't have to be the end of a life even though they may be gone. A beautiful album, even if its only flaw being is that it might be too long. But it moves all listeners in a way Gorillaz has not done in a long time. Standout Tracks: Orange County, The Happy Dictator
Baby Keem's sophomore album comes with a bit of a slump, but the production on this really improves the listening experience significantly. Solid beat switches on a few songs, and overall I like the mixing of Keem's voice on this. It falls flat in substance some places, where I wonder how this album is this short, as well as inexplicably mid features from Kendrick. In terms of quality of Keem's rapping, its still sharp and is not a bad entry into his catalogue. Standout Track: ... read more
10 years in the making, J. Cole breaks through with his best work in a long time. The storytelling is at its peak here, and it feels as though all of Cole's life experiences are poured through here in his most meaningful music he has made. The production is solid, the features are fine. The biggest issue is that some songs drag and some songs begin to blend together. Standout Track: Poor Thang