Live Laugh Love by Earl Sweatshirt came as a bit of a surprise. I wasn’t even aware that Earl was working on something new until the releases started rolling out, and being familiar with both his catalog and the broader scene around him, I had to check it out immediately. Unfortunately, this project ends up being one of Earl’s weakest efforts to date.

Right from the start, the record feels unfocused. The production is lazily put together, with beats that sound flat and lifeless. ... read more

BigXThaPlug has been making noise in the southern hip hop scene for a few years now, but I’ll be honest: I’ve never really connected with his music. My first proper experience with him was through the Take Care project, which a lot of people seemed to enjoy. Personally, I found it generic, lacking anything that set it apart from a long list of other regional rap projects. So, when I heard he had a new album dropping, my expectations were already low. I scrolled past the ... read more

A Matter of Time by Laufey was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and for good reason. Laufey has become one of the most recognizable figures in the current jazz pop and traditional pop space, carrying forward influences that often get overlooked in mainstream music. Whenever I think of artists blending jazz-inspired arrangements with modern songwriting, Laufey is the first name that comes to mind. From her smooth voice to her carefully crafted songs, she’s been an artist ... read more

I’ve been building a folder on my Spotify called “MUST HEAR,” which is basically a collection of classics across different genres that I’ve either missed or want to revisit. Whenever I find the time, I’ll dig into one of these albums. This time, I went with Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral.

Of course, I’ve always been aware of Nine Inch Nails. Some of my earliest music memories come from my dad playing them, along with a handful of other bands, in ... read more

Chance the Rapper has always been a peculiar figure in hip-hop. Starting back in 2009 with his debut mixtape Good Enough, you’d expect an artist with that much time in the game to have a deeper catalog by now, but Chance’s career has moved differently. Instead of a large body of work, he’s built his reputation through a handful of key projects. Acid Rap and Coloring Book both earned critical praise and cemented him as one of the most interesting voices in pop rap, bringing an ... read more

Baby by Dijon is a strong alternative R&B record that highlights his growth as both a vocalist and producer. It’s packed with bold experimentation, unique vocal layering, and a level of detail in the production that keeps you locked in from start to finish. Dijon leans into a style that feels unconventional, yet it comes together in a way that’s exciting and impressive.

The vocals stand out immediately. Dijon layers his singing in creative ways that give these tracks a fuller, ... read more

Conan Gray has been on my radar for a while now, mostly through internet clips and the personality he’s built online. He comes across as fun, approachable, and just genuinely likable. Honestly, the dude seems cool. That personality has drawn in a huge fanbase, but I hadn’t really sat down with his music until now. With this new album, I figured it was the right time to finally see what his actual claim to fame sounds like.

As far as a first real dive into his discography, this ... read more

Joey Valence and Brae are a duo that, on paper, shouldn’t really work. They’re loud, quirky, and unapologetically nerdy, yet somehow they’ve carved out a lane in rap and pop-rap that has given them a growing cult following over the past few years. Personally, I first got into them with their sophomore album No Hands, which ended up being one of my favorite projects of 2024. That album stood out because it was bursting with personality. Joey and Brae weren’t just rapping, ... read more

Maroon 5 has been around for more than two decades, and for many people they’re tied to childhood memories of big radio hits and so-called “classics.” Tracks like She Will Be Loved and Moves Like Jagger cemented them as pop heavyweights, especially during the late 2000s and mid-2010s when they consistently turned out catchy, chart-topping singles. But the band’s reputation has taken a steady dive in recent years, thanks to bland performances, questionable creative ... read more

"I Love My Computer" by Ninajirachi is a colorful electronic dance music debut that immediately caught my attention with its eye-catching cover and fun title. Coming from the Australian producer and singer, this project has flashes of creativity, but it’s weighed down by messy execution and a lot of underdeveloped ideas.

Starting with the positives, the production is generally strong and fits well within the EDM genre. It’s bright, energetic, and club-ready, the kind of ... read more

Hayden Anhedönia closes the “Ethel Cain” chapter of her artistic journey with a record that is as bleak as it is beautiful. I’ve followed Hayden for quite some time, not to the level of diehard fans who recall her cheeky online moments, like her posting a video that recommended her favourite pay gorn, but I’ve always been aware of her creative and artistic vision. The “Ethel Cain” era began with the incredible and heartbreaking Preacher’s Daughter, ... read more

"God Does Like Ugly" is another strong entry from Southern rapper JID, showcasing his sharp lyricism, agile flows, and a production style that balances storytelling atmosphere with tracks that can still hook a casual listener. Naturally, the first question going in was whether this would top The Forever Story. The answer is no but it comes surprisingly close. While this album finds JID in near-peak form, its slow start holds it back slightly.

“YouUgly” isn’t a bad ... read more

MF DOOM is a legendary figure in the abstract hip hop scene, admired for both his solo projects and his many collaborations with different artists and producers. Out of all his work, one album that’s held up by critics and fans as his best is Madvillainy, his collaboration with producer Madlib. This record has a lot going for it, with only a few minor flaws depending on your taste.

The production blends boom bap, jazz, and experimental textures, creating a unique and consistent ... read more

Ski Mask the Slump God's new compilation "The Lost Files" digs up unreleased or long-forgotten material from the 2016 to 2018 SoundCloud era, offering a throwback to the peak of his wacky, rapid-fire energy. This project isn’t meant to reinvent his legacy, but to remind fans of a time when chaotic bars and anime references ruled the internet.

As a rapper, Ski Mask has always leaned into a unique blend of sharp wit, unpredictable flows, and nerdy lyricism. His exaggerated ... read more

Xaviersobased is a rising figure in the cloud rap scene, though his presence still feels uncertain. Surrounded by more prominent names like OsamaSon, Lucki, and Che, Xavier has benefited from the proximity to bigger underground artists. That said, he’s built a solid fanbase and is clearly gaining traction, especially in New York’s underground. But success doesn’t always translate to strong musical output, and this EP is a perfect example of that gap.

Xavier’s delivery ... read more

Dev Lemons’ debut album is quirky, creative, and for the most part, enjoyable. It captures her style and personality in a way that’s fitting for a first full-length project. The album feels like a culmination of her previous singles and EPs, offering a good introduction to her sound even if it isn’t always consistent in quality or direction.

Dev Lemons delivers solid performances throughout. Her voice fits comfortably within the alternative pop lane, and while she ... read more

Another year, another Yeat project. With the internet buzz he’s built over the past few years, Yeat feels like an artist shaped by the current era of trap and pop rap. His sound is filled with mumbled vocals, whimsical beats, and a mysterious image that sparks endless speculation. Who is Yeat really for? What is he trying to say? Some dismiss his music outright, calling it unserious or messy, but if you look closer, Yeat has been slowly evolving into a more daring and creative ... read more

The Gaping Mouth by Lowertown is a short but layered EP that blends indie folk with touches of psychedelic and experimental production. Across its 24-minute runtime, it explores a range of textures, moods, and abstract soundscapes. Olivia Osby’s vocal delivery is emotional and unpredictable, adding character to an already eclectic collection of songs. Her ambient singing floats in and out of complex instrumental layers, giving the record an atmospheric and occasionally haunting ... read more

Alfredo 2 by Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist is a strong return for the duo, delivering smooth and confident gangsta rap layered over jazzy, textured production. The Alchemist brings a consistent atmosphere to the record, and while the beats are well-crafted, some tracks blend together too much, making the album feel repetitive at times.

Freddie Gibbs is in full control here. His delivery is sharp, and his presence commands attention. He knows how to ride a beat, and there’s a level of ... read more

I've been following Quadeca for a long time. Like most people, I first heard of him through his “beef” with YouTuber KSI. Back then, his quick flows and sharp delivery showed he had potential. Of course, early on, Ben wasn't a great artist. His videos focused on rap impressions, reaction content, and music that felt more like a showcase than something personal. I used to enjoy tracks like “Uh Huh!” from his debut, but looking back, it feels like corny rap with ... read more