MIKE is one of the most talented artists working in music today, not just in rap, and he boasts a stacked back catalogue littered with many future classic records. But really, it all started here, with this 2017 album, released when he was just 18 years old. The first time I heard this LP, it was the production that grabbed me immediately, with the off-kilter drums, soulful pianos and unique and distorted vocal samples all being right up my alley. There’s a hypnotic element to tracks like ... read more

While not quite at the heights of the two albums that came before, this experimental effort certainly doesn’t miss the mark. The beats are unique and unlike Armand Hammer’s usual production style, but the rapping is as good as ever, even if it’s a little less frequent. Amazing album. Also having “Doves” as a bonus track is insane that song is breathtaking and indescribably beautiful and haunting.

Some throwaways, some already released tracks, some half finished ideas. But in amongst it all, some magical moments

While certainly not their best record (in spite of what many online may tell you) “Rome” feels like a very pivotal moment in the journey of Armand Hammer. The ideas of “Race Music” collide with the execution of “Furtive Movements” to deliver an album that feels whole, to the point and fully consistent in its soundscape. woods and ELUCID glide over these murky, brooding instrumentals and deliver though provoking, hard hitting grimy verses time and time again. ... read more

One of the most impressive things about Armand Hammer is that every record feels like a notable step forward from everything that came before. Most simply, “Paraffin” is a more polished “Rome”. The beats are a little snappier and tidier, the lyrics are just as strong and their respective deliveries, it could be easily argued, are stronger here than in any record previous. So many breathtaking tracks appear, including “Dettol”, “Alternate Side ... read more

I love this album I really do. I could almost do without 2013’s “Race Music”, but this is truly essential, outstanding hip hop from Armand Hammer. The two reminders of their previous album; the awful “Willie Bosket” remix which is somehow just as poor as the one that made their debut record, and the kind of pointless Curly Castro feature on the reprise of “Duppy”, are the albums only two weak points. And even with that, the Castro verse isn’t that ... read more

While definitely bloated and at times inconsistent, billy woods and ELUCID’s debut collaborative effort is a very impressive first outing. Packed full of great verses, clever and sometimes hilarious lyricism, as well as excellent use of imagery, the duo definitely came out hot on here. Unfortunately I felt the beats at times definitely could’ve been a lot stronger, but the contributions from Messiah Musik in particular on tracks like “Shark Fin Soup” and ... read more

Shabb’s music is starting to click with me I think. I struggled with the laid back flows on his last record “shabbvangogh”, and again on the first couple listens of this. However, the more I played it the more I began to get into the sound he’s going for. The beats are great, really jazzy and energetic and attention grabbing, and, while I’m still not 100% in on his rapping, he slides undoubtedly on cuts like “world is mine!”, “TANK!” and the ... read more

High pitched, poorly made slop. The intro is good though

Sideshow’s debut project is a really concise, yet impressive and engaging introduction. The Ethiopia born, DMV area raised rapper showcases his talents across a plethora of production styles on this project, and he seems comfortable with all of them. Of course, this leads to some issues with a lack of consistency, but at only 16 minutes, there’s so much good to glean from this tracklist that I wouldn’t worry about the weak moments.

OsamaSon’s latest effort is, for the most part, an impeccable, genre pushing project. It’s easily one of the most unique rage albums I’ve ever heard, with distortion and repetition firmly taking the driver’s seat. Tracks like the opener “Habits”, with its blown out bass and warped synths (things we also see on “FMJ”, “Addicted” and many more) are clear examples of this. Even though the idea seems jarring, OsamaSon makes it work thanks ... read more

Gunn’s debut album, dating all the way back to 2005 is very rough around the edges, but still a pretty impressive introduction to the Buffalo native’s music. The rapping from Gunn himself is pretty solid, but I think it lacks a little of the personality he has since displayed (although it still comes through on certain tracks). His delivery has definitely improved also. The beats are a little tame at times, but still give you hints of the grimness Griselda has since become ... read more

I really enjoy like five songs on here: “Werkin”, “X & Sex”, “Kutta”, “Lambtruck” and “Don’t Let Looks Fool”. “Troops” is also a cool track. The only reason my score for this project isn’t higher is because I really find a lot of the rest of the tracks to be pretty bad. On some tracks, OsamaSon gets lost amongst the beat and the effects and struggles to put good hooks together or find nice pockets. Overall ... read more

Unfortunately, this album just comes off as being edgy for edginess sake. Sure Earl’s rapping is at a highly impressive level for a 16 year old, but that doesn’t make the songs any more enjoyable unfortunately. Beats are fine, pretty average by Odd Future standards. There’s plenty of uncomfortable verses and lines here, that would be fine if they were saying something or had a meaning or message behind them, but they sadly do not. Definitely not for me.

This is a Yeat album, and that’s about all I can say. While definitely slightly less polished, “Alivë” is fairly identical to everything he’s released since, complete with bloated tracklist, abrasive instrumentals and mindless lyrics. It has its fun moments though.

Very solid album. On “HELVITI”, Bahamian artist Obijuan shows why he’s one of hip hop’s most unique voices, thanks in large part to his unpredictable, sprawling flow, as well as his sometimes hard to hear lyrics. His fascinating verses keep you engaged throughout, and he manages to find amazingly catchy pockets on almost every song. On top of that, dylantheinfamous serves up Obijuan a plethora of incredibly grimy, gritty instrumentals that pair perfectly with the ... read more

Jay Worthy has long held the reputation of being one of the most boring rappers in the industry, and if that’s the camp you find yourself in, “Once Upon A Time” certainly won’t change your mind. The Vancouver born emcee’s latest full length lp lacks all the high points you would hope for. There’s not one moment (except perhaps the final track) that feels important or essential or worth your time, and that specific track’s importance is more thanks to ... read more

This is not good. And I really wanted it to be good, I thought the Atlanta icon had it in him, but unfortunately on this occasion, “UY SCUTI” leaves a lot to be desired. His first album since his prison release earlier this year is incredibly bloated and inconsistent, and packed full of really strange moments. The opening stretch of tracks features the bizarre intro “Ninja”, the painfully dull “Catch Me I’m Falling”, and subpar guest appearances from ... read more

As someone already very familiar with Estee Nack’s output over the last couple of years, it was certainly a refreshing experience going back to check out what he was doing almost a decade ago. “SURFINONGOLD.WAV” is a really enjoyable listen for any hip hop fan. Nack’s vocals on here are so infectious and engaging, packed full of the personality and character that his unique voice has since become renowned for in the genre. His track presence is something that’s ... read more

Damn this album is good. Curren$y has been one of the most consistent and prolific voices in the underground for the last decade and a half, and “Covert Coup” may well be his magnum opus. His smooth, witty, blink and you’ll miss it lyricism is at its best here, delivered in his trademark low-key yet menacing delivery. His flows on here are equally excellent, as he somehow walks the tightrope of giving us bar after bar in a near cascading fashion, but simultaneously never feels ... read more