facing the insurmountable legacy of an album like the original Marshall Mathers LP 13 years after its release feels like it would've been a death wish, even for one of the greatest rappers dead or alive. but ever the determined provocateur, Eminem says "fuck all of that" and revisits his old stomping grounds in his own way on the Marshall Mathers LP 2, a record that recaptures some of the most manic and awe-inducing magic of the original from a surprisingly mature and reflective ... read more

for the first time since maybe The Marshall Mathers LP 2, it feels like Em's actually having fun on a song.

the holy bible for all aspiring electronic dance musicians, Daft Punk etches their names as french house gods on Discovery.

favorite tracks \\ One More Time, Aerodynamic, Digital Love, Crescendolls, Superheroes, Something About Us, Voyager, Face to Face
least favorite tracks // N/A

last night, i had a dream about you.

Little Simz has and will drop substantially better projects than this short warm-up of a seven track EP, but it's sweet to see her branch out and lay her usual killer flows on some dark and bouncy hip-hop/dance fusion tracks, even if it's a bit undercooked and out of character in some areas.

favorite tracks \\ Fever, Torch, I Ain't Feelin' It, Far Away
least favorite track // S.O.S.

wanna see some more?

a nostalgic stone cold classic with one of the best Cole verses ever spat.

Porter Robinson's first project is a fascinating look back at the EDM scene of the early 2010s, when Skrillex and Zedd were electronic dance disciples and the more emotional/complex takes on the genre by Avicii, Madeon, and Porter himself were still years away. for what it is though across its six original tracks, Spitfire is less of a proof of concept for where Porter would go creatively, and more of a peek into a potential dark future where dubstep still reigned supreme over all ... read more

there was a reason why Logic was one of the most hyped rappers of the early-to-mid 2010s. the slick flows, intelligent wordplay, and a real relatability factor as well as his ability to adapt to nearly any beat and/or style. that's all on showcase on The Incredible True Story; paired with amazingly space-age production courtesy from his long-time producers 6ix and C-Sick, Logic blasts off into a new stratosphere that is debatably better than his debut.

favorite tracks \\ Like Woah, Young ... read more

four years after the low-key and rushed release of the unfortunately eternally under-appreciated 3.15.20, Donald Glover returns with ATAVISTA, a strong overhaul that does many wonders for these once overlooked songs, breathing new life and character into these unique, quirky, and powerful R&B/hip-hop jams. while tracks such as the full version of Why Go to The Party and Feels Like Summer will be missed, the new additions of Atavista and the heavily demanded Human Sacrifice help to alleviate ... read more

Billie Eilish bares it all as she unleashes a powerful run of hard-hitting emotional ballads that blur the line between the dark and eclectic electropop of her debut and the personal singer/songwriter pop of Happier Than Ever. the production from FINNEAS takes many twists and turns, from explosive rock to intimate trip-hop, to match Billie's ever-growing range and lyrical depth that feels so refreshingly vulnerable and genuine. it's the duo's best work to date, and potentially a ... read more

prior to December 9th 2014, Jermaine Cole's position within the wide genre of hip-hop was uncertain. the Fayetteville native clearly proved himself as an extremely skilled MC with a high relatability level and clear reverence to the old greats of the game on his acclaimed mixtapes, but he was clearly struggling tip-toeing the line between authenticity and commercial appeal on his two major label debuts Cole World: The Sideline Story and Born Sinner. though after hearing Cole make his meditative ... read more

the studio debut of Donald Glover's rap persona wears many of its influences on its sweater sleeves, pocket tee, khaki shorts, et cetera. Gambino is clearly trying to emulate his heroes and peers of the times (Kanye, Cudi, and N.E.R.D. come to mind) with his own unique nerdy inflections and life experiences added in. in execution, it's quite a mixed bag of heavy-handed lyrics that radiate genuine insecurity of his public image and icky resentment for people (mostly women) that have wronged him ... read more

a short yet frantic set of early-2000s trance and japanese rhythm game-inspired headknockers that serves as a great "darkest before dawn" interlude from the fantasy escapism of Worlds and towards the self-discovery and nostalgic tone of Nurture.

favorite tracks \\ Particle Arts, Ghost Voices, a.i.ngel (Become God)
least favorite track // Key

lately i've been hearing the cries of angels when i close my eyes. remember?

what happens to us after we die? do we enter the great beyond, or do we linger behind? how would it feel like if we could see and feel how our loved ones dealt with our passing? would you want them to keep you in their memories in pain and grief, or would you want them to move on, leaving you isolated not only physically, but emotionally? Quadeca asked the same questions, and poured the unresolved and melancholy feelings that come with these morbid ponderings into his third studio album, a ... read more

a desperate, solemn, yet powerful and soulful plea for real change and justice.

after the fun, wacky, and sprawling experimentation of Song Machine, Damon Albarn doubles down on the electropop influences that has always been present in Gorillaz and takes the audience to Cracker Island, a warm and welcoming cult gathering where you can certainly have a good time dancing, but if you desire the substance seen in previous offerings, you may be disillusioned.

favorite tracks \\ Cracker Island, Oil, Silent Running, New Gold, Tarantula, Crocadillaz
least favorite tracks // Baby ... read more

twitter discourse brought me back, and while perhaps a product of its time, This Is America still holds up quite well as both a song and a political message post the Trump era, and alongside its equally visceral and mesmerizing music video, proved why Donald Glover is a genuine artistic force not to sleep on.

Billie could have phoned in a "bad guy" or "Therefore I Am"-styled pop track for the Barbie soundtrack and we wouldn't have blamed her. instead though, she delivered one of the most impressive ballads made for a film i've heard in a while.

only Kendrick could make "Certified Lover Boy? Certified Pedophiles.", "A Minorrrrrrrrrrr...", and "OV-HOE" genuine crowd-chanting quotables.

7.4.24 edit: pack it up drizzy.

Porter goes big, bright, and boppy whilst not betraying the emotional integrity found on Worlds and Nurture. a masterclass in electronic pop.

worlds of pure imagination are dreamily weaved and woven by escapist design on Porter Robinson's debut. a genuine trailblazer in every way.

favorite tracks \\ Divinity, Sad Machine, Fresh Static Snow, Polygon Dust, Lionhearted, Sea of Voices, Fellow Feeling, Goodbye to a World
least favorite track // Hear The Bells

is anyone there? oh, hi.