rms117

Guru and Premier. Even in their adolescence as a Hip Hop duo, where Premo's beats still had much higher heights and deeper emotional pockets to explore, and Guru's writing and monotone style were still improving as well, it's still Hip Hop magic. A bit bloated yes, but most Gang Starr albums after this tended to be (but considering this was the first to start the trend, it should be mentioned). Some songs play out like demos, particularly in the latter half. They, along with some ... read more

Common (Sense)'s third album is one that shows a palpable growth and maturity compared to his second record, Resurrection. On that album, he was much zanier and eccentric with his rhymes and deliveries, and while some of that youth remains, it's clear to see that the time between these records taught him many lessons. It shows across many songs, where Common's writing is raw, personal and piercing. Of course, there are also songs where he gets to stretch his lyrical prowess ... read more

Really great album I had no idea I would be listening to. I don't even remember how I discovered YMO but I know Rydeen was the song that did it, which I believe is their most iconic song anyway. Whether its the best one on this album I don't even know, there's a handful of others that are amazing as well, such as the opener. Just fun, groovy and bouncy music to move to. It is pretty front-loaded though, most of the super memorable ones are in the first half. The second half ... read more

This album is practically perfect. Maybe not EVERY track is banging, but in its design it's peerless. You wanna listen to it fully and get the full experience? You can do that, it's extremely entertaining and emotionally impactful. You wanna just take a handful of tracks and spin them? You can do that too. Maybe just one track? You can do that too. Any way you choose to experience this album, you get a true look into the skill, soul, and mind of probably the greatest to ever do it ... read more