None of the bonus tracks are really necessary, but "Angels" and "I Come Part" are great tracks. Not a fan of "Ghetto Symphony."

Fantastic debut from Rocky.

One of the most underappreciated rap albums of 2013, 'LONG.LIVE.A$AP' is a continuation of the topics and sounds found on A$AP's previous mixtape. From the dark and haunting title track to ethereal "LVL," this album is full of amazing moments. While Rocky's lyricism isn't as punchy or catchy here, he still has fantastic verses and hooks. "Phoenix" and "Suddenly" show off some of the album's deeper writing, ... read more

After 2 listens, I just don't find anything particularly good about this album. Nothing's really grabbing me.

This is my first By Storm/Injury Reserve album, and I don't have much interest in checking out the rest of their stuff. The atmosphere is really somber and subdued, which is unique. The production matches that feeling, with a ton of empty space and quieter songs ("In My Town" and "Can I Have You For Myself?" being examples.) I'm not a big fan of ... read more

Still amazing, but "2007" just enhances this whole project. Such a perfect song.

After the let-down that was 'DiCaprio 2,' JID improved on everything he could. This album is phenomenal.

One of the best rap albums of the 2020s thus far. JID has always been an artist with a ton of potential, and he fully realizes it here. You get amazing, trap-esque production throughout, with beat switches and mood shifts galore. From the energetic "Raydar" and "Dance Now" to the more melodic "Kody Blue 31" and "Better Days," 'The ... read more

What a massive step-up from their debut.

Man, I love 'The Bends.' I don't know how Radiohead managed to make such a massive improvement, but everything is better here. The instrumentation and production is both richer and lonelier than 'Pablo Honey,' with "Planet Telex," "(Nice Dream)," and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" being examples. The guitars hit harder, the drums are smoother, and the bass adds some nice pops throughout. Thom ... read more

One of the most important albums ever. As my first Beatles record, I had no idea what to expect when going into 'Abbey Road.' Sure, I had heard the high praise from many people, but I had absolutely zero expectations. But from the opening instruments of "Come Together," it was immediately solidified as one of my all-time favorites.

For starters, the production on 'Abbey Road' is some of the most beautiful ever put out. For an album released over 50 years ago, it ... read more

One of the most inconsistent rap albums of the 2020s.

With the announcement of his next album, I wanted to check out some of Baby Keem's discography. And what better place to start than his most recent project, 'The Melodic Blue.' For starters, the production on this album is great. You get a ton of trap-inspired cuts, such as the foreboding "trademark usa" or energetic "cocoa," as well as softer introspective songs, with "lost souls" and ... read more

It's hard to find anything new to say about one of the most highly praised rock albums ever, but I'll try.

To start off, this album is one of the most technically impressive albums I've ever heard. The way the songs blend and transition together, the amazing use of emptiness and atmosphere, and the astounding guitar and drum work found all throughout. "Breathe (In the Air)" seems so fragile, while "Time" and "Money" are powerful and grand. The ... read more

WAY TOO LONG. "Life Of The Party" is worth it, though.

Absolutely overhated. 'Pablo Honey' isn't bad at all.

I went into the album expecting a bland grunge record with little substance. I was pleasantly surprised, as there's a ton of quality all throughout. Thom Yorke's singing and vocals are pretty great, with the noisy instrumentals accompanying him. "You," "Creep," and "Thinking About You" are all fantastic songs. 'Pablo Honey' does get repetitive, as a ton of songs start to blend ... read more

EDIT: 75 --> 83

This is a great mixtape. Amazing rapping, and a ton of the songs have grown on me in the past month or so. "Too Deep for the Intro" is particularly amazing.

==

While I do think a lot of the praise for this mixtape comes from nostalgia, Cole did well on this project. Some fantastic performances ("Too Deep for the Intro," "See World") mix with great production ("Higher," "Cost Me a Lot") to create some standout tracks. ... read more

I like this album, but it isn't one of the best of the '90s.

Taking a complete 180 from their debut, 'ATLiens' is the absolute opposite of the southern feel. Fueled by the public backlash received at the 1995 Source Awards, the duo's sophomore project takes a much more stripped-back, cold vibe. Andre and Big Boi's rhyming has improved ("Wheelz of Steel," "Jazzy Belle"), their storytelling is richer ("Babylon," "13th Floor / ... read more

It's insane how Andre and Big Boi were teenagers when they made this album. This is one great debut.

Outkast is the most known rap group ever. Their discography is praised worldwide, but discussion rarely goes toward 'Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.' The duo were still finding their comfort zone with this album, but it contains so many great moments. From the warm, southern production to the punchy rhymes from both members, 'Southernplayalistic' shows so much ... read more

Chance the Rapper's first mixtape still holds up.

Something about this project feels so pure. Recorded during a 10 day suspension from school (hence the name), Chance wrote some great verses and put them over great beats. From the slower, softer tracks like "Brain Cells" and "14,400 Minutes" to the more energetic hits like "Windows" and "Hey Ma," there's a succinct happiness and warmness emanating from '10 Day.' Chance has great ... read more

'Rodeo' is one of hip-hop's greatest efforts.

I listened to this album a few months ago, and I remember finding it mind-blowing. Upon a revisit recently, it still remains as good as it was. This is some of the best production in hip-hop history, with layers upon layers to discover each listen. Travis creates a dark, grimy atmosphere, which is helped by the multitude of features and verses. From The Weeknd's haunting vocals on "Pray 4 Love" to Kanye's ... read more

'Days Before Rodeo' holds up... pretty well?

I like this mixtape, and you hear Travis coming into his own lane. Some standouts, such as "Drugs You Should Try It" and "Skyfall," are easily this project's highlights. Travis managed to mix the southern-rap feeling with trap production, making for a forward-thinking style that still holds up today. Certain parts haven't held up, with either the EDM-inspired "Basement Freestyle" or the repetitive ... read more

While short, 'e.t.d.s.' is a captivating listen.

This project is the first time I've heard of IDK, so I went in with zero expectations. I was pleasantly surprised, however, as this mixtape is really fun. Most of the songs are around 2 minutes long, keeping 'e.t.d.s.' moving and fast. You get a ton of bangers, such as "HALO" and "CLOVER," mixed with some introspective cuts where IDK comments on his life and experiences, such as ... read more

One of the greatest rap debuts ever.

JAŸ-Z has a long-storied discography in hip-hop, and 'Reasonable Doubt' is a marker of his skill and confidence. While most debut albums contain a special hunger and eagerness, this debut presents Jay as a confident figure. His rhyming is on point ("Dead Presidents II," "Can I Live"), his storytelling is vivid ("D'Evils," "Coming of Age"), and his braggadocio is thrilling ("Cashmere ... read more

One of the best rock albums ever made.

This album finally clicked for me today. Something about it, maybe the energy or angst, just kept pulling me back. And from the first chords of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," it immediately hooks you in. I don't think 'Nevermind' could have been made in any other way. Cobain's writing finds a perfect gap and energy inbetween the drums and guitars. It creates an atmosphere of rebellion and anger, but one with a controlled fury. ... read more