HBO was the real breakthrough for the 2016 breakthrough boom bap New Jersey rapper Mach- Hommy. This project is raw, the beats are gritty and the mic sounds like a turtle beach headset, but this doesn’t diminish the lyrical and instrumental quality of the album. Tunnel vision’s aggressive confrontational lyrics match the heavyweight horns on the beat, and the smooth Jazz sample from the legendary Charles Mingus on “Trezeta Air Max” create a smooth hazy atmosphere that ... read more

billy woods’ 2025 album redefines hip-hop by making it addictively uncomfortable. The opener “jumpscare” sounds exactly how it you’d think. The writing throughout the project is up there with the best in music, whether it be his references to colonialism and oppression, or his infatuated toxic with a married woman on “misery”. Even if it isn’t your thing, you can’t deny that woods knows how to curate a project that aligns both lyrically and ... read more

D’angelo’s 2nd studio album Voodoo is the godfather of Neo-Soul. There’s such a loose and funky sound in every track, most notably through questlove’s revolutionary use of rushed snares, or the Dilla technique. The combined elements from various genres, whether it be boom bap, Afro beats or jazz, they are perfectly curated into a passionately thoughtful album. Also, untitled is of the best songs ever, the progression, the passion in the vocal delivery and the lyrics all ... read more

Such an underrated album from one of Chicago’s finest MC’s, maybe undermined by the other projects that came out under the same soulquarians group during the time. Firstly, the introspective cuts and storytelling on this album is so great, reflecting on relationships and family, most notably through his revenge in the track “revenge is a grandmother” where he tells the story of his payback on the people that robbed his grandma. The production from Dilla is so smooth and ... read more

A tribe called quest came back in 2016 with a comeback album that defied all expectations, in what could possibly be their best album to date in a stacked catalogue. The album overall follows many of the same politically charged subject matter, while also celebrating the late Phife Dawg with some beautifully heartfelt, sentimental moments. The album starts off relentlessly with Space Program, and sets the quality bar for the rest of the album high, as Q-Tip hits with the most relentless flows ... read more

After listening to All my heroes are cornballs, I thought I’d move onto his most celbrated project. And after listening to this the whole way through, I can confidently say that this is JPEGMAFIA’s most well rounded, and boundless project in his catalogue so far. The production on here is flawless, songs like rebound! are so heavy and bassy I can’t help but love them. Lyrically he really gets in his bag as well, with several and subtle disses on certain members of society, as ... read more

Seriously underrated album not just in the Roots’ catalogue but in general. I don’t think there will ever be a roots album that I don’t like, Black Thought brings it on this one with his signature consistently remarkable technical rap ability. The instrumentals are what impress me the most on this album, with heavy hitters like “in the music” , as well as the beautifully live sound that “long time” brings. Best moment from the album for me was the shock ... read more

Thought I’d check FLYGOD out after hearing great things about it, and I feel pleased to say it’s probably my 2nd favourite Gunn album to date. The sample loops are hypnotic and well mixed so they set the foundation for the old school boom bap style. Features are all great as always on a Westside Gunn album, with the likes of Mach-Hommy on King City, Conway on Dunks, and of course Benny on Shower Shoe Lords. The album is so consistent as well, not one bad beat or song at all, making ... read more

On this album, Navy uses hypnotic sample loops to lay the foundation for his abstract, poetic rapping style. What I am most impressed with on this album is the consistency of the beats and lyricism, something I was worried about with the samples taking on Navy’s signature looping style. The features on this album are all 10/10 as well, as he somehow manages to get the likes of Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) and billy woods to join the project. Poderoso is arguably my favourite track on the album, ... read more

Beautifully smooth and groovy, D’Angelo’s debut is really a masterful display of blending the genres of Hip-Hop, Neo-Soul and R&B. Specifically, some of the baselines on these tracks create a perfectly unique style that still feels innovative in today’s musical landscape, I feel ashamed that I only properly got into his music after his passing. RIP legend.

After listening to their most critically acclaimed “we buy diabetic test strips” I felt now was a great time to listen to paraffin. And, while it may take me a few listens to grasp all the content, I can confidently say this is on of the most underrated albums in the abstract hiphop lane. The beats are heavy, cleverly placed, and enhance the horror that woods and elucid like to convey in their lyrics. Tracks such as Black Garlic really work well with Elucids delivery, allowing his ... read more

3 of the most vivid and striking verses I have ever heard, and the beat lays the canvas perfectly. Elucid begins the verse with cryptic imagery describing the psychological affects of domestic abuse. Cavalier’s verse is probably my favourite, expressing the pain he feels going back to his childhood home. Billy woods has the final verse, which starts with the traumatic story of the death of his childhood pet cat. Not only my favourite song from the album but my favourite billy woods song.

Incredible.

Great project from the Alchemist, beats are on peak form on this EP, it’s a shame there’s only 4 tracks though. The featured rappers all delivered, loose change has always been a favourite of mine even before I’d heard the full EP.

First time listening to an art pop album so I haven’t quite adjested to the sound fully, but already this sounds great. The electronic/pop/R&B style is executed nicely, and the unique vocals surprisingly effectively with the instrumentals. “Lights on” is notably expressive, and is probably my favourite on the album. I will have to listen to the rest of Twigs’ catalogue now.

JPEGMAFIA comes back in 2019 showcasing even more of his well rounded talent. The highlight of this album for me was the sonic detours, with random yet entertaining beat swtiches across many of the songs. Jpeg also incorporates more of an RnB style on this project, which works surprisingly well given the ambient, mellow vibe this album has. Overall a great, unpredictable listen.

Another great addition to the RTJ series, returning in 2016 with arguably their most politically charged piece yet. Some of the flows from both El-P and Mike are incredible, and the signature bassy production from El-P is always fresh to hear. I also feel the final 2 tracks help the album with a strong finish, boosting the overall appeal I have for the project. Brilliant again, these guys are yet to miss.

Doves being added to the tracklist is hugely significant, it might be Armand Hammer’s best song. It ties in all the themes of social and political commentary throughout the album, and is beautiful and bleak simultaneously. Shoutout Benjamin Booker.

One of the best produced albums of all time combined with one of the greatest rappers of all time, this is in no doubt a modern masterpiece. The bass on these songs makes them all sound uniquely groovy, and songs like aquamarine are especially cinematic. I’ve always loved black thought from his time at with the roots, and on this he solidifies his consistency on another level. Onto the features, with names ranging from A$ap Rocky, to Run The Jewels, to the late great MF DOOM, they all ... read more

I went into this album having only heard shook ones pt II, expecting a whole album of dark, grimey beats and rhymes but I was blown away by the variety and the jazzy feel this album gave. The flows from havoc and prodigy and insane, they really created a blueprint for hip hop along with other NY rappers at the time such as Nas, Wu-Tang etc. This is really a no skip album, and it inspired many of the popular artists/ groups today. Hall of fame rap album fr.