Honestly such a smooth, relaxing listen from start to finish, I could listen to this album all day and not get bored. I don’t like comparing this album to mama’s gun, just because I feel both should be enjoyed, but there’s really nothing in it between the two albums. This is a true masterpiece from a Neo soul legend

A haunting, thought provoking jazz inspired record. The Roots are Hip-Hop legends, whether it be from their psychadelic jazzy production choices, or their masterful lyricism (specifically from lead emcee Black Thought). There are some incredible songs on this album, such as the Grammy winning “You got me” and “Act too (the love of my life)” featuring an intricate verse from Common. This album is really an 18 track dissertation as to why The Roots are one of the best ... read more

Beautiful, smooth, therapeutic neo soul album. Erykah Badu’s vocals fit the silky instrumentals so well, it’s really a match made in heaven. Highlights for me are the classic “Didn’t Cha Know” produced by the late legendary J Dilla. AD 2000 also showcases a great introspective cut about her past relationship with Andre 3000. Overall, a Neo Soul masterpiece.

Bass heavy hardcore hiphop album from Atlanta’s Killer Mike and Brooklyn based rapper El-P. The passion they put into the subject matter (often politically charged) is really admirable. The 4 track run at the start is generational. The only criticism I have is the track “love again” the chorus is not only sub par in quality but rambles on for too long. However with that being said, this record was still a great listen, especially for rock and metal fans, the bass on these ... read more

The first Don Toliver album I have sat and listened the whole way through. For me, I can’t pick a standout track or moment from the album, so in that sense I feel like that album gets fairly repetitive as you transition into the second half. The overall sound didn’t offend me, I just wish there were more hard hitting bangers. Decent overall

Great concept album that encapsulates “Taboo” emotions in 3 parts. If anything, this feels like 3 albums in one. With this also being the first Denzel Curry album I have listened to, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. However, the flows, lyrical variety, as well as the great songs hooks have got me wanting to listen to more denzel. With that being said, I am not personally a big fan of the “trap metal” style that he incorporates on the 3rd disc, however it does fit ... read more

Decided to start listening to RTJ on their 4th album, and I was taken by surprise. Going into this, I had no clue what to expect. The flows, time-topical subject matter, as well as the rhymes are amazing from both Killer Mike and El-P. Not to mention this is some of the most unique sounding production I have heard in hip-hop. From the first track, you are immediately met with snares that sound like gunfire. Safe to say I will be listening to the rest of their catalogue soon.

Cerebral. The production is mesmerising (mostly from Q-tip), all the beats have such a smooth jazzy feel, connecting well with the “midnight marauders” theme. The rapping on this is also brilliant, all the members (Phife, Ali-Shaheed and Q-tip) are on point with great wordplay and humour. As Pharell Williams famously said: “for me a tribe called quest is, cerebral”

Nostalgia aside, this is some beautiful music. Best soundtrack album of all time.

Honestly such an underrated album, and an underrated group in general, I’m surprised this album isn’t talked about as one of the best hip hop has to offer in terms of a group project. In particular, this project reminisces on the older sound of hip hop, similar to a de la soul or tribe called quest in their lyrical matter, however the consistency and overall vibes of these songs as a collective is incredible. The variety in the beats from 9th wonder allows rappers Phonte and Big ... read more

Really enjoyable jazz rap album from Redveil, an artist who has come into his own on this album. One thing I really enjoy is his delivery, especially on tracks like black Christmas, showcasing his passion and his care for lyrical intimacy. The production is also incredible. It’s easy on the ear while also being cinematic. It’s time Redveil gets his flowers.

Gunn’s best work to date. The insane feature list helps his style not get watered down too much, which can sometimes be a critique with his albums. The production is so fire and so varied, with many of the best producers hopping on the album to make beats (notably madlib, The Alchemist, Daringer etc.). Very enjoyable album altogether, featuring songs like “why I do em like that” still being one of his best.

Truly amazing album from East coast abstract rapper Billy woods, with a main theme of the exhaustion of a busy tour schedule, and how woods tries to divert his thoughts away from purely the tour lifestyle. I love the slow acoustic guitar samples that Kenny segal uses especially on the second half of the album, giving woods the pockets to float through his signature abstract flows. Also, Woods’ descriptions of for example looking out of a plane window remind me more of an author or a poet ... read more

The better alfredo unfortunately imo. The alchemist feels fresher on this compared to the sequel, with more varied production while maintaining the laid back luxurious vibe. Gibbs stays consistent with his lyricism and the features all are up to par. Overall a great album for smooth yet thought provoking gangsta rap.

This man really had 3 of the spots on the top 10 rap albums of 2017, this is one of the best rap performances I’ve ever heard. If only the features weren’t so lacking, this could be a top 10 rap album of all time. Production from the likes of the alchemist, Earl sweatshirt etc also elevate this album to the next level allowing Mach to float with his abstract stream of consciousness style. As hard as this is to get a hold of, it’s worth it.

Navy blue comes back in 2025 with a very revealing album. There are really no skips on this thing, and some brilliant poetic bars on top of his trademark elegant production style. This is probably my album of the year so far, it exceeded my expectations.

A great concept album on the flawed American healthcare system and the trouble it causes (hence the title). The production is so hazy and eerie, and when paired with the abstract flows woods and elucid get into it suits the sound of the album perfectly. That being said, I do find it extremely difficult at times to follow what exactly they are saying, so for anyone looking to listen I suggest having genius.com up in the background.

Pure chaos. The sample usage from Peggy on this album is crazy, everything from bass boosted gospel samples to 80’s Japanese commercials. The edition of Danny Brown (especially his delivery) add to the hurricane of sound in the best way, it’s also surprisingly pleasing on the ear. Just don’t play this on the aux…

While the soundscape doesn’t create the same eerie atmosphere as some of the other albums from the rap duo, the wordplay from woods and elucid is still on point. I love the poetic style of lyricism and flow that these two bring allowing them to express their lyrics more emotionally. I’d argue that this album comes close to or if not surpasses their first collab release “Haram”.

While I enjoyed the futuristic style of production, I couldn’t help but feel like Vince had another level of rapping that he only managed to uncover a few times across the album. But when he did, the execution came across similar to other experimental artists like Danny Brown. The hooks also felt stale and slightly disjointed, but an interesting album overall with a fair few enjoyable and unique songs.