xyldrathun

Soul Intent’s F#@!n’ Backstabber is a great short release that still holds strong replay value for me. The 1995 rap sound gives it a raw nostalgic feeling, especially coming from early Eminem and Proof, and that older underground style is a big part of why it connects so well. The rapping is sharp, the flows are clean, and both tracks have that hungry energy that makes this era of Em interesting to go back to. It also hits harder because of Proof’s presence, which adds even ... read more

6LACK’s Love is the New Gangsta is a weak album for me because it moves too slowly and never really pulls me in. The production is decent and the sound is clean, but most of the songs blend together in a way that makes the album feel flat and forgettable. Instead of creating a strong mood, the slow pacing makes the record drag, and it becomes hard to stay focused on what each track is trying to do.

The biggest issue is replay value. There is one song that works for me, but the rest does ... read more

Skylar Grey’s Wasted Potential is a decent album with a strong mood, but it does not fully reach the replay value I wanted from it. Her vocals are easily the best part, because she sounds smooth, emotional, and controlled across the project. The album has this dark, late-night feeling that makes me think of being isolated somewhere, drinking, watching TV, and letting the music sit in the background. That atmosphere works, and some of the production helps bring out that lonely, messy, ... read more

JPEGMAFIA’s EXPERIMENTAL RAP is a good album with some very strong moments, but it is not as consistent as I wanted it to be. The best parts come from the messy production, sharp effects, and the moments where JPEG is fully rapping with force and control. When he locks in, the album has real personality, and the writing gives it enough edge to stand out.

The issue is that the experimental side does not always feel fully pushed. Some songs have interesting distortion and strange ... read more