Jesse Fairfax

157 items
review

Vince Staples & Larry Fisherman - Stolen Youth (Mixtape Review)

Loosely based on his harsh upbringing, Vince Staples inches his way to greater prominence with the masterful Stolen Youth.

34  
review

J. Cole - Born Sinner

Improved production, cadences and subject matter add up to an improved J. Cole. But his semi-autobiographical one man show still isn't particularly dynamic.

review

Prodigy & Alchemist - Albert Einstein

Sharing his first name with the famed genius, Prodigy breaks his advanced expertise down to a science on "Albert Einstein."

review

Ugly Heroes - Ugly Heroes

"Ugly Heroes" is cohesive, moving and likely aims to help listeners overcome hurdles. But, at times, it's tough to digest and may alienate more than influence.

74  
review

Hustle Gang - G.D.O.D. (Mixtape Review)

T.I. wields a strong command over Hip Hop with "G.D.O.D.," shouldering the burden for a team who would otherwise be left to their own devices.

31  
review

Wyclef Jean - April Showers

Over the course of 33 exhausting tracks, "April Showers" is Wyclef at his most self-important with an unfiltered ambition left to roam free.

14  
review

Nametag & Nameless - For Namesake

Nametag and Nameless join forces to issue a wake up call that is hard, soulful and thought-provoking with the help of an assorted cast from their town's scene.

25  
news

Terrace Martin Speaks On Bond With Robert Glasper, Kendrick Lamar's Success

Exclusive: Terrace Martin speaks of going to Jazz camp with Robert Glasper. He praises 9th Wonder, and says, "Snoop is the first one to give me a shot," and it's love whether Snoop Dogg or Snoop Lion.

7  
review

Tyler, the Creator - Wolf

"Wolf" finds Tyler, the Creator successfully and artfully juggling his following's expectations with his personal growth.

news

BJ The Chicago Kid Confirms Track With Busta Rhymes & MF DOOM On J Dilla Beat

Exclusive: Soul sensation BJ The Chicago Kid speaks on carrying the torch for Motown Records and working with Busta Rhymes & DOOM over J Dilla production.

5  
news

DJ Drama Says The Lil Wayne, T.I. & Young Jeezy Trifecta "Made My Career"

Exclusive: DJ Drama spoke in South By Southwest this month. He also reveals that he's got a new facility in Mean Street Studios.

24  
news

Just Blaze Waves Off "EDM" Badge For Music, Explains Keys To His Longevity

Exclusive: The supporter and tour-mate of Baauer says that "90% of Pop music these days is electronic, and 90% of it gets danced to." He waves off the EDM label.

9  
news

Producer Willie B Says Kendrick Lamar's "Rigamortis" Led To Work With Wale, Freddie Gibbs

Exclusive: At South By Southwest, the TDE producer hints at upcoming work. Skyzoo also discusses the generational impact of "Spike Lee Was My Hero."

2  
interview

Phonte Says He's "Done Remaking Songs;" Won't Rap "To Stay Relevant"

Exclusive: The Foreign Exchange reflect on their long working history, a new album of remixes and why Phonte is in no rush to put out a sophomore, solo Rap LP.

26  
review

Ill Bill - The Grimy Awards

Ill Bill provides a rather jarring listen, as "The Grimy Awards" sticks steadfast to an abrasive script.

editorial

Still Shining: The Business Of Continuing J Dilla's Legacy

We'll likely always debate if it's disrespectful to reinterpret Dilla's visionary sound and if Hip Hop should support ventures he he hasn't been able to sign off on.

3  
review

The Underachievers - Indigoism (Mixtape Review)

The Underachievers cohesively merge today's turned up sound with that which came from their formerly dominant homeland of Brooklyn.

60  
review

Oh No - Disrupted Ads

Often a rhyming beast in his own regard, Oh No uses "Disrupted Ads" to showcase the skills of his inner circle.

10  
review

Casey Veggies - Life Changes (Mixtape Review)

Casey Veggies has a cool, calm and collected demeanor that is prideful without becoming obnoxious.

21  
review

Consequence - Movies On Demand 4 (Mixtape Review)

With a platform now greater than ever, Consequence aims to capitalize on his moment with "Movies On Demand 4."

16  
review

Jean Grae - Dust Ruffle

"Dust Ruffle" functions as a time capsule and a retrospective of Jean Grae's topsy-turvy tenure in the music business.

14