HipHopDx Reviews
Kid Ink - Full Speed
"Full Speed" is as the title suggests, a doubling down on the formula that has brought Kid Ink so much success in the past.
Your Old Droog - Kinison
“Kinison” means well, but Your Old Droog’s performance doesn’t match his abundant talent this time around.
Kenn Starr - Square One
Square One is humble and personal, while still laden with intelligent braggadocio.
Wara From The NBHD - If Guns Could Speak
The numerous quality moments on "If The Guns Could Speak" are more than enough to cement Wara's exponentially rising buzz.
Derek Minor - Empire
"Empire" is a bold body of work, with Derek Minor applying message to a form that can appear nihilistic.
Leather Corduroys - Season
"Season" is an eclectic tumult, and a more than satisfying look at what this young group can do.
Jazmine Sullivan - Reality Show
Ladies and gentlemen, 2015’s first great R&B masterpiece has arrived.
Sadat X - Never Left
"Never Left" is blue-collar and honest, showing flashes of diversity while remaining distinctly New York at its core.
Lil Wayne - Sorry 4 The Wait 2
Although there are some bright sparks of creativity that remind us of his formidable days, Weezy’s lackluster punchlines, and poor attempts at song remakes is an uneasy indicator that "Tha Carter V" might not be worth the wait after all.
Lupe Fiasco - Tetsuo & Youth
Whether Lupe Fiasco's latest is better than "The Cool" or worse than "Food & Liquor" is a distraction. "Tetsuo & Youth" deserves its own exalted podium.
Joey Bada$$ - B4.Da.$$
Confirming Joey Bada$$’s commitment to tradition, B4.Da.$$ harks back more than it pushes forward. It also begs the question: what’s next?
Phony Ppl - Yesterday's Tomorrow
"Yesterday's Tomorrow" is gentle and almost transcendent.
Mark Ronson - Uptown Special
Mark Ronson paints his Pop 70s gold and 80s purple, crafting a light, crisp funk experience on "Uptown Special."
DMX - Redemption Of The Beast
The controversy surrounding this release continues to raise more questions than answers, leading to our decision to not give a rating.
Hasan Salaam - Life In Black And White
Hasan Salaam’s narratives effectively tell harsh truths about himself and the world around him.
Azad Right - For The Hopeful
Azad Right hits many of the right notes on "For The Hopeful," a potential filled polemic that reveals his very real upside.
Mike Jones - Money Train
"Money Train," is a reintroduction of sorts for Mike Jones, and reminds why the rapper gained such instant fame to begin with despite ultimately falling short.
B.O.B. - No Genre: The Label
"No Genre: The Label" comes up short in many aspects despite the number of very talented people involved.
Rae Sremmurd - SremmLife
Rae Sremmurd's "SremmLife" displays one amazing, endless time for the “EarDrummers Backwards” boys.
Nipsey Hussle - Mailbox Money
Nipsey Hussle doesn't stray far from his aesthetic on "Mailbox Money," crafting a luminous extension of last year's "Crenshaw."
