HipHopDx Reviews
Keyshia Cole - Point Of No Return
Keyshia Cole successfully expresses fervent, unfettered emotion on "Point Of No Return", but finds it challenging to deliver a stand out single.
Diamond District - March On Washington
With "March On Washington," Diamond District provide a concise, diverse package that showcases their skills while providing entertainment and social commentary.
Rapsody - Beauty And The Beast (EP)
Rapsody's "Beauty and The Beast" is a stellar take on her strengths, but doesn't experiment enough with her delivery to truly carry Jamla's searing production.
Flying Lotus - You're Dead!
FlyLo's fifth LP is intimate and ethereal, and though its title embraces the macabre, the project favors liberation over lamentation.
Vince Staples - Hell Can Wait
Concise, jarring, and ominous, "Hell Can Wait" succeeds at conveying the apocalypse of some realities, turning a local lament in to a universal one.
The Black Opera - The Great Year
On "The Great Year," The Black Opera use their distinct sound to take a stance, but there are moments when that stance could use some nuance.
Saigon - GSNT 3: The Troubled Times Of Brian Carenard
Saigon's latest iteration of "Greatest Story Never Told" isn't a retread, but it's a reminder that he's capable of better.
OnCue - Angry Young Man
"Angry Young Man" finds OnCue immolating himself on wax with hell-bent bars over gnarled guitar synths, but he flattens out as songs become repeat affiars.
Bishop Nehru & MF DOOM - NehruvianDOOM
Experimental in almost all the right ways and filled with well-crafted, ominous beats, "NehruvianDOOM" is a step up for the emcee in his young career.
Childish Gambino - STN MTN (Mixtape)
STN MTN has Childish Gambino rapping over the most accessible production of his career, but we also see his rhyme schemes fall short where they usually shine.
Rich Gang - Tha Tour Pt. 1 (Mixtape)
The bizarre trinity of Birdman, Young Thug, and Rich Homie Quan makes for a surprisingly trap-love-fest that hypnotizes you for its entirety.
Tinashe - Aquarius
Overall, Tinashe's debut succeds on almost every level, weaving her sultry voice, solid songwriting and stellar production to craft a cohesive debut.
Madchild - Switched On
With "Switched On," Madchild is playing to his strengths, but he shines best when he takes risks.
Ace Cosgrove - UsVsRobots
Ace Cosgrove is a storyteller who is truly adept at his craft, but on "UsVsRobots," modern beats don't quite mesh with his timeless flow.
Diamond D - Diam Piece
Diamond D's "Diam Piece" features superlative production and deft flows, but settles too neatly into a groove that doesn't quite allow escape velocity.
Hustle Gang - G.D.O.D. II (Mixtape)
While serviceable in spurts, Hustle Gang's "G.D.O.D. II" provides 20 mostly vapid trap-related offerings with little entertainment value or introspection.
Lil' Kim - Hard Core 2k14 (Mixtape)
For the majority of "Hard Core 2k14," Lil' Kim unsuccessfully chases new trends instead of banking on the underrated skill set that made her a star.
Big K.R.I.T - See Me On Top Vol. 4 (Mixtape)
Big K.R.I.T.'s "See Me On Top Vol. 4" a true mixtape in its form, but it doesn't serve as an entry point for new K.R.I.T. fans or preview "Cadillactica."
Joell Ortiz - House Slippers
"House Slippers" is technically sharp and creatively transparent, but ill-fitting, R&B-infused tracks spliced between stronger efforts, hinder its consistency.
Lecrae - Anomaly
Despite resorting to generalities at times, Lecrae's "Anomaly" is about being different. The fact that Lecrae actually is makes it a solid, genuine effort.
