HipHopDx Reviews
Cali Swag District - The Kickback
CSD still has the opportunity to salvage their reputation after The Kickback, but it's clear that will take more than creating a new dance craze for the youth.
Trae Tha Truth - Street King
The features and often-stellar production carry Street King along for what is an uneven, but very bumpable and gritty experience.
Dom Kennedy - From the Westside With Love II
On his first major release From The Westside With Love, Part II Dom Kennedy is poised to blaze the mainstage, while staying true to the streets of Leimart Park.
Lil Wayne - Sorry 4 the Wait (Mixtape Review)
For an artist who has been lauded as an originator, Sorry 4 the Wait sees Wayne sounding more like his contemporaries than himself.
Jon Connor - Salvation
Even on songs that aren't as consistent as its highlights, Salvation undeniably showcases a sincerity & hunger that are tough to find in much of Hip Hop today.
Lloyd - King of Hearts
More sexual than sensual, King Of Hearts fulfills the bare minimum of love, lust and heartbreak, all the while showcasing Lloyd's affinity for the female body.
Hodgy Beats & Left Brain (MellowHype) (OFWGKTA) - BlackenedWhite
Blackenedwhite is conflicted, but quality music. MellowHype has clearly studied Hip Hop, but they succeed because they're comfortable ditching its rule book.
The Cool Kids - When Fish Ride Bicycles
If The Cool Kids are trying to leave the past behind, their "debut" does indicate promise for their future.
Lil B - I'm Gay (I'm Happy)
I'm Gay (I'm Happy) is a definitive body of work that has some powerful moments, and is a devil's advocate counterpoint to so many of Rap's conventions.
Statik Selektah & Freddie Gibbs - Lord Giveth, Lord Taketh Away
The end result of Lord Giveth, Lord Taketh Away is an inspired project from two of Hip Hop's most heralded.
Kendrick Lamar - Section.80
This 23-year-old may have been searching for answers, but that journey allowed him to find one of this year's most outstanding albums with Section.80.
DJ JS-1 - No One Cares
With No One Cares, DJ JS-1 shows that classic material can reach the forefront without bringing snapbacks back.
Pitbull - Planet Pit
The fact of the matter is that Pitbull succeeds at fulfilling expectations, as long as your expectations are within reason.
DX Album Review Bits - Bumpy Knuckles & Statik Selektah, Co$$, Gorilla Zoe
DX checks in on two vets, Bumpy Knuckles & Statik Selektah on 'Lyrical Workout' along with newcomer Maticulous' self-titled EP plus Co$$' latest & Gorilla Zoe.
Curren$y - Weekend At Burnie's
With Weekend at Burnie's, Spitta continues to give his supporters what they enjoy most about him, but also shows why some still think he's a new artist.
Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun - Monumental
Monumental comes at just the right time, and certainly presents an album that has more excitement and punch than any work since.
Beyonce - 4
"4" does belong in the infamous "transitional" category as a result, but that transition goes smoothly for her even if parts of that audience may find it rough.
Blaq Poet - Blaq Poet Society
To put in perspective what "Blaq Poet Society" is, it's almost easier to say what it is not.
Grieves - Together Apart
Together/Apart is musical therapy for those who find themselves caught under the pressures of life.
Big Sean - Finally Famous: The Album
It's been a long time, but Sean has finally truly arrived, and he's got the goods to stay around for a while.
