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Santigold - Master Of My Make Believe
Santigold's wide range of tastes is still a key element, but this time around, she's able to blend them all together in a way that's far more coherent.
Diverse but focused, "Vava Voom" is a solid example of what both Bassnectar and the electro genre are capable of.
Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
Even more so than with most albums, how listeners feel about "Roman Reloaded" will be heavily influenced by what context they place Nicki Minaj in as an artist.
Teyana Taylor - The Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor (Mixtape Review)
Teyana Taylor is definitely talented on some level, but it's a little early in her career to release an album of standards.
Action Bronson x Party Supplies - Blue Chips
Bronson is back with "Blue Chips," yet another high-quality mixtape to add to an already impressive body of work.
The Closing Of Megaupload & The Industry's Conflicted View Of Digital Distribution Services
Several Hip Hop artists and industry experts weigh in on how the early 2012 closing of Megaupload was ordered by some of the same people who use it most frequently, and just who and what was hurt.
On "All of Me," Estelle wisely retains the personality and spirit that contributed to her successful first and second albums, but doesn't dwell on the past.
Young Buck - Live Loyal Die Rich (Mixtape Review)
While "Live Loyal Die Rich" has some issues as a whole, Young Buck still seems to be in fighting shape and anxious to make a comeback in earnest.
While "rEVOLVEr" is a reminder that T-Pain is more than just another of his own imitators, understand that this is still a T-Pain album.
"Take Care" is largely built out of the same materials as "Thank Me Later" and the album is overall more about refining his formula than expanding it.
Pusha T - Fear Of God Part 2: Let Us Pray
"Fear of God II: Let Us Pray" may not be what Pusha T's fans have been waiting for, but manages to be a decent hold-over until that true debut actually comes.
Styles P - Master of Ceremonies
While it feels like "Master of Ceremonies" could have been more, it's a solid effort worth checking out both for fans of Styles and New York rap in general.
Bronze Nazareth - School For the Blindman
While Nazareth doesn't go out of his way to emulate early classics, "School for the Blindman" does a suitable job feeling like a legitimate Wu release.
Consequence - Movies On Demand 3 (Mixtape Review)
Consequence was already established before he joined G.O.O.D. Music and if "MOD3" is any indication, he'll be able to pick up where he left off fairly easily.
Wu-Tang Clan - Legendary Weapons
Legendary Weapons won't do any additional damage to the Wu legacy, but fans waiting for a true return to the 36 Chambers are going to have to keep waiting.
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.
"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.
Bad Meets Evil (Eminem & Royce Da 5'9") - Hell: The Sequel
They may have gone through Hell separately but it's Hip-Hop Heaven when they're together.
Jadakiss - I Love You: A Dedication to My Fans
No one is likely to confuse I Love You with a real album given its reused tracks and limited scope, but it's still better than The Last Kiss in many respects.
Maybach Music Group - Self Made Vol. 1
Self Made Vol. 1 isn't bad, but it still comes off more like a mixtape hosted by Best Buy than a true official album.
Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Rome
The downside to choosing such a specific inspiration for an entire album is that Rome eventually hits a wall where its success becomes its flaw.