Ben Brutocao
Action Bronson 'Cocodrillo Turbo' Continues His Late Career Resurgence
Bronson's new project continues an upward trend for the Queens rapper. It’s a concise, intricately crafted foray into the savagery of the jungle, and in this animalistic setting, with Bronson serving as the guide cutting through the vines.
Review - Denzel Curry 'Melt My Eyez See Your Future' Is An Introspective Return To Basics
The album is much more insular and low key than Curry's other projects, but the South Florida rapper remains remains sharp with his tool kit of pop culture references, concise introspection, social commentary, elaborate boasts and imaginative one liners.
At its best, the joint project finds NBA YoungBoy providing artistic direction to the entrenched DaBaby and allows the outspoken rappers to bloodlet with a fury rarely maintained in either discography. But for all its scattered successes, this album lacks a real identity and often feels like both rappers are merely spinning their wheels.
Review - Big K.R.I.T. 'Digital Roses Don't Die' Falters Despite Trying To Bring Back The Funk
Attempting to intertwine a conceptual narrative, neo soul, southern hip hop and funk element coalesce into what is undoubtedly the most unique album in K.R.I.T.’s discography, but not close to the best.
Rick Ross 'Richer Than I Ever Been' Album Celebrates His Great Legacy But That's All
A culmination of over a decade of growth for the Miami rapper, featuring Rozay sitting somewhat lazily atop his throne, surrounded by the best beats and features his mountain of wealth can buy.
Token 'Pink Is Better' Opens Rap Boundaries With JID, Rico Nasty But Leaves Middling Aftertaste
For the most part, Token doesn’t amaze and he doesn’t disappoint, he firmly sits in the middle.
Roddy Ricch 'LIVE LIFE FAST' Proves The Dreaded Sophomore Slump Is Still A Thing
His latest album is a sharp drop in quality compared to past efforts.
Review - Mick Jenkins 'Elephant In The Room' Reverts To Old Tricks For Solid Results
A convoluted creative compromise that still lets him make a point.
Review - Alchemist 'This Thing Of Ours 2' Continues Streak Of Raw Rap Consistency
10 minutes of cinematic raps.
Maxo Kream Elevates His Artistry Through Tragedy On Brilliant 'Weight Of The World'
Featuring flashy features and heartbreaking storytelling, Weight Of The World is Kream at his best and a legit AOTY contender.
Mozzy Maintains His Consistency On Solid ‘Untreated Trauma’
Despite a heavy title and brooding cover art, Untreated Trauma is not a therapy session, rather a well curated Mozzy sampler.
GRIP Supplies A Lyrical Feast On Solid Shady Records Debut 'I Died For This!?'
The Atlanta underground darling shows off his strengths while also succumbing to many veteran rapper major label debut issues.
Young Dolph & Label Revel In Uninspired + Generic Raps On 'Paper Route Illuminati'
Another label introduction album that falls flat.
UK Rapper Dave Is A Voice For The Voiceless On 'We're All Alone In This Together' Album
One of the few rappers who can get listeners to tune in for 10-minute songs
MIKE Balances Trauma & Hope On Introspective 'DISCO!' Album
MIKE's misery finds glimpses of a light at the end of the melancholic tunnel.
Migos Rekindle The Flame But Fail To Light Up The Trap On 'Culture III'
Quavo, Offset and Takeoff pull off a worthy attempt at recapturing their magic that doesn't reach the mark.
Young Nudy's 'DR. EV4L' Album Is Unsettling - & That's The Point
The Slime Reaper plays ringmaster to his carnival of souls with plenty of murderous raps.
YG & Mozzy Bring The Crimson Tide On Joint Album 'Kommunity Service'
Mozzy’s strengths are YG’s weaknesses and vice-versa, which is the making of an ideal collaboration. Los Angeles and Sacramento stand up.
DJ Khaled's 'Khaled Khaled' Album Proves He's NOT Hip Hop's Quincy Jones
No contributions from JAY-Z, Nas, H.E.R., Migos, Justin's Bieber + Timberlake or Rick Ross can make that so.
Cordae Keeps The Mic Warm With 'Just Until...' EP
The four-track effort slips in features from Q-Tip and Young Thug while scratching the surface of his talent.