A$ton Matthews - A$ton 3:16 (Mixtape)
A$ton Matthews subject matter on "A$ton 3:16" doesn't stray far from street talk, but his production choices, features & legitimacy provide hope going forward.
Kid Cudi - Kid Cudi Presents SATELLITE FLIGHT: The journey to Mother Moon
Flaws and all, "SATELLITE FLIGHT: The journey to Mother Moon" stands as one of Kid Cudi's biggest accomplishments.
CyHi The Prynce - Black Hystori Project (Mixtape)
"Black Hystori Project" is a well thought-out piece of work that marks a distinctive change in CyHi The Prynce's creative outlook.
"Sinatra" isn't so much a mission statement of Vado's recent progress, but rather a reiteration of what initially made the Harlem rapper such an exciting act.
Ace Hood - Starvation 3 (Mixtape)
Ace Hood once again falls short in delivering a full-length project that feels substantially impressive.
Kid Ink's "My Own Lane" lacks any creative risks, but it bridges his mainstream appeal of 2013 with a new stylistic presence.
Albums We Loved (And You Hated) In 2013
From Kanye West's "Yeezus" to Drake's "Nothing Was The Same," we highlight five albums that got high marks from HipHopDX but not from our readership.
RJD2 Discusses His "More Is Than Isn't" Album, Fatherhood & Working With Phonte
Exclusive: RJD2 also updates fans on the progress of upcoming Soul Position and Icebird albums and explains how boredom & "Game Of Thrones" fit into his creative process.
Dizzy Wright - The Golden Age (Mixtape Review)
Despite running a bit long, "The Golden Age" manages to be a solid platform for Dizzy Wright to display both raw lyricism and his more introspective side.
"Rich Gang" has its moments, but ultimately does little to establish what is truly compelling of Birdman's latest signees, or his own place in the Rap game.
Ace Hood - Trials & Tribulations
Ace Hood spends most of "Trials & Tribulations" running down a list of topics he feels listeners want instead of creating compelling music that comes naturally.
Asher Roth - The Greehouse Effect Vol. 2
"The Greenhouse Effect Vol. 2" doesn(TM)t represent the prominent return that Asher Roth was aiming for, though there are moments here that he can build on.
Mac Miller - Watching Movies With The Sound Off
"Watching Movies With The Sound Off" finds Mac Miller more focused, and showcasing an improved execution alongside a murderer's row of new school misfits.
Problem & DJ Drama - The Separation (Mixtape Review)
While the bulk of "The Separation" keeps things interesting, Problem's biggest flaw is his unwillingness to make lyrics a significant factor in his music.
Birdman & Rick Ross - The H (Mixtape Review)
Production on "The H" is above average, and even superior at times. The rub comes when both Birdman and Rick Ross bury themselves with unimaginative rhymes.
Notwithstanding a couple musical blemishes, "IV Play" diligently continues The-Dream's tenure as one of the premier acts in R&B.
Logic - Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever (Mixtape Review)
In a little over three years Logic has gone from a young lyricist with raw potential to a legitimate Rap artist with Welcome To Forever.
Chance The Rapper - Acid Rap (Mixtape Review)
With "Acid Rap," Chance the Rapper does more than simply entertain; he sparks a conversation that keeps the listener committed from start to finish.
Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant
Rittz hasn't yet reached his recording pinnacle, but "The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant" provides a thorough impression of his abilities.