Jesse Fairfax
158 items
Troy Ave - Major Without A Deal
For all of the hate Troy Ave receives on “Major Without A Deal,” his greatest enemy is his own ego.
Dizzy Wright - The Growing Process
Dizzy Wright makes good on the potential for his story to touch different age demographics.
“STS x RJD2” has one of today’s brightest hopefuls showing crossover appeal with the help of a veteran producer.
Red Pill - Look What This World Did To Us
The scene opens on Red Pill confronting his demons, and ends in Bukowskian fashion, with no answers whatsoever save hope.
Rapper Big Pooh - Words Paint Pictures
Reinvigorated through the co-sign of Mello Music Group, Big Pooh meshes well with Apollo Brown.
“Kinison” means well, but Your Old Droog’s performance doesn’t match his abundant talent this time around.
Hasan Salaam - Life In Black And White
Hasan Salaam’s narratives effectively tell harsh truths about himself and the world around him.
"Festivus" is a confluence of arts and styles, culminating in a satisfying listen.
Smoke DZA & R.F.C. - The Outsiders
Smoke DZA's charisma carries "The Outsiders," though its untimely collaborations end up ruling the day.
Bobby Shmurda - Shmurda She Wrote
Bobby Shmurda quickly sets out to prove he is more than a one-hit wonder.
With "Intuition", Boaz arrives at his big moment prepared yet his execution somewhat lacks consistency.
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.
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."
Joey Fatts - Chipper Jones Vol. 3
Despite somewhat limited subject matter, Joey Fatts shines on "Chipper Jones Vol. 3" with heartfelt rhymes and diverse production.
The Underachievers - Cellar Door: Terminus Ut Exordium
Challenging listeners on "Cellar Door," The Underachievers' strong flows both help them stand out and also require great (yet rewarding) effort to process.
Sir Michael Rocks shrouds some of his trademark oddity in stock cuts and sheer confidence, but "Banco" remains an entertaining album nonetheless.
DMC Blames Hot 97 & Chuck D Rift On Information Gap; Says Pete Rock Saved Run DMC
Exclusive: DMC confirms a friendly rivalry with KRS-One, spiritually healing himself via Sarah Mclachlan and paying homage to the Blues with Sugar Blue and Sonix the Mad Scientist.
With the help of Large Professor, "Mega Philosphy" showcases Cormega making an alternative yet solid case for grown up Rap.
Riff Raff's "Neon Icon" is neither entertaining as sheer parody, nor a passable attempt at making a sincere Hip Hop album when judged by its merits.
