Jesse Fairfax
158 items
"Dust Ruffle" functions as a time capsule and a retrospective of Jean Grae's topsy-turvy tenure in the music business.
Wale - Folarin (Mixtape Review)
"Folarin" seeks to bring Wale's name back to the forefront after what has been a quiet year for the lead pride of DMV Rap.
The Most Important Rookies Of 2012
As new rappers spring alive shooting for fast superstardom almost daily, Tito Lopez, Rittz, Joey Bada$$, SpaceGhostPurrp and Flatbush Zombies spun Hip Hop on its axis over the past year.
Young Jeezy - It's Tha World (Mixtape Review)
"It's Tha World" is yet another showcase for Young Jeezy's boasts and fantasies of being a major part of today's cocaine trade.
"Finally Rich" is Chief Keef's long awaited debut aiming to capitalize on hoopla that spectators find puzzling, disturbing and compelling.
Further interweaving street dialect and Five Percenter lessons, "Selling My Soul" is Masta Killa's return to bat after an extended hiatus.
Though slightly brash, Wiz Khalifa's story seeks to inspire where it could be mistaken for empty stunting.
Action Bronson & Alchemist - Rare Chandeliers (Mixtape Review)
"Rare Chandeliers" achieves its greatest success, as Action Bronson and Alchemist seamlessly cater to young and past generations alike.
9th Wonder and Buckshot - The Solution
"The Solution" once again combines Buckshot and 9th Wonder's accomplished and refined skill sets as pioneers of the '90s and the past decade respectively.
"Reloaded" finds Roc Marciano painting a gloomy picture as a cold and unfeeling ruler of New York's concrete jungle.
Mr. MFN eXquire - Power & Passion
"Power & Passion" is Mr. MFN eXquire's premier chance at making an impression greater than prior releases have called for.
Lil Fame & Termanology - Fizzyology
"Fizzology" is a tag team effort of a different breed, showcasing Lil Fame's creative talents combined with close Boston comrade Termanology this go round.
Wiz Khalifa - Cabin Fever 2 (Mixtape Review)
"Cabin Fever 2" further establishes Wiz Khalifa as a serviceable rapper aware enough to blend in with what's popular for the sake of maintaining a presence.
Chuuwee - Wild Style (Mixtape Review)
With a goal that many could cast away as futile, Chuuwee conceptually reignites the torch for the old school with "Wild Style."
MellowHype (Hodgy Beats and Left Brain) - Numbers
MellowHype combines turned up "trap" Rap with sharp lyricism, a sound both exclusive and in line with Odd Future's rebellious regime.
Rick Ross - The Black Bar Mitzvah (Mixtape Review)
"The Black Bar Mitzvah" celebrates Rick Ross and his twisted religion, as he uses the work of his peers to outshine them.
Prodigy - The Bumpy Johnson Album
Prodigy has created a parallel between his infamous nature and old school gangsterdom with "The Bumpy Johnson Album."
Flying Lotus - Until the Quiet Comes
Most endeared by ambitious beatmakers, Flying Lotus' experimental streak nearly becomes a flaw on "Until The Quiet Comes."
Freddie Gibbs - Baby Face Killa (Mixtape Review)
Freddie Gibbs is steadily mastering the art of mindless entertainment, promoting a hardened sound that is fearless and free of a filter.
Brother Ali - Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color
"Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color's" inspiring and heartfelt stance is another triumph for Brother Ali.
Colin Munroe has prepared a soundtrack to outliving trauma with "Unsung Hero," simultaneously breaking free of the style used to build his name originally.
