Marcus Moore
“Dillatronic” highlights the producer’s grand vision, but in the end, we’re left with pieces of what could’ve been.
While Madlib's "Rock Konducta Pt. 2" breaks for in some aspects, it's still an enjoyable compilation of edgy instrumentals and dusty drum breaks.
Jaded Incorporated (Mayer Hawthorne & 14KT) - The Big Knock
While Mayer Hawthorne and 14KT combine for some nice electronic Funk, many of their ideas ideas don't fully translate to the finished product.
Pharrell Williams' "G I R L" scans as pop with little happening lyrically, but there's just enough soul beneath the album's smooth surface.
Homeboy Sandman & Paul White - White Sands
Homeboy Sandman and Paul White's "White Sands" seesaws between upbeat and downtrodden tracks to describe haunting aspects of our daily struggles.
DX Review Bits - Mike WiLL Made-It, After the Smoke & Wendel Patrick
Mike WiLL Made-It, After the Smoke and Wendel Patrick highlight the return of DX Review Bits.
Mac Miller & The Internet - Live From Space
"Live from Space" is a coming-out party for The Internet and a moral victory for Mac Miller, but the live experience doesn't quite translate to an album.
Roc Marciano's "Marci Beaucoup" shines as a solid but scattered collection of raw rhymes that reference the drug game and street survival.
While it stumbles at times, Denmark Vessey's "Cult Classic" an enjoyable listen that succeeds because of its raw indulgence and callous honesty.
Black Milk - No Poison No Paradise
An overwhelming maturity and nostalgic flexibility make "No Poison No Paradise" Black Milk's best album, and one of the year's best in Hip Hop so far.
"Rubber Souls" is a valiant comeback and solid mission statement. Backed by 6th Sense, Von Pea and Donwill belabor the grind without wallowing in self-pity.
With "Nickel & Dimed," 14KT further establishes himself as one of Hip Hop's best producers, although you may not know it yet.