Riley Wallace
Riley Wallace is a Toronto-based writer, married vegetarian, vinyl-head, and hip-hop dad. You can follow him on Twitter @specialdesigns.
Logic 'Vinyl Days' Is A Respectable Farewell To His Def Jam Era
Built around this idea of vinyl, sampling and paying homage to the artists who paved the way for him, the Maryland rapper delivers a love letter to his influences that doesn't get too bogged down in his gripes with his perception.
Lupe Fiasco 'Drill Music In Zion' Reflects On The Ills Of The Industry With Impeccable Lyricism
Lupe's latest reflects on the ugly side of the music industry, from untimely rapper deaths and posthumous music cash grabbing to the commodification of the art he loves and his role in allowing it.
Boldy James & Real Bad Man 'Killing Nothing' Rekindles Their Chemistry
Much like their previous collaboration, the generally low-tempo MC sounds especially menacing over dark and engagingly boom-bap-tinged soundscapes.
Black Star 'No Fear Of Time' Is Almost Worth The Wait
Lack of everyday slappers aside, it's a grand return to form, giving truth to the bars, "Black Star shines eternally," off their debut single 24 years ago.
Review - Fivio Foreign 'B.I.B.L.E' Smooths Brooklyn Drill's Hard Edges With Mixed Results
“B.I.B.L.E.” opens many doors for drill's crossover appeal, even if it's doing it for the benefit of Fivio and not the culture that helped make him.
Review - Benny The Butcher 'Tana Talk 4' Continues His Streak Of Solid Bar-Filled Rap
Despite sporting top to bottom production from Daringer, Beat Butcha, and HipHopDX 2021 producer of the year Alchemist, Tana Talk 4’s sound feels much less dark, while still maintaining the persona fans have become accustomed to over the years.
Conway The Machine ‘God Don't Make Mistakes’ Is A Monument To His Depth As An Artist
This body of work uncorks a lot of the themes and realities that the Buffalo native has been keeping bottled up throughout his recent run, pivoting from his usual darker content — giving listeners a peek behind the curtain.
Che Noir ‘Food For Thought’ Keeps Up Her Consistent Run Of Iron Bars
Aside from some incredible features, the 12 song affair further builds on her production prowess, handling the tracklist's shiniest gems herself.
Nas & Hit-Boy ‘MAGIC’ Ups The Ante Following A Stellar 2-Album Run
The tightly sequenced, nine-song release meant to tide fans over until KD3, easily fares as one of the more potent in the 48-year-old MC's catalog.
Boldy James & Alchemist 'Super Tecmo Bo' Is A Worthy Expansion Pack To The Original
The companion piece to one of the best Hip Hop albums of the year doesn't hold a candle to the original but still works as a solid add on.
Review - Belly's 'See You Next Wednesday' Is A Solid Effort But Doesn't Push The Envelope
On his return LP Belly falls into the background rather than making a grand re-entrance.
Westside Gunn Leaves It All On The Table With Epic Final Entry 'Hitler Wears Hermes 8’
If this is truly Flygod's last (full-length) hurrah, he's definitely going out with a bang.
AZ Re-Envisions His Rap Era On 'Doe Or Die II' Album - Even Without Nas Feature
Whether it's a cryogenic chamber or witchcraft, AZ seems to have defeated the constructs of aging (both on the mic and in physical appearance).
Rick Hyde Delivers New Punchlines To Old Topics On BSF Album ‘Plates II’
This new body of work (released on the anniversary of the late DJ Shay's death) positions Hyde as one to watch as we enter Griselda-wave 2.0.
H.E.R. Debut Album 'Back Of My Mind' Runs Long - But So Does Her Talent
While it could have benefitted from a few strategic snips to tighten things up, the singer manages to deliver her most refined collection of music to date.
Evidence's 'Unlearning Vol. 1' Is An Alluring Mash-Up Of Veteran Bars & Demo Tape Vibes
It's a new beginning for the Dilated MC, and he sounds hungrier than ever.
Despite His Coveted Kanye West Feature, Evidence Has A 'Bigger Picture' For His Music
The veteran Cali rapper is releasing his new album through his new production company and describes the new chapter of his career as a re-introduction: "I feel like it's my demo."
Mach-Hommy's 'Pray For Haiti' Album Is Hardcore Hip Hop With A Vanguard Punch
With Griselda's Westside Gunn back in the co-pilot seat, Mach-Hommy is aiming to become a rap icon. Period.
Benny The Butcher & .38 Spesh Camps Deliver Familiar Vibes On 'Trust The Sopranos'
Given what the starters from both squads have been dropping recently, this feels more like an appetizer — albeit one that leaves you wanting more.
Vic Mensa’s Prison Abolition Mission Overshadows His Lyricism On ‘I TAPE’
The Chicago rapper's latest snack-sized project gives weight to his ongoing plight for justice and reform above all.