Steven Goldstein
Kevin Gates - Luca Brasi 2 (Mixtape)
The Baton Rouge baritone’s latest project is structurally fluid and extremely vulnerable.
A visceral and diverse listen, Vibes offers well-executed experimentation over surreal production.
FlyLo's fifth LP is intimate and ethereal, and though its title embraces the macabre, the project favors liberation over lamentation.
"House Slippers" is technically sharp and creatively transparent, but ill-fitting, R&B-infused tracks spliced between stronger efforts, hinder its consistency.
The frank, off-kilter "Hallways" is excellent "grown up" Hip Hop that has no interest in romanticizing or condemning Homeboy Sandman's shortcomings.
Mick Jenkins' "The Water[s]" is an incredibly challenging project that requires multiple listens to fully unpack its meaning.
Cam'ron - 1st of the Month, Vol. 2 (EP)
With "1st Of The Month Vol.2," Cam'ron efficiently whips between glimpses of '90s Harlem, mid-aughts parties and what the rest of his career could look like.
Alex Wiley's post-drill Village Party raises the bar on the artist's previous work, but fails to live up to its musical ambition enough to limit its enjoyment.
Pro Era's "The Shift" is the result of Brooklyn crate diggers turning on Hot 97, and the triumphs aren't without a few growing pains.
Freddie Gibbs & The Worlds Freshest - The Tonite Show
While hindered by its brevity and limited concept, "The Tonite Show" excels with a polished aesthetic and a stark salute to the Golden Age West Coast.
Tech N9ne - Collabos: Strangeulation
Though Tech N9ne played it surprisingly safe with the actual "Collabos," his Strange Music team is talented and cohesive enough to appease his loyal fanbase.
While sometimes falling victim to Pop platitudes, SZA's TDE debut is a strong, nostalgic trance about heartbreak and self-questioning.
Memphis Bleek - The Movement 2 (Mixtape)
Memphis Bleek's "The Movement 2" contains more misses than hits but serves as a forum for reflection, flossing and an immense improvement from its predecessor.
Juvenile lacks context to justify his fixation on thuggishness, making "The Fundamentals" depressingly desperate in its efforts to remain hip to the game.
There's far more Luxury than Underground on B.o.B.'s third LP, making for a dispirited & surprising genuflect to the worst of commercialized Southern Club Rap.
Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors: Hopes For A 2014 OutKast Reunion
The rumors continue to leak, but even if Big Boi and Andre 3000 do reunite at Coachella, fans should approach with cautious optimism.
Action Bronson & Party Supplies - Blue Chips 2 (Mixtape Review)
"Blue Chips 2" is a deranged stoner narrative, with a protagonist that's equal parts Hunter S. Thompson and Austin Powers.
Boldy James Revisits "My 1st Chemistry Set;" Calls Alchemist "One Of The Greats"
Exclusive: The Detroit emcee breaks down working with Alchemist, Earl Sweatshirt and Action Bronson, plus explains his obligation to rep his hometown.
Style reigns over substance on much of "Get Home Safely," but Dom Kennedy's effortlessness and hyper-locality throw things back to old West Coast Hip Hop.
Vic Mensa - INNANETAPE (Mixtape Review)
Vic Mensa embodies the speed and eclecticism of the Internet, and on "INNANETAPE," he browses subject matter without missing a beat.
Dom Kennedy Previews "Get Home Safely," Calls His Album An Audio Book
Exclusive: Dom Kennedy breaks down his writing process for "Get Home Safely" and explains his admiration for Rap-A-Lot Records.