HipHopDX has reviewed over 120 albums in 2016. Even with that, there remain more than a few that we missed. Snow Tha Product, 600Breezy, Paul Wall & Baby Bash and Sir Michael Rocks released quality projects worthy of commentary. Our opinion is below. Share yours in the Community Section.
Snow Tha Product – Halfway There…Pt.1
A minority on a number of levels, Snow Tha Product has womanhood, Mexican heritage and a lack of a big Hip Hop scene in San Jose all working against her. Without much of an identity to claim, Halfway There…Vol. 1 has Snow running in place trying to keep up rather than taking steps to truly stand out. Radio rotation replicas include the Drake-influenced “Alright” and a charged up Kanye West impersonation on “Get Down Low.” She’s technically good at the actual mechanics of rapping, but coasting in other people’s lanes to see what sticks ultimately gets her nowhere fast. 3.3 out of 5
600Breezy – George Gervin: Ice Man Edition
Riding high on the drill wave popularized by Chief Keef, 600Breezy is sure to excite those trapped in Chicago’s street life along with voyeuristic onlookers. George Gervin: Ice Man Edition is full of terroristic if not intentionally demonic energy with little redeemable value in his tales of gang life, getting high, sipping lean, flossing and busting his gun. While “6ix Hunned” is exciting enough, if music is supposed to be 600Breezy’s way to a better life he needs to advance past songs that place you in a singular trance, unless of course that’s the point. Oh, and on the off chance you were wondering where OJ Da Juiceman has been, the tape has him appearing thrice, “aye” ad-libs and all. 2.8 out of 5
Paul Wall & Baby Bash — The Legalizers: Legalize Or Die, Vol. 1
From the title, you can guess the topic Paul Wall & Baby Bash spend this collaborative album discussing. While they don’t hold a candle (or a lighter in this case) to Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa—and I’m sure a modern day Redman & Method Man would be more entertaining—Legalize Or Die, Vol. 1 is a tad better than it reads on paper. Contrived moments like Future mockery “My Pack The Loudest” make for a few automatic skips, while the odd recollection “Smoke With Cypress Hill” works for Tribe stans given the vocal sample from “Push It Along.” There’s no rush to check out a sequel project, but this isn’t a completely horrible one-off. 3.2 out of 5
Sir Michael Rocks – Populair Part 2
Since forced to figure out his path with The Cool Kids dismantling, Sir Michael Rocks hasn’t lost much steam going on to become one of the internet’s favorite heartthrobs. Populair Part 2 finds him having the time of his life going about as far outside of the box as he’s been to date. Refusing to take himself too serious, the turned up “How Are You So Calm” departs from flexing as he tells listeners “I worked at Zumiez in high school, I’m someone that you can relate to.” One of 2016’s most confounding moments comes via “Uno Baby Mami” where Michael spends the whole song doing an awkward Hispanic delivery akin to Drake’s Caribbean inflections that get much deserved flak. Possibly too creative for his own good at times, he’s sure to fit Troy Ave’s short-sighted “weirdo rapper” criteria for daring to go against the grain so heavily. 3.5 out of 5
was about to peep that puba album, given the low score from here, i will. these guys ratings are the worst so i got high hopes.
You got a point but dont even bother on that one, it’s absolute trash.
Don’t do it. i enjoyed only 2 songs the rest is wack.
Then why the fuck you post it if you hated all the albums?? Give us some shit you liked that we can explore. jesus.
Lmao they THINK a weed themed project featuring paul wall is better than a grand puba album p.s the 4-6 bars leading to that frankenstein bar made all the sense in the world
Yo HipHopDX…just because you aint looking for hip hop in San Jose doesnt mean its not there. Plenty of quality acts right now in SJ including Andrew Bigs, Rey Resurrecion, YDMC, Westacy and more. Plus Snow shouts out Texas just as much as she does San Jose. That Mikey Rocks album was nice too
This website is wack. They clearly don’t know the first thing about hip hop or how huge Snow has been on the underground scene with her own style. They have to say she’s imitating male mainstream rappers just to rap their little heads around the fact that a female Latina is KILLING THE F*CKING GAME!
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AUGUST 29TH-POST MALONE???
I’d like to see this reviewer try to produce a good rap album. Actually, I think that should be a requirement to write rap album reviews. Maybe Grand Puba should write em.
Here’s a list of albums we hated and didn’t find the time to tell you how much we hated. Thanks. Now back to Drake and Kanye…
These reviewers don’t know shit about the hip-hop scene. Snow Tha Product has been on the scene for many years now and has proven herself and showcased her own versatile style and lyricism. This review acts like she just came out and that’s a bunch of BS claiming she’s imitating mainstream male rappers – I know, it’s hard to give a Latina woman props for killing shit. This website is wack.
Not sure which album these guys were listening to, but the Black From The Future album is typical Puba, ie. very good with some smart lyrics. He’s an acquired taste for sure, but he’s better than the auto-tune rubbish of the last few years.
Kidd Kidd Rappers Worst Nightmare 2 – doper than all them shits
Didnt even get the title of the fkn grand puba LP correct why in the hell would anyone listen to your review?
Check your shit DX!