HipHopDx Reviews
Tali Blanco - Gettn 2 It
Tali Blanco's "Gettn 2 It" is a collection of melodic, endearing Rap that by and large doesn't take itself too seriously--making for a solid debut.
SZA - Z
While sometimes falling victim to Pop platitudes, SZA's TDE debut is a strong, nostalgic trance about heartbreak and self-questioning.
Pharoahe Monch - P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Another blistering addition to Pharoahe Monch's discography, "P.T.S.D." helps make the case that Pharoahe now possesses one of Hip Hop's strongest catalogues.
Nas - Illmatic XX
Aside from an obvious inclusion of classic source material, "Illmatic XX" brings little innovation to a project that still holds up on its own after 20 years.
King Los - Zero Gravity 2 (Mixtape)
King Los maintains his high-octane flows, but an inability to consistently craft songs and choose quality production hinders "Zero Gravity 2."
GoldLink - The God Complex
With "The God Complex," GoldLink explores fame and the perishable nature of the human flesh and pushes the boundaries of his brand of R&B-infused, Electro Rap.
Castle - Return of the Gasface (The Has-Lo Passages)
Castle is full of weird personality. If "The Return" fails to gain traction, it's a consolation that the rapper's not fitting in for all the right reasons.
Chuck Inglish - Convertibles
While it suffers from a lack of cohesion at times, Chuck Inglish's "Convertibles" stands as a compelling, genre-altering offering just in time for summer.
Mobb Deep - The Infamous Mobb Deep
With hard lyricism and simple, yet contagious production, "The Infamous Mobb Deep" is a successful continuation of "The Infamous" almost 20 years later.
Nocando - Jimmy The Burnout
The randomness of Nocando's off-kilter flow and eclectic production make "Jimmy The Burnout" rewarding for those willing to take the time to delve into it.
Grieves - Winter & The Wolves
With a revamped production formula, Grieves is still making catchy, accessible music, but "Winter & The Wolves" rarely pushes any buttons lyrically.
Sage The Gemini - Remember Me
Sage The Gemini's lack of diversity hold "Remember Me" back, but it's still largely likeable as festive, West Coast party-oriented Hip Hop.
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.
Kevin Gates - By Any Means
While "By Any Means" is a lean 56 minutes, Kevin Gates still finds room to entertain his schizophrenic tendencies and showcase his star quality.
Jon Connor - Best In The World (Mixtape)
Jon Connor's "Best In The World" is a mixtape in the very traditional sense. Connor appropriates Kanye West's work without sacrificing complexity or heaviness.
A$ton Matthews - A$ton 3:16 (Mixtape)
A$ton Matthews subject matter on "A$ton 3:16" doesn't stray far from street talk, but his production choices, features & legitimacy provide hope going forward.
Onyx - #WAKEDAFUCUP
Onyx puts forth a conservative effort on "Wakedafucup," but an abundance of thematic elements helps translate the time and effort put into making this album.
SpaceGhostPurrp - BMW 2: IntoXXXicated (Mixtape)
Even with moments of magic, SpaceGhostPurrp's "BMW 2: IntoXXXicated" is too predictable and redundant to truly be good.
Vince Staples - Shyne Coldchain II
Primed for the spotlight, Vince Staples benefits from strong connections, raw talent and poignant social commentary with the edgy "Shyne Coldchain 2."
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Pinata
As Gangster Rap, "Pinata" is free of conceptual pretense, it's a slice more than a thesis and undoubtedly Freddie Gibbs' best, most streamlined album to date.
