HipHopDx Reviews
Shawn Chrystopher - The Lovestory LP
Though he is known as Timbaland's protege, Shawn Chrystopher possesses genuine talent and is not just riding the coattails of his legendary tutor.
Tech N9ne - Something Else
"Something Else" in all of its intense, loud, confusing and obnoxious glory is fluid in its musical movement and sincere in its content.
Ka - The Night's Gambit
"The Night's Gambit" plays like a mid '90s Spike Lee movie. At times "Crooklyn," other times "Clockers," but both supremely showcase Ka's vision.
Rich Gang - Rich Gang
"Rich Gang" has its moments, but ultimately does little to establish what is truly compelling of Birdman's latest signees, or his own place in the Rap game.
Hieroglyphics - The Kitchen
Hieroglyphics aren't reinventing the wheel with "The Kitchen," but their constant relatability and the levity provided by the Sleeprockers is a winning recipe.
U-God - Keynote Speaker
Though there are moments of achievement, much of "Keynote Speaker" finds U-God sounding dated and sluggish in his rhyme schemes and word play.
Ace Hood - Trials & Tribulations
Ace Hood spends most of "Trials & Tribulations" running down a list of topics he feels listeners want instead of creating compelling music that comes naturally.
PARTYNEXTDOOR - PARTYNEXTDOOR (Mixtape Review)
With less falsetto and lower intensity, PARTYNEXTDOOR's style maintains similarities to both Drake and The Weeknd, yet he remains different.
Greenhouse [Illogic & Blueprint] - Bend But Don't Break
If Blueprint & Illogic are nine-to-five rappers, "Bend But Don't Break" is their coping with a Wednesday by airing their grievances better than the rest of us.
Jon Connor - Unconscious State
"Unconscious State" is a change of pace from Jon Connor, reflecting both growth and regression. At times he sacrifices artistry in the chase for recognition.
Tony Touch - Piece Maker Vol. 3: Return Of The 50 MCs
"Piecemaker Vol. 3: Return of the 50 MCs" is a mixtape in its truest form, for better or worse-showcasing both great collaborations at times and some filler.
MAYDAY! - Believers
"Believers" works both as a genre-bending nod to loyal Mayday! fans and a nudge at naysayers the group hopes to convert.
Tito Lopez - Y.O.U. (Mixtape Review)
This drive to become legendary and make mom proud has allowed Tito Lopez to once again craft a well-thought out mixtape that showcases an array of skills.
Kid Tsunami - The Chase
Kid Tsunami holds the line for those still in love with a particular moment in time making his case as both a true-school Hip Hop A&R and accomplished producer.
Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail
"Magna Carta Holy Grail" may not offer a completely new vision or version of Jay-Z, but it's easily Jay's most cohesive project since "The Blueprint."
Killer Mike & El-P - Run The Jewels
"Run The Jewels" is conceptual Hip Hop of the highest order. While not particularly accessible to casual, Top 40 fans, its dissonance is an acquired taste.
Joey Bada$$ - Summer Knights
Joey Bada$$ is quickly ascending in the world of Hip Hop, and "Summer Knights" only reinforces his talent and potential.
Freddie Gibbs - ESGN
"ESGN" fails to deliver the inspiration and substance Gibbs has previously shown, but it does display his exceptional delivery, cadence and rhyme skills.
Machine Gun Kelly - Black Flag (Mixtape Review)
Give Machine Gun Kelly credit for making the whole of "Black Flag" heartfelt, catchy and sincere, but it grows repetitive and tiresome at times.
Asher Roth - The Greehouse Effect Vol. 2
"The Greenhouse Effect Vol. 2" doesn(TM)t represent the prominent return that Asher Roth was aiming for, though there are moments here that he can build on.
