HipHopDx Reviews
Vince Staples & Larry Fisherman - Stolen Youth (Mixtape Review)
Loosely based on his harsh upbringing, Vince Staples inches his way to greater prominence with the masterful Stolen Youth.
Wrekonize [Mayday] - The War Within
Though not without its flaws, "The War Within" finds Wrekonize successfully showcasing a nimble flow, an introspective side and a willingness to experiment.
Wale - The Gifted
While not without its flaws, those questioning the direction Wale was going post-"Ambition" will more than likely be pleased with "The Gifted."
Quasimoto - Yessir Whatever
"Yessir Whatever" is full of b-sides and out-of-the way tracks, but die-hard fans will already have heard and/or owned almost all these songs already.
Action Bronson & Harry Fraud - Saaab Stories
"Saaab Stories" is the meeting of two artists who push old Hip Hop formulas to new places unlike other '90s era revivalist types who would rather cling on.
Mac Miller - Watching Movies With The Sound Off
"Watching Movies With The Sound Off" finds Mac Miller more focused, and showcasing an improved execution alongside a murderer's row of new school misfits.
J. Cole - Born Sinner
Improved production, cadences and subject matter add up to an improved J. Cole. But his semi-autobiographical one man show still isn't particularly dynamic.
Kanye West - Yeezus
"Yeezus" is jarring, uncomfortable, uncompromising and courageous, all the things that initially made Hip Hop great.
Problem & DJ Drama - The Separation (Mixtape Review)
While the bulk of "The Separation" keeps things interesting, Problem's biggest flaw is his unwillingness to make lyrics a significant factor in his music.
Statik Selektah - Extended Play
Statik's individual partnerships might yield more compelling full-length projects, but albums like "Extended Play" are fine platforms for a little showing off.
Prodigy & Alchemist - Albert Einstein
Sharing his first name with the famed genius, Prodigy breaks his advanced expertise down to a science on "Albert Einstein."
Jarren Benton - My Grandma's Basement
Jarren Benton has moments of success mixing shock-Rap with more traditional fare, but "My Grandma's Basement" is ultimately a thematically scattered album.
The White Mandingos - The Ghetto Is Tryna Kill Me
The "Ghetto Is Tryna Kill Me" is a challenging and informative torch-passing moment from vintage Public Enemy both sonically and in terms of subject matter.
Birdman & Rick Ross - The H (Mixtape Review)
Production on "The H" is above average, and even superior at times. The rub comes when both Birdman and Rick Ross bury themselves with unimaginative rhymes.
The-Dream - IV Play
Notwithstanding a couple musical blemishes, "IV Play" diligently continues The-Dream's tenure as one of the premier acts in R&B.
Ugly Heroes - Ugly Heroes
"Ugly Heroes" is cohesive, moving and likely aims to help listeners overcome hurdles. But, at times, it's tough to digest and may alienate more than influence.
French Montana - Excuse My French
While some of the singles from "Excuse My French" either have or will make their run in the clubs, the album is repetitive and lacks an overall direction.
Eve - Lip Lock
Lip Lock should be classified as a trial and error project that reaches beyond its means.
Logic - Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever (Mixtape Review)
In a little over three years Logic has gone from a young lyricist with raw potential to a legitimate Rap artist with Welcome To Forever.
Hustle Gang - G.D.O.D. (Mixtape Review)
T.I. wields a strong command over Hip Hop with "G.D.O.D.," shouldering the burden for a team who would otherwise be left to their own devices.
