HipHopDx Reviews
Talib Kweli - Prisoner Of Conscious
While Kweli is still both introspective and current at times, "Prisoner Of Conscious" is ultimately too formulaic to be considered as a superior album.
LL Cool J - Authentic
"Authentic" has the same flaws as LL's other late-career missteps. Too many features and a superficial brand of R&B bog down one of Rap's earliest superstars.
Havoc - 13
Havoc's "13" features some of his best production in years. But the monotony of the subject matter in his rhymes make this album solid but far from classic.
Chance The Rapper - Acid Rap (Mixtape Review)
With "Acid Rap," Chance the Rapper does more than simply entertain; he sparks a conversation that keeps the listener committed from start to finish.
Wyclef Jean - April Showers
Over the course of 33 exhausting tracks, "April Showers" is Wyclef at his most self-important with an unfiltered ambition left to roam free.
R.A. The Rugged Man - Legends Never Die
Legends Never Die isn't perfect, but it showcases R.A. the Rugged Man's undeniable love for Hip Hop and a skill set that's as sharp as ever.
J. Cole - Truly Yours 2 (Mixtape Review)
Casual fans and Cole Stans can package these six songs with the first "Truly Yours" and have something that competes with a lot of albums in the marketplace.
Styles P - Float
With "Float," Styles P shows that he's not afraid to step outside of his gritty, NYC, lyrical gangster boundaries and be a bit more lighthearted.
Rittz - The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant
Rittz hasn't yet reached his recording pinnacle, but "The Life And Times Of Jonny Valiant" provides a thorough impression of his abilities.
Homeboy Sandman - Kool Herc Fertile Crescent
Fertile Crescent is a dense, well-executed EP that celebrates Hip Hop's original creativity in Homeboy Sandman's own avant-garde fashion.
Snoop Lion - Reincarnated
Snoop's most powerful asset--his voice--is misappropriated throughout "Reincarnated," resulting in an album that is middling at best.
Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - Live In Concert
Wiz and Curren$y aren't present for most of "Live In Concert," and when they are, it's not their best showing.
Spends Quality - Time Peace
"Time Peace" is a solid (if not spectacular) listen that puts a premium on optimism and substance while showcasing the versatility of Mr. Tay & Spends Quality.
Nametag & Nameless - For Namesake
Nametag and Nameless join forces to issue a wake up call that is hard, soulful and thought-provoking with the help of an assorted cast from their town's scene.
N.O.R.E. (aka P.A.P.I.) - Student Of The Game
N.O.R.E. attempts to court new fans and cater to his original CNN base. But filler and poor production create a mixed bag that won't fully satisfy either crowd.
Slaine - The Boston Project
"The Boston Project" is a solid album with versatility that does what Slaine set out to do: represent Boston Hip Hop in a positive light.
Kid Cudi - Indicud
By no means does Kid Cudi completely exemplify his immortal identity with "Indicud," but he certainly makes a compelling case nonetheless.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die
"Twelve Reasons To Die" is a satisfying glimpse into the minds of Younge and Ghostface, and should place somewhere above his most recent releases.
Big K.R.I.T. - King Remembered In Time (Mixtape Review)
With "King Remembered In Time," Big K.R.I.T. takes on the title of his bold namesake and gives a performance that strengthens his core following.
Illogic & Blockhead - Capture The Sun
Illogic and Blockhead offer some of their most inspired work to date, supporting DX's prediction that "Capture The Sun" would be one of 2013's best offerings.
