HipHopDx Reviews
Tyga - Hotel California
The sexual callousness on "Hotel California" wears off quickly, and listeners are left with a release better fit for a Ramada Inn than a Four Seasons.
Tyler, the Creator - Wolf
"Wolf" finds Tyler, the Creator successfully and artfully juggling his following's expectations with his personal growth.
Yelawolf - Trunk Muzik Returns (Mixtape Review)
Yelawolf is a true artist, and he should have room to experiment. But "Trunk Muzik Returns" essentially amounts to a missed opportunity.
Ces Cru - Constant Energy Struggles
Kansas City's Ces Cru spit rapidly for the sport with a hint of friendly competition, making "Constant Energy Struggles" a solid first outing on a bigger stage.
Durag Dynasty - 360 Waves
Despite a few missteps, "360 Waves" offers the two essential elements of quality Hip Hop, entertaining, informative rhymes paired with quality production.
Lil Wayne - I Am Not a Human Being II
On the contrary, "I Am Not a Human Being II" is very human. Wayne is constantly horny, often drugged up and only takes a few moments for self-reflection.
OCD: Moosh & Twist - Back To The Basement (Mixtape Review)
Moosh & Twist may be young in Rap years, but "Back To The Basement" should only reaffirm that the best is yet to come for the Philadelphia-based duo.
Swollen Members - Beautiful Death Machine
There are isolated moments on "Beautiful Death Machine" where Swollen Members succeed with displays of truly elevated lyricism and production.
Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
"The 20/20 Experience" should have a bite as equal as its bark. It doesn't; but it's still damn good.
Demigodz - KILLmatic
The Demigodz are a fraternity. They have fun making the music, and any listener can absorb that energy and draw closer as "KILLmatic" spins.
Hit-Boy - Hit-Boy Presents HS87 All I've Ever Dreamed Of
His bars don't yet garner as much acclaim as his beats, but the highlights of "All I've Ever Dreamed Of" solidify Hit-Boy's place as a fixture in the game.
ANTHM & Blu (as GODleeBarnes) - Handful Of Dust
Those checking for this project based on the appearance of Blu's name on production will be pleasantly surprised that ANTHM clearly shines on "Handful of Dust."
Doppelgangaz - Hark
While the subject matter on "Hark" isn't for everyone, The Dopplegangaz mix innovative, off kilter production with irreverent, sometimes hilarious rhymes.
Koncept - Malt Disney EP (Mixtape Review)
"Malt Disney" is a condensed yet woven tightly together by DeeJay Element's production and Koncept's crass but fun bars.
Cappadonna - Eyrth, Wynd & Fyre
While he's still refreshingly honest and funny at times, Cappadonna proves that few, if any, emcees can carry a double-album worth of material.
Planet Asia & Gensu Dean - Abrasions
As a whole, "Abrasions" serves as a noteworthy collaborative effort for this dynamic underground emcee and producer duo.
Bilal - A Love Surreal
By co-opting the title of John Coltrane's 1965 classic, "A Love Supreme," Bilal is at least hinting at lofty expectations. For the most part he exceeds them.
Kutt Calhoun - Black Gold
Kutt Calhoun's "Black Gold" revels in its ability to highlight the unique approach of Strange Music while still sounding refreshingly conventional.
Ill Bill - The Grimy Awards
Ill Bill provides a rather jarring listen, as "The Grimy Awards" sticks steadfast to an abrasive script.
CyHi The Prynce - Ivy League: Kick Back (Mixtape Review)
CyHi The Prynce does a lot of partying and a lot of reclining, resulting in a project that is somewhat fun but also quite lackadaisical at times.
