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patricksmusicblog · 1 day ago

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2024 Album Reviews

My thoughts on some of the albums I listened to last year in real-time as they were released.

Elcamino & Black Soprano Family - Here Ya Go: This is the latest project from El Camino a Griselda affiliate. This is the first project I'm listening to from him from front to back. It's soulful, dark, and gloomy as Buffalo and Griselda's projects tend to be. El Camino sounds closest to Westside Gunn so much so it can be easy to confuse the two one big distinction is that Westside is more freewheeling and has more range with vocals El Camino is a bit more reigned in and measured with his flow. This project is emotive with tracks dedicated to the late DJ Shay and the late legend Kobe Bryant. It's solid and probably would've been better had the songs not been short. 7.5/10

Benny The Butcher-Everybody Can't Go: This is Benny The Butcher's fourth studio album and major label debut(Def Jam). The album is largely produced by Alchemist and Hit-Boy two of the best producers of this decade. Everybody Can't Go I'd say is while still being true to who Benny is and that Griselda sound is more in line with what we got on Burdon of Proof Benny doing his thing next to legends and superstars etc I love the menacing and descriptive opener in "Jermaine's Gradution". Also, love the triumphant banger that is "Bron". "Big Dog" finds Benny Holding his own next to Wayne. "TMVTL" Speaks to issues that come with dealing with people on the streets. "Pillow Talk and Slander" ft Jadakiss is similar in that it speaks to not surrounding yourself with the wrong people. "Griselda Express" is quintessential Griselda Benny's on it, Conway's on it, Westside's on it. Benny and Conway are coming in with stand-out verses. There were times on the album when I thought songs could've been more fleshed out, and times when I thought hooks might be teetering on clunky like "One Foot In.." but these are small grips on what I think is a great project. 8/10

Schoolboy Q-Blue Lips: Blue Lips is the 6th studio LP from TDE veteran Schoolboy Q. Schoolboy's always been my second favorite out of TDE, with great projects such as Oxymoron and Blank Face. This album is interesting in that it's probably Q's most experimental album made with different sounds whether it'd be delicate piano chords or guitars, there are beat switches and flow switches. While I think this album has some instantly enjoyable sounds and songs, I don't believe this is an immediate album, this is more of a grower than a shower. It's an album that'll reward with more listens. It's gangsta, but introspective fit for the new era and old. You have earworms like "Yeern" but you have the Alchemist-assisted "Lost Times" and the avant-garde banger "Thank God 4 Me". "Blueslides" is beautiful. Then you have traditional hip-hop with "oHio" ft Freddie Gibbs and Foux ft Ab-Soul. There's a little something for multiple types of hip-hop heads here. A great LP 8.5/10

Tierra Whack-World Wide Whack: Tierra Whack first burst onto the scene in 2018 with her eccentric and creative style with Whack World. A short project with many short songs displaying different skills from rapping to singing all one minute long. Here we get that same bundle of charisma coming through on World Wide Whack. Tierra's command of rhythm and flow is to be commended she can get on any beat and never be out of pocket or range. "Chanel Pit" is a great example she has a great way of finding pockets in the beat and wraps her vocals around it whether singing or rapping without ever sounding off. "Difficult" is not only one of the sadder songs on the project but also shows her vocal range from normal and downtrodden to hurt and delicate. "Living is Difficult" is a relatable line. "Shower Song" is unbelievably funky as she speaks to the freedom of singing in the shower. Themeatically this album is really about growing pains and the mental challenge of going through those going through those growing pains in front of the public. "Two Night" and "27 Club" respectively are the two most important tracks on the album as she speaks to contemplating suicide and the dark feelings coming from that. While there's fun to be had on this album and as elastic as her style is there are a lot of relatable and grounding moments on this effort. Also for those looking for some straightforward rap, "Snake Eyes" is the track it's a gritty banger. Great project. 8/10

Future & Metro Boomin- We Don't Trust You: Future and Metro released one of their best projects since the mid-2010s. This for me is up there with the Beast modes, Monsters, 56 Nights, DS2, etc. Metro's beats are bigger more cathedral and lush. Future's flows and vocals are fluid, and his confidence and swagger are amazing on record. Themematically the album is about being the best and not trusting or rocking with Drake. Kendrick adds to this with his scene-stealing verse on "Like That" where he disses Drake and takes jabs at J. Cole. If you're a Future fan this album is a nice project that shows Future doing what he's always been great at while still challenging himself production-wise. 8/10

Roc Marciano-Marciology: Roc Marciano returns with his 11th studio LP. The God Father of Griselda's style if you like drumless airy atmospheric but dark beats Roc is right up your alley. Possessing a fly & menacing aura, an aged street weariness, and a seen it all done it-all demeanor, you'll never ever hear Roc phased, out of place or, out of pocket. He's always in pocket or making the beat fit his pocket. He has a measured but intricate flow that can be quietly technical at times. At his best there can be something mesmerizing about how calm and surgically he can ride a beat, sound cool, and, make everyone else sound like a lame. It's great. The production here is quality, with dark off-kilter piano keys at times, lush strings at others, and a soulful bluesy at others all of it having a dark undertone. All the features are great and add a good deal to the sound and cohesion of the project. I think it's another great piece to add to Roc Marciano's already great catalog. 8/10

J. Cole- Might Delete Later: Might Delete Later is the fourth Mix-tape in J. Cole's catalog and a top gap release before the main event "The Fall Off" is released presumably later this year. The tape is excellent, and J. Cole is operating in rare form. Every verse he does is packed with bars, his schemes and internals are tight, and his pace change-ups, and flows are fluid. Sonically there are a lot of chill beats and light soul samples. "Pi ft Daylyt and Ab-Soul" finds Cole at his most clever, precise, and exercising his lyricism to its maximum potential. "Sticks and Stonez" is laid back instrumentally which gives Cole a runway to bite back at haters, he sounds crisp, he's never been this skilled. "Pricey" feat. Young Dro and Gucci will sound great in your system or car but also J. Cole will sound great as he's lost his mind on the mic. There's tons of mention of being hungry and ripping everyone to shreds on features. He also sends some jabs Kendrick's way on "7-minute Drill" a 3-minute track putting Kendrick in his place taking shots at his discography, his authenticity, his work ethic, etc. It's nowhere near scathing in fact it's friendly.. still, he got in the ring. You can't be running around calling yourself the top dawg, have a major player diss you, and, proceed to do nothing, obligations that come with the throne. At this point, we're just waiting for Cole's official album release. 8.5/10 Side Note: Cole has since retracted 7 Minute Drill, a fascinatingly mature choice. Didn't play well with a lot of the public but doesn't change the level Cole's been operating at.

Green Day-Saviors: Green Day returns with their 14th studio LP. This one is a major improvement from their critically panned album "Father of all Mother F*ckers" album released in early 2020. This time around the band recaptures a little bit of the magic they had in their heyday roughly 94-04. Particularly in the 90s, with tracks like "Ma, No Brains!" and "1981" bringing good punk energy the guitars are packing the right kind of punch and that speed and restless energy punk is supposed to have is there. Then there are the alt-rock tunes that are well written like "Suzie Chapstick" or "Father to a Son". A condensed version of the album with about 10 songs may push this into the great category. There are songs here that are a bit too bland, safe, and, generic for my taste. Ironically the title cut rings somewhat stale to me, tracks 7-9 sound nondiscript. At their age, I guess they lack the energy to consistently generate punk ferocity, which is fine. I wasn't sure they had an album this good left in them something I'm happy to get from one of my favorite bands. 7.5/10

Rapsody-Please Don't Cry: Please Don't Cry is North Carolina's own Rapsody's fourth official album not counting mixtapes and eps. Rapsody's been a great rapper since her debut Idea of Beautiful(2012) and has only grown as an MC. Lailia's Wisdom(2017) was better than that, and Eve(2019) was even better than that but I believe this is her best project to date. It's easily her most personal/vulnerable and we get to see exactly where Rapsody's head is at on this album while still dazingly on the mic with her skill set. "Marlena" is a great tone setter as she raps aggressively but ultimately is trying to figure out who she is under all the bells and whistles that come with being a rapper. "Asteroids" with Hitboy is amazing and sounds like something I'll be listening to for years to come as she speaks to her greatness going underappreciated due to sexism and hate on both sides. I have a personal connection with DND(It's Not Personal) as someone who needs days where they don't interact with anyone and needs alone time I get it, if you're Rapsody I imagine that time is even more precious and special. "That One Time" is deep, personal reflective as she speaks to doing things that go against the morals she grew up with personally, experimenting sexually, seeking validation, and, love she feels she may have never gotten as a youth. It feels almost too personal but it also lets you into the human side of the artist, this is Rapsody, the type of things that make her tic, what she's going through. "Loose Rocks" is a tear-jerker, as Rapsody speaks to dealing with a family member struggling with dementia making their day and dealing with the heartbreaking reality that she may wake up one day and not remember who she is. It's devastating but again shows vulnerability and speaks to a mental health topic not discussed in rap all that much. Special. Elsewhere Rapsody shows she can go with the best of them I love her track with Wayne almost has a lo-fi sound production-wise. Both of them go crazy on the track, particularly Rapsody, I also love "He Shot Me" speaking to the pain and trauma we go through with police brutality in this country. "Back in My Bag" is a straight banger of a track and a much-needed one on the album. This album is deep, and personal and shows a lot of range as a writer for Rapsody. It's a long 22 tracks long but she carries it, her talent warrants the run time. 9/10

Vince Staples-Dark Times: Dark Times is the 6th studio LP from Vince Staples. While none of his albums have been bad, he's definitely been on the run from the self-titled LP he released in 21' moving forward Rohmona Park Broke My Heart may have been even better but it wasn't played as much for me. Dark Times is a little more similar to the self-titled album, it's tighter at around 10 tracks discounting skits, intros, and outros. It finds Vince Staples really struggling between his most morbid thoughts and feelings of hopelessness and his desire to see those around him escape the traps and hellscapes they think they need to participate in. "Government Cheese" finds Vince dealing with some survivor remorse, dealing with being the only one who made it. "Shame on The Devil" is a track where you can see Vince dealing with temptation and recognizing the wrong but still falling weak at times. "Etouffee" findshim dealing with fans of his old music or his more street tales and criticizing that while giving it to them with this very track. "Little Homies" speaks to the youth and warns them about crashing out speaking to the idea there's value in long life. The album is personal, thoughtful, and subdued. 8/10

Tha Dogg Pound-W.A.W.G(We All We Got: This is a fun one, full of nostalgia and music to ride to. Tha Dogg Pound is back with Snoop, Rage, RBX, etc with a new album that features that classic g-funk sound. While their angst has smoothed over, it's not nearly as hardcore as Dogg Food, there are definitely bangers on here. I love the first track "Smoke Up" Daz and Kurupt come off on that well. The title cut has some of the best production on the whole album, definitely, a track I can see myself going to and returning to. There are a lot of feel-good chill tracks on this album, to relax to on a Sunday afternoon. Still, I'm inclined to tracks with more to say I enjoy the track "Grown Up" which speaks to being too old for the violence of being active, I also appreciate "Always on My Mind" in dedication to those loved and lost. "Who Da Hardest" Ft Lady of Rage, RBX, and Snoop may be the crown jewel of the album, love the beat, and, each member of DPC went hard on the track. On the whole, I think this is a well-produced album from some veterans that know what they're supposed to sound like. DP May not blow anyone away but it's worth a listen. 8/10

Little Simz-Drop 7: Little Simz comes through with a short 7-track EP that sees her experimenting with glitch-hop sounds. Skittering percussion, jittering beats, and Simz earnest vocals on these tracks. This is nothing I'd say that's particularly special compared to the previous two Little Simz projects. I enjoy the smooth swagger of I Ain't Feeling It" I also enjoy "Far Away" for its Electro&B sound. It's quick ideas that involve her experimenting and trying something new but at 14 minutes it's just a stop-gap release I think this sound could be interesting more fleshed out and powerfully produced I think Simz could do a lot with it. 7/10

Mach-Hommy-Richaxxhatian: Mach-Hommy is a New Jersey rapper of Haitian descent under the Griselda umbrella and takes cues from that sound. The beats here are dark, gritty atmospheric beats, a lot of melancholic pianos, and, off-kilter beats that make me think of grey skies and cracks in the sidewalk. A lot of the beats are lush, not uncommon for a flute or horn to come in a give it a full body feel. His style is also somewhat reminiscent of Roc Marciano's who's featured on the first tracks on the album. Mach-Hommy raps with conviction and has a nimble and fluid flow. He's a dense rhymer known for stacking internals and multi-syllabic rhymes on a beat. Most all the tracks here are great and I think thus far it's the best album I've heard not only from the Griselda camp this year but in this vein this year. I can see myself returning to this throughout the year. 8.5/10

Megan Thee Stallion- Megan: This is Megan Thee Stallion's 3rd LP. It's another great project filled with unbridled charisma, a tight flow of hunger, and unapologetic raunchiness. The album starts with "Hiss" one of the hardest songs on the project and there's a certain energy and tenacity Megan can reach on record that when hit can be some of the most entertaining in music. She comes right behind that with "Rattle" a catchy tune with a solid hook. There's a lot of talk about dominating despite haters and coming through triumphant despite that. There are times when Meg can fall victim to some of the same types of songs and beats and flows to the point where things can be generic. "Otako Hot Girl" is a point where Meg challenges that and leans on her love of anime, the beat is effervescent and I think it takes her to a different place flow-wise. I feel similarly bout the Yuki Chiba-assisted "Mamushi" a J-Rap bop as Megan goes for something a little different. "Accent" ft Glorilla finds Meg & Glo embracing their southern accents and style, it's a great track, and Glo's vocals cut through differently. "Paper Together" ft UGK is great Meg gets into her Tina Snow bag as she, the late Pimp C, and Bun B wax poetically about pimpin'. "Down Stairs DJ" is Megan in her bag, it's confident and sexual, authentic to who she is. Megan can give you layers and though it's not all over the place on the album, "Worthy" and "Moody" especially let you behind the curtain see the woman behind the looks, and partying to some of the things she struggles with on a day to day. I think it's a worthwhile album. Is it a little long yeah but I think ultimately you get what you want from Megan if you're into her as an artist. 8/10

Lupe Fiasco-Samurai: Lupe's ninth Studio LP, this album has a jazzy sound to it, and a lot of melancholic piano chords to it. As for Lupe similar to Nas, you don't worry about Lupe lyrically, he's mostly always sharp. I love the authenticity and sound of "Palaces". "Cake" showcases not only skill but braggadocios rhymes. The album while leaning dense lyrically because that's just who Lupe is is a more easy listening than some of his past projects. Samurai is only but 8 tracks 31 minutes long neat and concise a quality addition to Lupe's catalog with a good amount of replay value.

Eminem-The Death of Slim Shady: Rap legend Eminem comes through with his 12th studio LP. It's a concept album that details the struggle between Eminem and the Slim Shady persona he created back in the late 90s. In some ways, it's an excuse for Eminem to delve into the Slim Shady character at 51 years of age and not seem corny although there's no way to avoid that. I was highly worried going into this album. There's tons of nostalgia for 99-02 Eminem on this project but as long as you don't hold him to that standard I think what you have here is honestly the best Em project since 09's Relapse. "Renaissance" may be the closest he gets vocally and flow-wise to truly sounding like young Em he finds a great pocket on that beat. "Evil" is the next highlight I think the chorus is solid, I really like the tone of the Em-produced track sort of reminds me of "Evil Twin" off The Marshall Mathers LP 2. My only gripe with that one is I think he could've gone a little crazier flow-wise. "Lucifer" with Dr. Dre on production is a banger, is it one of their best collaborations? No, but I think it'll sound nice in your ride if one decides to play it there, the rhyme schemes are a little too deliberate at times and I think he's off base with how edgy he thinks he is but on the whole, I think the song is good. "Fuel" Featuring J.I.D. isn't just great for recent Eminem it's just great, mainly because of J.I.D.'s youthful vigor and rapid-fire flows that push Marshall to make some of his best rhymes on the project. "Guilty Conscious 2" while not nearly as good as the original is important I think in Eminem's catalog where the first one delved into the consciousness of others with the darkest of humor. This one is about Eminem's conscious as he battles with the Slim Shady persona and whether or not it's time to put him down for good. As Em kind of uses the song as a vehicle to show some of the reasons why he created the character in the first place and why he hadn't been able to tap into the character in the same way he did as a youth. Ultimately Em wins out and you don't get the craziness of Slim for the duration of the LP. "Temporary" is essentially the "Mockingbird" of the album but more sentimental and morbid it's a sweet song for his daughter Hailie. "Somebody Save Me" Reminds me of Relapse's "Deja Vu" Em delves into his drug addiction and apologizes for not being the parent he could be because he wasn't present enough. I'm impressed with this album mainly because there isn't anything too cringe-worthy or awful here. Is he genuinely as controversial as he's making himself out to be? Well, hell no, Em is not nearly close enough to the center of the cultural zeitgeist to gin up that sort of outrage and backlash. These aren't the times when presidents/vice called for rappers' albums to be taken off shelves, or when Time Warner dropped Ice T, or when C Delores Tucker, Calvn Butts, and, Bob Doyle were railing against gangsta Rap. Those Days are as over as Em's prime is. For what I think Em is capable of at 51 years old I think this album is great, particularly for an album mostly produced by him with a couple nods from Dr. Dre, there's no Hit-boy here, no Alchemist, no Madlib, no Pete Rock, and no Metro Boomin, DJ Premier is only on the bonus cut(sigh) which is to say most of the games top tier producers who I think would push Em to do something truly special are not here and we still got some well produced hip-hop here. Really good effort and I can see myself returning to this here and there. 8/10

Common & Pete Rock-Auditorioum Vol.1: The Auditorium is Common's 15th studio LP and the latest effort from producer Pete Rock. This album is an up-and-down mix of 90's nostalgic hip-hop but with maturity, thoughtfulness, and consciousness of Common. Common sounds in tune with life, grounded but happy. Love the lush piano-driven sound of Chi-Town as Common shows love to Chicago. Really enjoy "Fortunate" as well as Common speaking to being fortunate to have all the people he needed in his life and for everything that has fallen into place in his life to fall in place. My absolute favorite cut on the album though is "Stellar" The production is great and Common gets on his braggadocious vibe. "All Kind of Ideas" is another straight boom-bap record that's nice and Pete Rock and Common speak to staying in a creative space. There are very few lows on the album and at 15 cuts the album is a cohesive blend of Common showing he can rap while being appreciative of where he's at and doing some reflection. Great project with room to improve on future Volumes. 8/10

JT-City Cinderella: City Cinderella is the debut solo mix-tape from one half of the Miami-based group City Girls JT. JT by general consensus has always been the better MC of the two and the one more musically driven. Street weary and gutter while still keeping a sense of sex appeal and raunch in her music, we get to see what a full project from her is. And what it is is solid. I enjoy the intro it feels both triumphant and vulnerable as she speaks about the youthful trauma she deals with and how far she's come. "Brick Talk" a trap banger finds her digging into her street knowledge. "Lemon Pepper" features one of her better performances on the album, full of charisma and the production is great on this one. "Swang" follows that up with a glossy yet upbeat track that finds JT talking her sht and not ducking any smoke "You better swang when you see me he". "Sideways" released as a single before the tape is probably still the best track on the project. She finds the pocket on the beat perfectly her flow is regal but matter of fact, I can only hear her on the track. "OKAY" is catchy as well has some decent wordplay and of course, it's a track that'll bang. Ultimately some underwhelming cuts keep this project from being exceptional but this is a good start for JT who I can see making great music in the future. 7/10

Ice Spice-Y2K!: This is NYC rapper Ice Spice's debut album and follow-up to her EP she released last year in Like…?. It's a tough listen even at a mere 23 minutes. It's an album made of short bursts of energy, catchphrase choruses that she's trying desperately to get to stick on social media, particularly tik tok. 2 Minute songs, of Spice boasting miscellaneous punchlines, basic rhyme patterns, and Ice Spice's silly persona. "Phatt Butt" and "Plenty Sun" are the most reputable bangers on the project. None of them match her initial hit "Munch". Tracks 7-10 are amongst the worst most lazily recorded music I've heard this year. There's too much quality out here in music to spend any time listening to this. 4/10

Latto-Sugar Honey Iced Tea: Sugar Honey Iced Tea is the third studio LP from Atlanta rapper Latto. Latto has a lot of what you want out of MC is charismatic, clear in her vocal delivery, and confidence on 10 and not surface level. The project is 17 cuts long and the first 10 are the strongest. "Settle Down" has a great beat that feels pristine and luxurious but also hard at the same time, she sounds great on it. This is similarly the case on the smooth Shrimp & Grits". Latto throughout the album is bringing braggadocious energy, and sexual energy and showing she's not afraid of any competition on the mic. She also shows the propensity to sing hooks, she sounds great on "Copper Cove" and her melodic flow is an easy listen. I also enjoy the relationship tracks where she gets vulnerable and shows she can get into the nuances of a committed relationship on songs like "Good 2 You" and "Look What You Did". Of course one of the best cuts on the album is the closing salvo in "S/O to Me" a track showing her pride in her progress, talking to whoever wants it, and saying she's not running. I think if shortened the album is in the 8-8.5 range but it does slow down for me, particularly toward the middle of the project. Still, Latto is great on this album and she makes it seem effortless in her approach she also has a good ear for production. I'll definitely be on the lookout for what she does next. 7.5/10

Larry June- Doing it For Me: Doing it For Me is the latest LP from Larry June of San Fransico. Larry June has a smooth yet monotone delivery that echoes the likes of Roc Marciano with less lyrical dexterity and ferocity but maybe even more swagger and style. This album is all about lifestyle and the finner things without sacrificing anything that makes him the man that he is. "Morning Calculations" finds Larry running through things he thinks about through a given day whether it'd be streets, not messing with phonies, etc. Larry has solid hooks throughout the album(Real Talk pt 2, A Little While, etc) but it's really the production that carries this album for me, a nice blend of funk, soul, and lush beats to ride to that provide an aesthetic that allows you set a background to think about your own issues or you can focus and tap into what Larry really talking about. "Breakfast in Gold Coast" has such a great instrumental, it's easy to visualize being in the ride on the West Coast as the sun is setting. I think his album with Alchemist was a little better lyrically this one is better riding music. 7.5/10

Charli XCX- Brat: This is the sixth album from acclaimed pop artist Charli XCX and this album much like her last project Crash, is a blend of fun, vibrant, and at times hyperpop/dance-pop/electro-pop etc. If you love Bass gotta listen to this album there's tons of deep-driving bass, to go along with glossy at times pristine production and catchy hooks. "Sympathy is like a knife" is the first banger to catch my ear a tune seemingly about questioning the authenticity of sympathetic nature. "Talk Talk" has a simple hook and neon-tinted winter vibe to it. It's the sort of song I imagine hearing on a winter-themed ride at a fair. "Rewind" taps into nostalgia for a specific time in her life a time when she was less judgemental of herself. That's the thing about this album, Charli is very personal and vulnerable through this project but in a way, that doesn't take away from the fact you're supposed to bobbing your head at the least and full-on dancing at most throughout the project. The album is a snapshot of where she is in life at the moment. "Girl, So Confusing" has an excellent beat sound right now yet futuristic at the same time. The last three songs on the album are amongst the best with "I Think about All the Time" being the most personal finding Charli at a point of truly thinking about settling down and starting a family. "365" Ends the album properly it's catchy and bangs. I'll always keep an eye out for what Charli comes with next. 8/10

Ducks LTD-Harms Way: The second LP from Ducks and indie-rock/pop duo from Toronto. The album's a nine-track LP of mid-tempo power pop/jangle pop built for easy listening. Dusk rides to the beach, brisk autumn days, and late summer Sunday afternoons, are the settings I see when listening to this music. Nothing is gripping but nothing is bothersome either. Just some solid pop-rock. 7/10

Yard Act-Where is My Utopia: Where is My Utopia is the second LP from four-piece British post-punk band Yard Act. The band released on the best post-punk LP's of 2022 and this album follows that up well. It's as sublime in its art-punk vibe but this one goes more in a dance-rock direction. "We Make Hits" has a great bounce and groove to it and I like the authenticity of the lyrics. "Down The Stream" almost sounds hip-hop it has a very layered sound instrumentally. "Undertow" is another with a great groove while also talking about trying to be accountable and turning your bad behavior into good. The album peaks in my opinion with "Dream Job" a catchy tune that's party-ready. Great hook on that one. The album as a whole is great in turns of the quality of sound and in terms of the lyrics and their depth. Definitely worth listening to. 8.5/10

Doja Cat-Scarlett(2023 backlog)- This is the fourth album from rapper/singer Doja Cat. Doja Cat has always had a big somewhat eccentric personality and a knack for rhyming and making catchy tunes. Her LP Woman wasn't necessarily my cup of tea though. This album I think is much better, from track one Doja comes off great, and "Paint the Town Red" has a great beat along with a soul sample in the background. "Gun" is another sexually charged track that has a sharp hook and a tight flow. "Agora Hills" has an ethereal dream pop vibe to it production-wise and Doja heightens her voice giving it a preppy youthful vibe. "Can't Wait" is a love song with The Honey Drippers sample used for percussion on the track. "Love Life" has a beautiful chorus and finds Doja Cat speaking about everything she loves about her life and showing appreciation for where she's at. "Balut" has a great beat, and features a great flow from her it's the most straightforward hip-hop track on the album and one of my favorites. There are points on the album where she could be static in terms of flow in my opinion and doesn't give me enough to chew on lyrically especially on the first few tracks right after the opener. Still, I think this is a really good project that I can see myself returning to here and there. 7.5/10

Doechii-Alligator Bites Never Heal: Alligator Bites Never Heal is the third mixtape from TDE Artist Doechii out of Tampa FL. Doechii is a rapper/singer who has an elastic flow, a quirky and charismatic persona, and, knowledge of blending sounds and creating a soundscape. This project sounds like it takes things from both the '90s and early '00s while also being influenced by current rap and R&B. "Denial is a River" showcases her storytelling ability and big personality. Love the aggression of "Catfish" It goes hard. "Wait" speaks to not waiting for things to happen for you, putting the work in and making them go. "Death Roll" follows that up perfectly as she's introspective again on her inner thoughts and motives, letting you into what makes her tic these days. Her performance and presence on the mic are great on that track. "Nissan Altima" is amongst the best bangers on the album. Doechii dives into a double-time flow, the beat is high energy but a bit glossy. It's just a well-put-together project there are moments when I'm reminded of something Missy & Timberland would cook up, and other times when I'm reminded of something SZA or Doja Cat would do. Even a little Kendrick sneaks in there on "Hide N Seek". She has a bright future ahead of her. 8/10

Big Sean- Better Me Than You: Better Me Than You is the sixth LP from Detroit Rapper Big Sean. Sean is a rapper I have a lot of respect for as he's done nothing but improve since his early days of corny lines, songs, and, lackluster depth. Big Sean here has matured and grown up while still giving you tunes that bang more and are meant for different environments. "On Up" is one of my favorite songs on the album speaking to having a son and all the emotions that come with it from things you want to pass down and don't to the realization that life is a cycle and a finite experience. I enjoy the introspection of "Break The Cycle" speaking on breaking bad habits and generational curses. I love Sean's flow on "This N That" is very nimble on that track. "Precision" is another banger, has a catchy fun vibe that won't be for everyone but is definitely enjoyable. Not every track stands out some are a bit generic but I think it's a quality effort from Sean. 7.5/10

LL Cool J- The Force: This is LL Cool J's fourteenth album and the first one since 2013. The Force entirely produced by Q-Tip is a return to form for LL, who throughout the album is lyrically and vocal sharp throughout. His vocals pack the same punch and power they've always had and he's only grown more lyrically dexterous and sharp with time. Tracks like "Murdergram Deux" and "Praise Him" find him keeping pace with premier lyricists in Nas and Eminem. Other highlights include the boom bap of "Passion" the fun and light-hearted "Proclivities" and the updated 80's sound of "Post Modern". I don't always love Q-Tip's production on this I don't always feel the busyness of Q-Tip's mix on some of these fit with Cool J's sound and there are times when I think he hits the mark. Overall, I think this is a good project LL is someone with classic albums so it's hard to live up to that but he does show he still got it at a high level here. 7.5/10

Ransom & Conway The Machine-Chaos is my Ladder 2: A collaboration album from two premier underground MCs Ransom & Conway the Machine produced by V Don. The album features the kind of production you'd expect gritty with a dark atmosphere. "Limitless" has a great beat perfect canvas for Conway and Ransom to go off on. "Shell Fish" is another bright spot on the project, as they flow over pensive strings and bass, Ransom in particular has a great verse on that one. The album plays like a Ransom album featuring Conway so he has most of the stand-out verses. Conway brings most of the street rhetoric and braggadocio while Ransom's verse tends to be a little more technically proficient and deeper. One of the best tracks is the melancholic solo track "Midlife Crisis" speaking to how he growing old and better in this game. "Born Again" speaks to the pain, anxiety, and depression even though people may not /475 see that from the outside. Both Conway and Ransom are strong on that one. This is a great project, mature grown man rap music. Enough street talk for those who want to hear that and enough real life for those who want something grounded and relatable. 8.5/10

MGMT-Loss of Life: Loss of Life is the fifth studio LP from Neo-psych rock band MGMT. Their last album Little Dark Age was a bit of a return to form for me. I think they follow that up well with this psych-rock/indie-rock effort. Acoustic guitars, bass, synths even some windwood and horns make the soundbed for this album. It's an album that essentially takes you on a melancholic trip through themes of loss. I love the lush and full sound of "Mother Nature" The track builds and you get some great guitar riffs coming in on it. "Dancing in Babylon" ft Christine and the Queens is notable in that it really feels like an 80's dream pop duet. It has a nice and whimsical feel. "People In The Streets" may be my favorite track on the project though, if features these great acoustic guitar sounds blended with the wall of synths that are beautiful. The song seemingly shows the dichotomy between someone in a higher place in life and the everyday person on the streets. "Nothing Changes" has a somber tone to it and the lyrics are a bit morbid and contemplative. The album, I think it's another strong album from MGMT who never come with the same sound twice but continue to sound like they've always had at the same time. 8/10

Glorilla-Glorious: Glorious is the debut album from Memphis rapper Glorilla, Street but soulful, hard with a booming voice that cuts through any beat. Glorilla's done nothing but slowly get better and better since she burst on the scene in 2022 with singles like FNF and 2morrow. Her Mixtape Errthang Errthang was a quality tape, a buzz builder that featured "Yeah! Glo!" a catchy yet tough, anthemic song that's everything you need to know about Glo stylistically. Her album is more of what has come to be expected from Glorilla but on a higher level. "Hollon" is a Yeah Glo type of banger confrontational and aggressive with a chant-along chorus. "Procedure" ft Latto is another highlight of the project the beat is smooth and pristine as Glo and Latto go back and forth about how these dudes aren't on their level. "Rain Down On Me" is a gospel rap song that speaks to Glorilla's roots as a youth in the church choir. It's definitely a differentiating factor in her music. "I Ain't Going" is an anti-abuse/domestic violence track." Let Her Cook" is a true banger love the chorus and big bass, horns, and, light piano on the beat. I think it's a quality debut album. There's room for improvement but Glo has solid charisma and voice that should take her far with more time to hone her skills. 7.5/10

Rome Streetz & Daringer-Hatton Garden Hold Up: Griselda artist Rome Streetz is an underground veteran at this point, known for gritty street-orientated rhymes. Also known for stacking internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes which is on great display here on top of Daringers grimy but detailed grey-tinted production. "Starbuxxz" starts things off nicely in that I love how Rome catches the pocket on that one. "Drive By" has a cold wintery lo-fi vibe, great rhymes, and similes on this one. Then there's the "Black Widow" which is a great piano-laden beat that features Westside Gunn who does his thing on that one. "Weight of The World" ft Cormega, is great you get the younger rawer energy one that one from Rome and the thoughtful more conscious seen-it-all done-it-all vibe from Cormega. "Space X" features one of his best flows on the project. There's a lot of great music on this project and it has that patented Griselda shadowy grimy vibe(Daringer) Rome is an exceptional rhymer which adds up to a really good album. 7.5/10

Che Noir-The Lotus Child: Che Noir has been on her grind and honing her skills for a long time. Food For Thought(2022) was when I got wind of her through one of my favorite projects of that year. Che's done nothing but grind and hone her craft, a buffalo Griselda affiliate you know you're going to get hard bars and shadowy beats. "Shadow Puppet" starts things off nicely with a soulful beat that features some soft yet emotive vocals over the beat. Che Noir speaks to having to hustle and grind to get where she's at and to where she's going. "Black Girl" Ft Rapsody, is amazing both come on the track and do their thing Che sounds strong as ever and Rapsody is just one of the best rappers in the game period, and has a standout verse. "Sister Act" is a boom-bap beat that finds Che in her bag. I love the Daria reference with "Jodie Landon" as Che Noir raps about being black and ambitious and having a hustler mentality even though she's growing to realize the industry isn't exactly everything it's cracked up to be. "Wis Love" has beautiful a smooth beat and it's more of a hip-hop/r&b introspective track about falling in love, it's very sweet. "Angels" is the most personal as she touches on losing a close friend in death, moving end to really a great project. A Short 8 track project that shows the diversity in what Che Noir can do. She gives you the hard bars, the introspection, some consciousness and pain. The sound which largely produced by Che Noir is of high quality throughout. So it is definitely worth giving a listen to. 8.5/10

7xvethegenius-Death of Deuce: 7xvethegenius is one of the most talented MCs on Griselda's affiliate label Drumwork. She's been grinding in the underground for years and on this project, she showcases why she's one of the best. 7xve is a technically skilled wordsmith with a strong command of rhythm and flow, as she displays different flows, cadences, and, rhyme schemes throughout the project. This tone is set properly with the Boom Bap of "A Lesson" The track has a nice autumn tone to it that permeates the album. "Triangle" ft Papoose is great in that they both go off on the track. 7xve speaks to her humble beginnings in the song. "Psalm" ft Jae Skees has a melancholic vibe that brings out cathartic bars from both artists. "MoMa" may be the most lushly produced track on the project and probably my favorite on the album. On the whole, it's a great project that rewards more with a focused listen where 7xve's passion and skill can be soaked in because on the move the production can make the album feel a bit understated but this is worthy of giving a listen. 8/10

Tyler The Creator-Chromakopia: Chromakopia is Tyler The Creator's 8th album. This one is coming following his acclaimed project Call Me if You Get Lost a more traditional hip-hop album hosted by DJ Drama that found him showcasing his ability as an MC and challenging his pen. It was a pretty solid project. Chromakopia is more in line with his more eccentric taste as a songwriter and aligns with his love of artists like the Neptunes, Nerd, and Kanye West. So while he's still rapping well on this there's more melody and a sonic canvas that's a bit more avant-garde. "Rah Rah Tah" has a full busy city sound to it. It's a banger and something I can see doing well at a concert. "Noid" speaks to the paranoia that comes with being a rapper in this world of cameras, clout chasers, and the access to things that lead to a rapper's demise. "Darling, I" is a track about Tyler not wanting to be monogamous and not wanting to choose a woman over his love of music. This flows nicely into "Hey Jane" some of his best writing on the project as he speaks to the fear and weariness that comes with an unexpected pregnancy but also wants to be accountable and responsible about the situation. Then he speaks from the woman's perspective on the matter showing her fear and vulnerability but also her willingness to step up and take care of the situation. "I Killed You" finds Tyler touching on the self-hatred that's passed down in regard to black hair textures. "Sticky" ft Lil Wayne, Sexxy Red, and, Glorrilla is a banger meant to be played at high volume. "Take Your Mask Off" is the last great song on the project as Tyler breaks down those who he feels are fugazi and fraudulent in hopes of bringing them to being real to themselves. Past tracks 2-9 there are good songs but I think the album meanders a bit and doesn't keep the same momentum it's good enough that it's worth putting your ears to. It won't be for everyone but it's quality work regardless. 8/10

Freddie Gibbs-You Only Die 1nce: You Only Die Once is a 6 solo Freddie Gibbs album but it's really his 10th counting collaborative work. The Gary, Indiana legend has been on a serious run since 2014's Pinata with Madlib and really got into a zone in 2019 when he released Bandana every album since then has been great. With Bandanna and Alfredo being top-tier. His last effort Soul Sold Separately was great as well. This is another to add to what's already a hell of a discography. The album finds Freddie Gibbs coming off a low point in the media with a fallout from beef he's had in the rap game and personal relationship debacles going public. Freddie Gibbs has received a lot of hate warranted or not and some of it has even spilled over into the way some have judged his music. On You Only Die Once you follow Freddie as he takes you through his typical grim street tales while also being transparent about where he is in his life. Throughout the album, there are skits where the devil is trying to tempt Freddie with every temptation possible from illicit drug use to money, chains women, the streets, etc. Freddie throughout the album sounds like someone who knows better but still struggles with vices, struggles to handle fame and access. Struggles dealing with beef constructively etc. I love the track "Wolverine" as Freddie Gibbs gives you gangsterism and consciousness in speaking to how a faction of the black community can be too busy fighting and killing each other to see how systematic racism affected them and still is affecting them. "It's Your Anniversary" is classic Gibbs over a classic sample but instead of it being the anniversary of their marriage it's their anniversary of them getting hit. So many of the beats on the project are chill, "Steel Doors" features a smooth airy beat but Freddie sounds hard as reinforced steel as Freddie wonders where the love is with all the hate he's been getting. "Ruthless" features a great flow from Freddie and a simple but catchy hook and it's a song about how he's made mistakes and slipped up in the game, particularly with the women he's dealt with which has made him more guarded in that regard. Freddie Gibbs has a kind voice and flow where you could sort of let it play in the background and enjoy it but if you pay attention it can be transfixing. He's detailed, personal, and actually more vulnerable, soulful really than you'd expect. It exhibits this perfectly in "Origami". The album concept comes into focus on "On The Set" where he eulogizes fallen rappers and speaks on the stress of possibly losing his own life but getting into film is a sign of him doing the right thing. It's another great album from Freddie Gibbs. 8.5/10

Westside Gunn-Still Praying: This is a new mixtape from prolific artist and curator Westside Gunn largely produced by Statik Selektah. Westside Gunn has never been the best MC in Griselda but he's always been great. Has great charisma, and a sense of humor and knows what production he sounds best over and how to put together a project. "Beer Bar" is the first highlight of the project, the track has fluttering keys, deep bass, and dusty percussion it's a mixture of street and opulence that Westside is known for. "Duran Duran" has a dark shadowy piano-laden sound to it, it's hard quintessential Griselda. The tape reaches its apex on the title cut which features Stove God Crooks, Benny The Butcher, Conway The Machine, and, Boldy James. An all-star list of MCs who come through with great verses. The track has a serious and dark meditative tone to it, and everybody did their thing on it. Rome Streetz loses his mind on the mic on "Underground King" not to mention Westside floats on that track flow-wise and Stove sounds great on this. Great tape from Westside Gunn here. 8/10

Kendrick Lamar-GNX: Kendrick Lamar has had a prolific year which pretty much started with him getting into a lyrical spar with often compared rapper Drake. He had a great showing between his verse on "Like That", lyrical salvo on Euphoria, the cerebral 6:16 in LA, the forever banger That is "Not Like Us", and the serious "Watch the Party Die" I'd say Kendrick hasn't missed this year. GNX is his latest project, coming with much hype and intrigue. Tonally I think the best way to put is that Kendrick is unapologetic, unwavering, and unforgiving. "Wacced Out Mural" references his literal mural being defaced in LA and the lack of support industry-wide. Kendrick doesn't care and sees things in black and white his side or the other side. The track to start is cinematic, and builds both his flow and the beat switches nicely on the track also love the hook on the track. "Squabble Up" is another early highlight a straight West Coast dance banger that's fun, a little silly but also layered production-wise. "Man at the Garden" has a Nas "One Mic"-like build as Kendrick embraces his ego, his greatness and, his willingness not to play about himself and his family, I like it's one of the cuts that sneak up on you how good it is. "Hey Now" is excellent the track is sonically layered has these dark yet majestic synths, very catchy. "Reincarnated" finds him channeling his inner Tupac paying homage to him over the "Made Niggaz" sample, Dot knocks this one out of the park as far as I was concerned as he tells a detailed story about being reincarnated multiple times. "TV Off" may be the best tune on the project, a banger from start to finish, and has a great beat switch, and great hooks. It's elite. I'd say the Heart part 6 is the next special cut on the album, a smooth beat as Dot reminisces on his and TDE's come up from humble beginnings, it's a great tune paying hommage to what made him the artist he is now, and he also speaks to why Black Hippy didn't go as far as maybe it could've. Lastly "Gloria" is another concept song that on first listen sounds like it's bout his girl Whitney but is about his relation with his pen and more broadly writing and how at times his writing can be negative and at times positive but he loves it. It's gotten him this far. There are a couple holes on the album GNX has a beat that's a bit clunky and the local LA features on there aren't exactly great."Dodger Blue" is a bit short and nondiscript and "Peekaboo" while fun and silly isn't one I'll always go back too. Still, this is a great body of work, there are cuts on this album that are among some of his best work, and it's also maybe the most fun I've ever heard Kendrick have on an album. This is also the most West Coast-sounding album Kendrick has ever released. A lot to love about this project. 8.5/10

Ice Cube-Man Down: Adding to an already great year in West Coast hip-hop Ice Cube adds to it with Man Down his 11th solo album. Ice Cube is a legendary MC but it's safe to say his fastball has slowed a bit from his late 80s to early 90s output the urgency, and riotous flow isn't quite as potent, still, there are some great tunes on here. Most of all of them are on the front half of the album. "Rollin at Twilight" has a smooth beat and flow, and has a nighttime drive feel to it. "It's My Ego" follows that and has a great bounce and basslines that give the track a true West Coast banger vibe. "So Sensitive" for my money is the best track on the album, the track is soaked in West Coast funk and Ice Cube sounds right at home on it. "5150" isn't bad either as Cube as it find Cube rhyming about dealing with a women who's off her rocker. After around track 8, the album is a little less consistent but "Fighting for My Life in Paradise" ft Kurupt is great, the beat is excellent, it's chill and breezy, and has a sunburnt afternoon vibe to it. "Break The Mirror ft Xzibit is a hard collaboration as well. It's a 19-track album and I think coiled down to about 12 would've been great for the effort but at about 1 hour the run time on this isn't too demanding. It's a solid outing from Cube that has definite highlights worth checking out particularly if you want to hear that West Coast sound. 7.5/10

MC Lyte- 1 of 1: 1 of 1 is the ninth studio LP for the legendary MC Lyte. MC Lyte's skillset has largely stayed intact one of the strongest voices ever in rap, consistently boastful and charismatic. "King King" Ft Queen Latifah is one of the best tracks on the album, a track celebrating men particularly those who settle down and find a queen by his side. Transversely, "Woman" ft Big Daddy Kane, Salt(of Salt and Pepper) is a great track about woman empowerment. On "1-5" Lyte gives you the rules to the game in life and in the music business. "All Day All Night" is a romantic story about young love, another strong tune. There are 14 tracks on here aside from skits and there are about 3 tracks that are a bit lackluster but for the most part, there are some great and substantial tunes on here. "Change Your Ways with Stevie Wonder and Common features a strong performance from all parties. MC Lyte's still got it and still has the knowledge and wisdom to drop. 7.5/10

Snoop Dogg- Missionary{Produced by Dr. Dre}: Missionary is the Twentieth album by Long Beach legend/Icon Snoop Dogg and his second with Dr Dre at the helm production-wise. The project is meant to be a sequel to the legendary album Doggystyle but I don't think it should be compared to that album or any of the great work they did during Death Row's initial run which contained some of the best rap albums, singles, and moments to ever exist in hip-hop. You have to take them where they're at and where they're at is a more a more matured place. Dr Dre's production on this project is solid, you get some beats that sound West Coast with the basslines and sparse sonics but these days more lush and wide-ranging. I love the sound of "Hard Knocks" The track has a nice sparse bounce and the beat switches nicely. "Out the Blue" has a big world music sound, meant to be played loud in your car. I like "Gorgeous" with Jhene Aiko it's grown and sexy in a way they would never be 1993 song has a bit of that funk to it but has a classy R&B feel to the chorus. "Skyscrapers" has a hard yet cinematic beat with horns, Dre's always been good about background details as well. This isn't in the lexicon of the best Dr Dre production but it's quality there's replay value. As for Snoop, it's actually a shame Dr Dre is just good because Snoop is stellar. He sounds crisp, clear, and sharp. Snoop raps on this album like he has something to prove, he's the best part about this album. From top to bottom, I often find myself saying damn Snoop went crazy on that. He sounds great on all the aforementioned tracks. His verse stands out on the Method Man-assisted "Skyscrapers". Snoop also leaves with the best verse on the Eminem and 50 Cent-assisted Gunz N Smoke. Gotta commend Snoop because to my ears he came out and showed out. There are moments on the album like "Last Dance with Mary Jane" and "Another Part of Me" that to me are a bit of a reach I'm just not going to listen to those. Still, I think it deserves to be put in the great category I think there are a lot of standout tracks and I think the project is largely cohesive. 8/10

By : Patrick Griffin II

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