Well, one thing’s for sure – Let’s Start Here. is a pretty appropriate title for this latest project from Lil Yachty. The once-groundbreaking rapper who had scores of imitators when he broke through with his warbly brand of melodic trap has been struggling artistically for years, never quite reaching the heights of projects like the … Continue reading Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.
Hip Hop/Rap Reviews
Trippie Redd – MANSION MUSIK
In truly unusual fashion, Trippie Redd didn’t release any full projects in the year 2022. Returning with the new year’s first hit album, the prolific rapper isn’t changing things up too much – though it’s certainly a step in the right direction after his completely intolerable Trip At Knight project capitalizing off of the burgeoning … Continue reading Trippie Redd – MANSION MUSIK
Little Simz – NO THANK YOU
Fifteen short months after her critically acclaimed smash hit Sometimes I Might Be Introvert topped countless year-end lists, UK rapper Little Simz continues her hot streak with a holiday-season surprise drop – and while it might be a sacrilegious position to take online, dare I say, it might be even better than Introvert. Simz injects … Continue reading Little Simz – NO THANK YOU
RM – Indigo
Despite his reputation as the leader of the group, BTS’ RM was nearly the last of the K-pop juggernaut’s roster to chart when it came to their solo music. Now that the group is going on hiatus due to their military service, we’ve seen a couple solo outings in rapid succession – but none with … Continue reading RM – Indigo
BROCKHAMPTON – The Family / TM
After quite a few drama-filled years where it looked like the end was coming soon, it finally looks like alternative rap collective BROCKHAMPTON is done for good this time. Announcing a final album at what was dubbed their last show at Coachella 2022, something a little bit different happened – proving once again that you … Continue reading BROCKHAMPTON – The Family / TM
Nas – King’s Disease III
The partnership between legendary rapper Nas and producer Hit-Boy just keeps on giving. Now with their fourth collaborative project since dropping the original, Grammy-winning instalment of King’s Disease back in August 2020, Nas’ career resurgence has been astonishing to behold as he firmly cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Still, after King’s … Continue reading Nas – King’s Disease III
Smino – Luv 4 Rent
A longtime associate of quite a few beloved indie rappers like JID, Saba and Noname, St. Louis artist Smino’s steady critical acclaim has been building him a wider audience as time goes on. Now on his third studio album, Luv 4 Rent has elevated his streaming numbers to a new level as he continues to … Continue reading Smino – Luv 4 Rent
Lil Baby – It’s Only Me
There are always online debates raging about which four faces belong on the hip-hop Mount Rushmore for any given genre or era. The cover art of Lil Baby’s latest depicts himself occupying all four slots. With just how meteoric his rise has been over the last couple years, from a popularity standpoint, it’s hard to … Continue reading Lil Baby – It’s Only Me
Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built For Infinity Links
Four years after the last Migos split that heralded solo albums like Quavo Huncho and The Last Rocket and only a little more than a year past the trio’s Culture III, a lengthy list of inter-group conflicts and drama has led us to Only Built for Infinity Links, a team-up between Quavo and his nephew … Continue reading Quavo & Takeoff – Only Built For Infinity Links
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 