Detroit rapper and GOOD Music affiliate Big Sean has never been away from the game for this long, but the time off has evidently given him quite a bit to talk about. With his fifth studio album, a sequel to an early 2012 mixtape that had a huge part in putting him on the map, … Continue reading Big Sean – Detroit 2
Anderson .Paak
Nas – King’s Disease
Legendary New York City rapper Nas has returned with his first full-length album since 2012’s Life Is Good, with a brief 7-track project produced by Kanye West in the middle that many argued was actually the weakest of West’s five projects of summer 2018. On King’s Disease, he trades in West’s production for the reliable … Continue reading Nas – King’s Disease
BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2019
Another decade of music comes to a close, and here are the greatest full-length projects this year had to offer. Happy New Year! Honourable Mentions: Cage The Elephant - Social Cues Cashmere Cat - PRINCESS CATGIRL EARTHGANG - Mirrorland Harry Styles - Fine Line James Blake - Assume Form Kaytranada - BUBBA King Princess - … Continue reading BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2019
Bensbeat Top 50 Songs of 2019
While 2019 might have been missing the star-studded releases seemingly every week that last year provided, we witnessed the rise of quite a few promising rising stars, as well as some of the decade's biggest trends being stretched to their breaking point. The 2020s should be an exciting time full of new sounds. Hip-hop took … Continue reading Bensbeat Top 50 Songs of 2019
Rapid Fire Reviews (Anderson .Paak, Sara Bareilles, Khalid)
Anderson .Paak - Ventura Only 5 months after his rap-heavy third studio album Oxnard, which kept a high level of quality but ultimately disappointed some fans searching for the feel-good charisma that coloured his breakout project Malibu, Anderson .Paak returns with the soul-based companion piece. Thank goodness he did. The singer, rapper and BEST teeth … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Anderson .Paak, Sara Bareilles, Khalid)
Rapid Fire Reviews (Anderson .Paak, 6ix9ine, Mariah Carey)
Anderson .Paak - Oxnard Anderson .Paak’s highly anticipated third studio album Oxnard, executive produced by Dr. Dre himself, sees the James Brown-esque rising funk star continue to exude charisma and mic presence like no other, even if his style is a little less immediately unique and personal. Dre spins the album more towards his own … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Anderson .Paak, 6ix9ine, Mariah Carey)
NxWorries (Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak) – Yes Lawd!
Quickly rising funk sensation Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge, known for his jazz and soul-sampling beats, combined their talents on this 19 track album that never feels like it overstays its welcome. Often hilarious, the album captures the era of 60s and 70s soul music in a way no other modern artists have been, continuing … Continue reading NxWorries (Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak) – Yes Lawd!
Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine
Mac Miller takes a complete sonic left turn on this project. He abandons the goofy frat-rap which cluttered many of his past releases for a take on smooth and romantic hip-hop music, taking more of an influence from alternative R&B and jazz. Miller actually showcases his singing voice for the first time on many songs on … Continue reading Mac Miller – The Divine Feminine
