Travis Scott’s third album, ASTROWORLD, firmly cements himself in the pantheon of today’s rap superstars with a project where he does everything expected of him and then adds a little more creative flair on top. Of course, nobody is looking to Scott for a work of art, and he delivers fully on a fun and … Continue reading Travis Scott – ASTROWORLD
Frank Ocean
BensBeat Top 50 Songs of 2017
2017 saw a lot of music spin in a political direction, and while we didn't necessarily receive the high-concept masterpiece I'd been waiting for after last year's Lemonade and Blonde, we still bore witness to a lot of pretty incredible firsts. Here are my top 50 songs that got us through the tumultuous year: Honourable Mentions: Charli XCX … Continue reading BensBeat Top 50 Songs of 2017
Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy
Former Odd Future member and horrorcore shock rapper Tyler, the Creator's fourth studio album Flower Boy certainly made a splash upon arrival. In the wake of the lukewarm reception to his previous project, 2015's Cherry Bomb, Flower Boy sees Tyler's first attempt to show a different side of himself, contrasting the boisterous and offensive persona he has presented in … Continue reading Tyler, the Creator – Flower Boy
Jay-Z – 4:44
Decade-spanning rap superstar and one of the most successful musicians in history both critically and commercially, Jay-Z, releases his thirteenth studio album 4:44 as a response of sorts to wife Beyonce's recent juggernaut Lemonade. After the fears that Jay-Z was losing his edge sprung forth after the uneven and disappointing Magna Carta Holy Grail 4 years ago, as the … Continue reading Jay-Z – 4:44
Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Versatile DJ and frequent hitmaker Calvin Harris’ 5th studio album is a reinvention of sorts. While he has frequently incorporated some aspects of funk and hip-hop into his music in the past, he has never attempted to make this much of a fully-focused and cohesive project. Harris abandons the formulaic dance drops here, instead turning … Continue reading Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
BensBeat Top 25 albums of 2016
2016 was absolutely stacked with high-profile album releases. Somehow, it seems like everyone who matters managed to drop an album, and here are the best of the best: Honourable mentions: A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here ... Thank You 4 Your Service DJ Khaled - Major Key DJ Snake - Encore … Continue reading BensBeat Top 25 albums of 2016
BensBeat Top 50 songs of 2016
Despite the quality of the year itself, 2016 has been one of the best years of music I've ever seen. The next two posts are going to be dedicated to counting down the best of the best, starting with the Top 50 songs of the year. I'm aware that Run The Jewels just dropped an … Continue reading BensBeat Top 50 songs of 2016
Frank Ocean – Blonde
After an agonizing 4 year wait, visionary artist Frank Ocean has released Blonde, as well as an accompanying visual album Endless, and reveals that the wait was certainly worth it. It is difficult to approach such a sprawling work in the context of a review, because there are so many different interlocking aspects and allusions that the … Continue reading Frank Ocean – Blonde
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