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
Future
Metro Boomin – HEROES & VILLAINS
Now nearly a decade since first rising to fame and becoming one of the most influential figures in shaping the trap music takeover of the years since, the original trap maestro is one of the only people left continuing to innovate with the genre – something that he continues to show on his solo and … Continue reading Metro Boomin – HEROES & VILLAINS
NAV – Demons Protected By Angels
After a lengthy break – by his standards – of nearly two years, it seems like the ongoing criticism of NAV’s work might have finally gotten to him. He’s long been thought of as a wallpaper musician coasting off of the fame of his more popular labelmates, but on his fourth studio album, NAV actually … Continue reading NAV – Demons Protected By Angels
DJ Khaled – GOD DID
When faced with the prospect of a new DJ Khaled album, one of the more interesting recurring comments online was the fact that nobody truly wants to listen to it – but as a hip-hop fan, you have an obligation to, simply because of the staggering array of talent that the media mogul is able … Continue reading DJ Khaled – GOD DID
Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine
Continuing an impressive release pace, the woman known as the Houston Hottie has been gifting fans with mixtapes, studio albums and extras with at least a yearly project since exploding onto the mainstream hip-hop scene back in 2019 with her Fever mixtape. Racking up the awards and accolades in the meantime, Megan has set out … Continue reading Megan Thee Stallion – Traumazine
Future – I NEVER LIKED YOU
A decade and 16(!) projects into his career, Future’s influence cannot be disputed. It also means there’s nothing left for him to prove, as most of his recent output has been truly hit or miss, sounding at times like Future is on auto-pilot in the studio. Case in point – his last solo project High … Continue reading Future – I NEVER LIKED YOU
Lil Durk – 7220
Continuing the same kind of impressive release pace that allowed him to revitalize his career at a later age than most rappers break onto the scene, Chicago’s own Lil Durk’s latest project has materialized only a week after the first posthumous album by his close friend King Von, a major presence on Durk’s last solo … Continue reading Lil Durk – 7220
Gunna – DS4EVER
In my review of Gunna’s last project, I called him the member of his class of uninspired and formulaic trap stars that showed the most promise and potential. With his latest release, he’s seen fit to prove me wrong in extreme fashion – but not dramatic fashion, because DS4EVER might be one of the sleepiest … Continue reading Gunna – DS4EVER
Roddy Ricch – LIVE LIFE FAST
After exploding overnight to kick off 2020 with a bevy of big hits, Roddy Ricch is trying to do the same again with another late-year drop two years later. While his debut was so widely celebrated that it generated a meme about having “no skips,” Ricch’s status has seemingly dimmed a bit since then after … Continue reading Roddy Ricch – LIVE LIFE FAST
Rick Ross – Richer Than I Ever Been
15 years and 11 albums into his career, there’s not a lot that Rick Ross can do anymore that’s going to be new or surprising. Still, he’s arguably built up one of hip-hop’s strongest and most reliable brands, and he delivers more of what people are expecting on his latest project. With a litany of … Continue reading Rick Ross – Richer Than I Ever Been
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 