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
Lil Baby
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
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
2 Chainz – Dope Don’t Sell Itself
A decade after his classic debut, Based On A T.R.U. Story, the veteran MC and one of rap’s funniest people has released his third album in just under three years. Loaded with features and without much of the surprisingly poignant social commentary he has tested the waters of on his last couple of projects, 2 … Continue reading 2 Chainz – Dope Don’t Sell Itself
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
Polo G – Hall of Fame 2.0
After topping the charts for the first time last summer with Hall of Fame, Chicago rapper Polo G returns once again with a sequel to the project that elevated him to the level of today’s hip-hop elite. As far as trendy trap stars go, Polo G is often one of the finest, sometimes shifting into … Continue reading Polo G – Hall of Fame 2.0
Meek Mill – Expensive Pain
After taking an uncharacteristically lengthy three-year break, Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill returns with his fifth studio album – although, not much has changed in the interim. Meek has one of the game’s most reliable and instantly recognizable skillsets in that electrifying and piercing yelp of a vocal delivery, capable of elevating any uptempo trap banger … Continue reading Meek Mill – Expensive Pain
Drake – Certified Lover Boy
Although there has been no shortage of content from the man they call The 6 God in the interim, Drake hasn’t actually released a proper full-length studio album in over three years — the longest gap of his entire career thus far. After a couple lengthy delays, anticipation for Certified Lover Boy was at a … Continue reading Drake – Certified Lover Boy
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 