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 Uzi Vert
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
Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry
Nearly four years after dropping what may have been the year’s most celebrated rap album in Daytona, Pusha T’s inimitable rap voice and unstoppable pen have returned alongside some absolute legends. I’ve long been of the opinion that you can say the same thing about Pusha T as many people say about pizza – even … Continue reading Pusha T – It’s Almost Dry
iann dior – on to better things
After scoring one of the biggest hits in recent memory with his feature (though arguably carrying the song) on 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” emo-rap star iann dior pushes things even further than before from his hip-hop roots into the pop-punk scene. While this might have been a more exciting move when his more innovative peers were riding … Continue reading iann dior – on to better things
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
Trippie Redd – Trip At Knight
Returning once again with what is now his seventh project to hit the top 5 on Billboard’s albums chart since summer of 2018, emo-trap and cloud rap superstar Trippie Redd drops his second project of the year with Trip at Knight. Although promoted as a sequel to his 2018 debut album, Life’s A Trip, Redd … Continue reading Trippie Redd – Trip At Knight
Isaiah Rashad – The House Is Burning
Regardless of the mountain of complaints seemingly levied against the label every day for taking their sweet time to get releases out to the world, the artists of Top Dawg Entertainment almost always seem to go above and beyond expectations when it comes to the public’s interest – one of the lesser-known names in Isaiah … Continue reading Isaiah Rashad – The House Is Burning
Tyler, The Creator – CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
Tyler, the Creator is on a truly impressive run. Ever since breaking out of his dark and edgy phase with the triumphant Flower Boy, taking a more introspective look into his personality quirks and motivations for being the way he is over a summery jazz-rap backdrop, Tyler’s artistry in all facets from his production to … Continue reading Tyler, The Creator – CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST
Young Thug & YSL Records – Slime Language 2
Never taking a break for a second, YSL Records label boss Young Thug has once again assembled the entire gang for a compilation project that stretches well past an hour in length. The sequel to the label’s first team-up back in 2018, Thug promotes his most dedicated protégé in Gunna to top billing, appearing on … Continue reading Young Thug & YSL Records – Slime Language 2
Future & Lil Uzi Vert – Pluto x Baby Pluto
Two of rap’s biggest similarly-nicknamed superstars have elected to team up for what just might be the laziest big-name rap collab project yet. Ever since these collaboration albums became a rising trend a couple years ago, the most enjoyable ones have always been a result of two rappers with different styles playing off of their … Continue reading Future & Lil Uzi Vert – Pluto x Baby Pluto
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 