For all the media frenzy surrounding his name as of late, it was still surprising that Machine Gun Kelly’s first full-length foray into pop-punk on Tickets to My Downfall was somewhat competent, transforming the genre’s resurgence into the cultural conversation into a full-on, Travis Barker-backed movement with its chart success. But when you’re doing a … Continue reading Machine Gun Kelly – mainstream sellout
Lil Wayne
Cordae – From A Birds Eye View
When I saw Cordae in concert touring his last project years ago, it was already clear that he had massive ambitions. In a critical moment, he predicted that the next time he arrives in the city, he’d be playing at its biggest stadium. While Cordae might not quite be there yet, his profile has still … Continue reading Cordae – From A Birds Eye View
The Weeknd – Dawn FM
You have to imagine that one of the most common questions The Weeknd gets is about why he dies so much – often graphically – throughout his music videos and album concepts. On the Toronto R&B/pop icon’s fifth full-length album, he takes his morbid curiosity to an entirely new level – but as it turns out, … Continue reading The Weeknd – Dawn FM
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
Polo G – Hall of Fame
Chicago rapper Polo G’s latest project, Hall of Fame, seems aptly titled – after his single “RAPSTAR” scored a number one debut earlier in the year and stream counts continue to rise into the hundreds of millions, it feels like a project meant to fully establish himself as one of current hip-hop’s biggest stars. The album … Continue reading Polo G – Hall of Fame
DMX – Exodus
Continuing the somewhat concerning trend of releasing whatever a hip-hop artist was working on mere months after their death, turn-of-the-century NYC rap legend DMX now has a posthumous – and hopefully final – release after passing away only two months ago at the age of 50. Spearheaded by frequent collaborator and longtime close friend of … Continue reading DMX – Exodus
Lil Wayne – Funeral
Man, it used to be a much bigger deal if Lil Wayne and Eminem were to release albums in the same month. Regardless, one of the most influential figures on the modern rap landscape has returned – despite being a couple years older than the age at which he threatened retirement – with his first … Continue reading Lil Wayne – Funeral
Rapid Fire Reviews (Offset, Lil Pump, Hozier)
Offset - FATHER OF 4 The third and final member of the ultra-popular rap trio Migos to release their own solo project as we wait for Culture III, Offset actually takes the opportunity to do something you don’t often see the group doing: opening up and getting emotional. The album delayed due to relationship drama … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Offset, Lil Pump, Hozier)
Future/Juice WRLD – WRLD On Drugs
In yet another of the recent long line of surprise hip-hop collaboration projects, prolific Atlanta superstar Future teams up with the 19-year old upstart emo-rap artist Juice WRLD, who recently has a huge hit on his hands with “Lucid Dreams”. I often say that the best hip-hop collab projects are the ones that are the … Continue reading Future/Juice WRLD – WRLD On Drugs
Lil Wayne – Tha Carter V
Seven years after the previous installment in the series, after endless delays and contract disputes Tha Carter V is finally here. Its undeniable that Lil Wayne is one of the most influential rappers on the modern era of hip-hop, his specific cadence, punchlines and ventures into rock music seen in the wave of both Soundcloud … Continue reading Lil Wayne – Tha Carter V
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 