In what might be the ultimate exercise in “be careful what you wish for,” stadium-sized Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris’ long-awaited sequel to the soundtrack of Summer 2017 has arrived, even after Harris himself was adamant that he wouldn’t make another one. Still holding up as an ideal summer playlist five years later, the … Continue reading Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2
Pharrell
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
Rapid Fire Reviews (Gesaffelstein, Flume, Solange)
Gesaffelstein - Hyperion Endlessly experimental electronic producer Gesaffelstein tones down the weirdness a little with some more accessible instrumentals and big-name pop collabs for his second full-length project, Hyperion. Gesaffelstein was a major contributor to Kanye West’s Yeezus, the minimalist and industrial sound of which is currently everywhere you look in the world of pop … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Gesaffelstein, Flume, Solange)
Maggie Rogers – Heard It In A Past Life
Soulful indie-pop singer-songwriter Maggie Rogers has been selling out concert venues before she even released this debut project. After gaining wider attention through a viral video in which Pharrell Williams nearly started crying when he heard the then-unknown NYU music student’s early demo of “Alaska”, Heard It In A Past Life has been in the … Continue reading Maggie Rogers – Heard It In A Past Life
Ariana Grande – Sweetener
Virtuosic R&B-pop princess Ariana Grande’s 4th studio album, Sweetener, might not be her best work yet - but it’s certainly her riskiest and most groundbreaking. With production shared between the omnipresent Pharrell Williams and old friends Max Martin and Tommy Brown, who we haven’t seen since her soulful debut, it’s the work of the former … Continue reading Ariana Grande – Sweetener
The Carters – EVERYTHING IS LOVE
Global superstar and woman of many talents Beyonce goes the route of surprise drop with no promotion once again, linking up with her famous husband Jay-Z to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the narrative of their familial drama outlined on respective projects Lemonade and 4:44. While EVERYTHING IS LOVE doesn’t quite measure up to either … Continue reading The Carters – EVERYTHING IS LOVE
Rapid Fire Reviews (Rae Sremmurd, Charlie Puth, Playboi Carti)
Rae Sremmurd - SR3MM/Swaecation/Jxmtro Brotherly hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd embrace their inner OutKast on the third in their Sremmlife album series, branching out and turning into a sprawling triple disc edition that allows a full album for each member to shine individually. Rae Sremmurd’s youthful, jubilant cloud-rap sound is often a joy to listen to, … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Rae Sremmurd, Charlie Puth, Playboi Carti)
Migos – Culture II
Atlanta rap trio Migos return with the sequel to the album that catapulted them to superstardom, which extends to a gargantuan hour and 45 minutes in length and recruits some high-profile guests as they flex their newfound muscles in the industry in the way only they can. While the project is very excessive, not varying … Continue reading Migos – Culture II
Rapid Fire Reviews (Eminem, N.E.R.D., Charli XCX)
We've finally reached the last review post of the year, which means it's time for Year-End Lists! My top 50 songs and top 25 albums of the year should be out before the new year, stay tuned. Eminem - Revival Best-selling hip-hop artist of all time Eminem returns after a 4-year break with his ninth … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Eminem, N.E.R.D., Charli XCX)
Vic Mensa – The Autobiography
Chicago rapper Vic Mensa's debut album has been in the works for a very long time. With the incredible 2013 mixtape INNANETAPE and EP There's Alot Going On under his belt, The Autobiography is finally being delivered to us in the wake of many problems in Mensa's life. The introspective lyricist was seemingly lost for a while, releasing subpar … Continue reading Vic Mensa – The Autobiography
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 