It’s a little unfortunate that Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs had to stir up so much online drama in the last few months in order for his latest project to sell well above his usual projections – he repeatedly proves that he deserves to be in this spot without all of the surrounding silliness, and $oul … Continue reading Freddie Gibbs – $oul $old $eparately
Pusha T
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
Pop Smoke – Faith
Only just over a year after the first and around two years after his death, New York drill rapper Pop Smoke’s second posthumous album has been released. But to be honest, it feels truly strange to call it “Pop Smoke’s album.” Pop’s label is seemingly taking the same path as those in charge of fellow … Continue reading Pop Smoke – Faith
BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2018
Here are the absolute best of the best full bodies of work in the chaotic year that was 2018. Happy new year! Honourable Mentions: 21 Savage - I Am > I Was The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships Camila Cabello - Camila The Carters - EVERYTHING IS LOVE Hayley Kiyoko - Expectations The … Continue reading BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2018
BensBeat Top 50 Songs of 2018
Music in 2018 can be mostly defined by the continued rise in prominence of hip-hop, taking over from rock as the most listened to genre for the first time. As both a rather limitless, rule-free form creatively and a way to express protest, almost every genre drew elements from hip-hop this year. We also got … Continue reading BensBeat Top 50 Songs of 2018
Rapid Fire Reviews (Anderson .Paak, 6ix9ine, Mariah Carey)
Anderson .Paak - Oxnard Anderson .Paak’s highly anticipated third studio album Oxnard, executive produced by Dr. Dre himself, sees the James Brown-esque rising funk star continue to exude charisma and mic presence like no other, even if his style is a little less immediately unique and personal. Dre spins the album more towards his own … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Anderson .Paak, 6ix9ine, Mariah Carey)
Kids See Ghosts – Kids See Ghosts
Now that I've finally caught back up to the present with these reviews, I'll be returning to the original, longer format and hopefully returning to a consistent release schedule starting next week. Jorja Smith review coming shortly, then back to Tuesday/Thursday or something similar. I'm also going to be back on Instagram, follow me at bensbeatmusic! Here are … Continue reading Kids See Ghosts – Kids See Ghosts
Rapid Fire Reviews (James Bay, BTS, Pusha T)
James Bay - Electric Light James Bay completely revamps his image on sophomore album Electric Light, linking up with Adele producer Paul Epworth to take his music in a much poppier direction, while still maintaining the soulful, almost gospel-influenced delivery that lent itself well to his stirring rock ballads. The transition isn’t always seamless, the album … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (James Bay, BTS, Pusha T)
Linkin Park – One More Light
Legendary nu-metal trailblazers and one of the best-selling acts of all time, Linkin Park, release their seventh studio album and somehow manage to throw aside all the aspects that drew people to their music in one fell swoop. One More Light is a pop album through and through, as the band trades in their guitars for … Continue reading Linkin Park – One More Light
Gorillaz – Humanz
Virtual band Gorillaz, the brainchild of Blur frontman Damon Albarn and comic book artist Jamie Hewlett, return with their highly-anticipated album Humanz, which features an impressive list of guests and stands as their first full-length studio album since 2011. The future of the band seemed rocky up to this point and Hewlett made his displeasure known … Continue reading Gorillaz – Humanz
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 