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
Rick Ross
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
Blxst – Before You Go
West coast rapper and singer Blxst has already scored a couple of hits and worked alongside some iconic figures like Nas, Snoop Dogg and E-40 before putting out his debut album. Essentially going full R&B, Blxst leans more than ever towards his soulful tones and beachside vibe as he runs through a series of tracks … Continue reading Blxst – Before You Go
Rick Ross – Richer Than I Ever Been
15 years and 11 albums into his career, there’s not a lot that Rick Ross can do anymore that’s going to be new or surprising. Still, he’s arguably built up one of hip-hop’s strongest and most reliable brands, and he delivers more of what people are expecting on his latest project. With a litany of … Continue reading Rick Ross – Richer Than I Ever Been
Wale – Folarin II
Entering hip-hop veteran status and his popularity somewhat dimmed from his mid-2010s peak, Maybach Music rapper Wale has continued to impress with his technical abilities and assertive, straightforward delivery. Returning with the sequel to a breakout 2012 mixtape, now getting full album treatment, Folarin II is Wale’s seventh studio album, mostly continuing down the same … Continue reading Wale – Folarin II
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
Teyana Taylor – The Album
After label disputes with Kanye West and his GOOD Music crew that led to the release of an 8-track album in line with his series of brief “Wyoming Sessions” projects, Teyana Taylor has returned with nearly 80 minutes of music. Titled simply The Album, as it is meant to reflect her original vision, Taylor recruits … Continue reading Teyana Taylor – The Album
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 