A decade and 16(!) projects into his career, Future’s influence cannot be disputed. It also means there’s nothing left for him to prove, as most of his recent output has been truly hit or miss, sounding at times like Future is on auto-pilot in the studio. Case in point – his last solo project High … Continue reading Future – I NEVER LIKED YOU
Trap
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
Tee Grizzley – Half Tee Half Beast
Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley continues his speedy release pace and manages to drop his latest mixtape in a rather quiet release week in the calm before the storm – as quite a few high-profile projects are on the horizon. Known for his alignment with the old-school leaning and hard-hitting style that dominates his city’s sound, … Continue reading Tee Grizzley – Half Tee Half Beast
Kodak Black – Back For Everything
After revitalizing his career with what might be his best single yet – oddly tacked onto the back half of a compilation project, but now appearing here – Florida rapper Kodak Black rebounds back to relevance as “Super Gremlin” knocks on the door of becoming the biggest single in the world. While Kodak’s highly nasal … Continue reading Kodak Black – Back For Everything
Yeat – 2 Alivë
Early last year, it seemed as if Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty had been elevated to the top of the charts out of nowhere – save for having seen buzz around his name a couple times online. Scoring a top 5 debut with what is only his second studio album, although he has been highly prolific … Continue reading Yeat – 2 Alivë
2 Chainz – Dope Don’t Sell Itself
A decade after his classic debut, Based On A T.R.U. Story, the veteran MC and one of rap’s funniest people has released his third album in just under three years. Loaded with features and without much of the surprisingly poignant social commentary he has tested the waters of on his last couple of projects, 2 … Continue reading 2 Chainz – Dope Don’t Sell Itself
NLE Choppa – Me vs. Me
After hitting the top 10 on the albums chart for the first time with 2020’s Top Shotta, 19-year-old NLE Choppa returns with the 2nd full-length project to fully capture the attention of hip-hop listeners. Heralded for his raw aggression and visceral power behind his lyrics, Choppa’s bars often feel more like an impassioned rant than … Continue reading NLE Choppa – Me vs. Me
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
Gunna – DS4EVER
In my review of Gunna’s last project, I called him the member of his class of uninspired and formulaic trap stars that showed the most promise and potential. With his latest release, he’s seen fit to prove me wrong in extreme fashion – but not dramatic fashion, because DS4EVER might be one of the sleepiest … Continue reading Gunna – DS4EVER
Roddy Ricch – LIVE LIFE FAST
After exploding overnight to kick off 2020 with a bevy of big hits, Roddy Ricch is trying to do the same again with another late-year drop two years later. While his debut was so widely celebrated that it generated a meme about having “no skips,” Ricch’s status has seemingly dimmed a bit since then after … Continue reading Roddy Ricch – LIVE LIFE FAST
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 