The path to R&B artist Brent Faiyaz being able to score a six-figure first week debut while still being an independent artist is rather impressive – taking his time between studio albums after dropping his debut back in 2017, Faiyaz has been steadily building a dedicated fanbase through a series of EPs and featuring alongside … Continue reading Brent Faiyaz – WASTELAND
Tyler The Creator
Rex Orange County – WHO CARES?
For someone who was once dubbed “The Internet’s new favourite sad boy” after rising to prominence overnight following heavy contributions to Tyler, the Creator’s Flower Boy album, Rex Orange County’s latest project is exceptionally positive and uplifting. While the British indie-pop singer wastes no time diving into some of his usual topics of depression, imposter syndrome and crushing … Continue reading Rex Orange County – WHO CARES?
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
BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2021
Finally, here are the best full-length projects this year had to offer. As the album format continues to valiantly fight onwards against a seemingly impending demise, many of the most innovative artists used the form to tell striking stories from front to back, flip the structure upside down, or simply load it up with the … Continue reading BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2021
BensBeat Top 50 Songs of 2021
A sentiment I've seen crop up a couple times as year-end lists are published is that the year 2021 had such a consistent stream of great music, it was difficult to really sit with and connect to the best material like in years past before the next great thing came along. It's a strangely agreeable … Continue reading BensBeat Top 50 Songs of 2021
Snoh Aalegra – TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES
One of the music industry’s most obvious masters at the game of making connections, Swedish R&B singer Snoh Aalegra has been steadily growing her profile for years, delivering standout features with artists like dvsn, Giveon and Alicia Keys and finally being signed to Roc Nation just last year – not to mention being praised extensively … Continue reading Snoh Aalegra – TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES
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
Lil Yachty – Lil Boat 3
There was once a time when it seemed like Lil Yachty was one of the most exciting and disruptive up-and-coming forces in hip-hop music, his endearingly haphazard approach destined to become a highly influential movement. Passed over by a couple of his contemporaries and other subgenres rising to the top, Yachty has seemed a little … Continue reading Lil Yachty – Lil Boat 3
BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2019
Another decade of music comes to a close, and here are the greatest full-length projects this year had to offer. Happy New Year! Honourable Mentions: Cage The Elephant - Social Cues Cashmere Cat - PRINCESS CATGIRL EARTHGANG - Mirrorland Harry Styles - Fine Line James Blake - Assume Form Kaytranada - BUBBA King Princess - … Continue reading BensBeat Top 25 Albums of 2019
Bensbeat Top 50 Songs of 2019
While 2019 might have been missing the star-studded releases seemingly every week that last year provided, we witnessed the rise of quite a few promising rising stars, as well as some of the decade's biggest trends being stretched to their breaking point. The 2020s should be an exciting time full of new sounds. Hip-hop took … Continue reading Bensbeat Top 50 Songs of 2019
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