Mick Jenkins - Wave[s]
Back with more water, Mick Jenkins is yet another artist to switch it up on their latest release. Jenkins’s unavoidable allegory of water is present on this project as well, but he ditches the hard raps for some music you can dance to. I wasn’t a fan of his previous style, and truthfully, I’m not really feeling this one either. Wave[s] sounds like it was influenced by Johnny Polygon, and that’s awesome if you’re into that kind of thing. However, the project doesn’t sound authentic coming from the Chicago emcee when he is experimenting with the new sound. Then to completely mess with your mind, he closes the album with “Perception (feat. The Mind),” and that concept really gets you thinking. Even with mood music, Mick Jenkins gets you to drink more water.
Lil B & Chance The Rapper - Free Based Freestyles
This project could arguably be a jewel or a piece of trash, but that depends on your vantage point. To play the devil’s advocate, the project is actually pretty annoying, the bars aren’t strong, and it has not replay value. The project is weak for both of the artists. Lil B has had stronger material (peep tracks from his 105-track mixtape, 05 Fuck Em’), and obviously so has Chance. However, the project is definitely original, fun, and it sends a positive message in every song. I hated it the first time, analyzing it from a technical standpoint. The concept of recording a mixtape straight through, solely by freestyling that is, is admirable and pretty awesome. It even features the reclusive Noname Gypsy. When revisiting it, I found some joy just by experiencing it. The tape itself is an experience, which makes up for the somewhat weak material.
Key! - Screaming Dreams EP
This 5-track EP finds Key in a weird position. The style he portrays is not one of his own, but don’t confuse that with experimentation. A majority of the EP feels like a cheap imitation of Chief Keef. It works for Keith Cozart, but it doesn’t feel right coming from Key. The last two songs are the only moments on the EP where he actually sounds like himself. Unique ideas are present in the last part of the project as well, but they don’t make up for the sloppiness of the first half. As a whole, the project is mediocre and admittedly boring, especially since it doesn’t properly showcase Key’s charisma and sound.
Father - Papicodone EP
With another EP, Father travels in yet another direction musically. Papicodone is not structed; it’s very loose and atmospheric. Although the project doesn’t have an actual flow to it, it isn’t a messy listening experience; it’s king of free-flowing. Lyrically, there isn’t anything impressive about the EP. Perhaps not the catchy lyricist that he appeared to be, Father still has some outlandish things to say regardless. Prime example: Please Stop Rocking Fake Versace. Take it how you want, but Father may be onto something, fashion-wise and music-wise.
Hip-Hop Reviews
from Roshua Jobinson