2 Chainz - Trapavelli Tre
The Atlanta figurehead has always struggled with producing full length projects, and Trapavelli Tre is proof that 2 Chainz may need to stick to killing features. The magic is nowhere present on this mixtape, and the result is a lackluster project with no memorable content. The mixtape is simply empty.
Warren G - Regulate....G Funk Era Pt. 2
This project is so funky, no pun intended. It just kind of makes you want to get up and crip walk. But this project is refreshing. Warren G doesn’t compromise his sound for 2015, and this EP succeeds because of that. The material still feels brand new while still reminding you of when G-Funk was really popping. Regardless, the features help build upon the nostalgic vibes of the project, making it a very interesting project.
Method Man - The Meth Lab
Method Man may be the new Dr. Dre. In all seriousness though, there’s only 1 full song where the Meth Man is the only man present. That be said, it’s a great collaborative album and a decent Method Man album. There’s nothing to complain about the album in actuality. The production matches his sound, but it is still progressive and sounds modern. The lyricism is incredible; the rhymes on this album will probably be the hardest you hear all year. Yet, there is some life missing from the album which makes it seem flat. The “emotional” songs don’t connect, even with profound lyricism. The album is much like Ghostface’s: incredible, but probably a one-listen endeavor.
Chief Keef - Bang 3
This album is an impressive effort from the Chicago rapper. Keef’s potential is crazy, and it’s exciting to hear him try new things. From the start of the album, it’s obvious that he isn’t ditching his style for mainstream appeal; he’s simply refining it. Autotune is abundant on this album, but what do you expect from Sosa? The songs are catchy, but for every hit there is a noticeable miss. The negatives don’t overpower the positives, although the project could use some quality control. The features are unexpected (A$AP Rocky & Mac Miller) and show Chief Keef’s versatility when it comes to collaborating. Moments like “Ain’t Missing You” make me admire him for balancing the perfect amount of experimentation with his usual material. The biggest miss was the album’s closer, which was not strong enough to close Bang 3. As a whole, the album is somewhat redundant and a snooze at times, but it is a great step in the right direction of Keith Cozart.