J . Cole : 4 Your Eyez Only - Letting go of the need to be popular is what has ironically propelled Cole ’ s popularity to superstar status . His previous album , 2014 Forest Hills Drive , is where Cole began to employ this new-found philosophy and that album is basically his autobiography in rap form as well as his most successful album to date , which really puts the pressure on his follow up to be just as if not more , great . Cole dropped 4 Your Eyez Only exactly two years after his previous album . In this album , Cole touches on topics he doesn ’ t too often discuss in his music , such as mortality , the existence of God and whether or not one exist , fatherhood – his way of telling the world he has a daughter , and for once , instead of the absence of feeling love which he used to obsess over , he is Cole is excited to tell anyone who listens how happy he is to have found love … he made a song called “ Foldin ’ Clothes ,” which is indeed about folding clothes . 4 Your Eyez Only is a sad album . After my first listen I was thinking “ Is Cole dying !?”. After more listens , it became evident that Cole isn ’ t telling his story , well not only his story . He ’ s telling the story of his friend ( whose name is James I think ) who is now dead . Cole and his friend ’ s life parallel ’ s so well , but juxtaposes each other just well enough to both be depicted through the same narrative ; in a way , his friend ’ s life is what Cole ’ s life could ’ ve been if he made a few different choices , and vice versa . Think about that , that level of intricate and detailed writing is incredibly difficult for many famed Hollywood writers to pull off . Apart from that , the last record is deep . The type of deep that requires you to listen with your eyes closed . 4 Your Eyez Only . Is it a classic ? It is too early to tell , but I ’ d venture to guess that it is very possible . I ’ d put my money on it , would you ?
TP
Common : Black America Again – I am in love with this jazzy , classic hiphop , ode to blackness that this legend blessed us with . Protest art at it ’ s finest , Common ’ s poetically enticing lyrics promote wokeness in the chillest way possible . Each track is informative , moving , and full of substance but not overbearing at all . Unlike other conscious music of this year , Common didn ’ t hide his message behind entertainment and because of that this project stands out . He was raw and effective . Not many artists can pull this off and he does so eloquently . The musicianship in each track also adds to this eloquence . This was a project much needed given how hectic 2016 has been . Common has presented himself as the voice of the people and I truly appreciate what he ’ s doing . This is a most definitely a must listen .
KW
Nessly : Solo Boy Band – Atlanta auto-crooner Nessly gave us a treat this quarter with Solo Boy Band . While the enigmatic title isn ’ t heavily discussed on the mixtape , Nessly does send listeners on a journey . From the weird but compelling intro to a surprisingly conscious outro , Solo Boy Band adds character to a trend that many would instantly write off . Nessly likes auto tune , and it definitely works for him . However , my only gripe about this project is that the sound is too reminiscent of Travis Scott and Nav . I understand that Nessly still hasn ’ t fully settled into a style , so that is completely understandable . Nessly ’ s Solo Boy Band is a treat and a worthy addition to 2016 ..
RJ
Lloyd : Tru EP – I was surprised to hear that Lloyd released some new music . I think this EP was a good comeback for him . My favorite songs are “ Tru ” and “ Hevenly Body ”. I really enjoyed the familiarity of his singing , it ’ s been a while . I think that him releasing just five songs was a good idea for I took it as only a sample of what is to come . All five songs were good and he hasn ’ t lost his nice voice over the years at all . I ’ m interested in seeing what else Lloyd should will in the future .
AB
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