Reviews
A Tribe Called Quest: We Got It From Here... Thank You For Your Service- Frankly speaking, the album’ s details are so precise and intricate in terms of production, which is expected from Q-Tip. In my humble opinion however, I feel the samples were too present, so much so that it distracts from the lyricism which is a true shame in this case; it took my three listens to be able to fully notice all the lyrics. Every single feature was on this album was very much on point, from Elton John, to Andre 3000’ s bars; from Kendrick’ s 16 to Anderson Paak’ s accompanying hook, every artist and producer that was featured came with their A-game. Verses from the late Phife Dog were included in select songs, providing a bittersweet element to the album’ s overall vibe. TP
The Weeknd: Starboy – I don’ t usually willingly play The Weeknd’ s music by myself. If I’ m listening, it’ s because someone else is and I’ m in the room. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed Star boy! This is the kind of music that is good for writing a paper to for it isn’ t super disturbing. Most of the songs are mellow and calming in my opinion. I appreciate that he didn’ t try to do too much vocally because I don’ t particularly like his voice. He kept it nice and simple and I think that also made the album appealing. I do think that the first half of the album is better than the end part, but overall, I enjoyed mostly all the music. FFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFAB
Siya: SIYAvsSiya – Siya provided another strong intro to the list of debut albums I checked out for this issue. SIYAvsSiya is simply her way of coming for these rappers so hard lyrically while also giving us a view of her softer relationship oriented side. In this way, Siya splits the album half and half. As a part of her softer side, she doesn’ t shy away from singing the hooks to some of her tracks and to be honest her use of autotune, reverb, and delay reminds me of Tory Lanez. In a way, I kind of wish she didn’ t sing on the album. But at the same time, it fits the theme of the project. The production on every track of the album is undeniably hard with hot basslines and unique samples. Although 16 tracks long, the project feels shorter because the tracks themselves are short. But, this album is cohesive nonetheless.
KW
Post Malone: Stoney – Bruh, Post Malone Finally came out with an album, and it’ s pretty good. The singing is what I expected, the features are used to the fullest, and the production is amazing. It’ s obvious that the tone of the album is mellow, and that’ s displayed on songs like“ Déjà Vu,”“ White Iverson,” and“ Cold,” which is a favorite for me. Some other favs for me are the features. Quavo fits well with the production and flow on“ Congratulations,” and Kehlani sings her heart out on“ Feel.” But like some previous projects, I’ ve reviewed the album length affects my opinion. This album is Five Tracks too long, and it takes away from the project. What could have been a 5 in album rating is now a 4, and that’ s not because of a song it’ s because of album length overall. If you like Post Malone’ s singing and hybrid house production then this is the album for you.
MM