Yelawolf- Love Story: I really dislike Yelawolf with a passion, but I was not immediately turned off when beginning the album. In all fairness, I’ve never contemplated listening to a complete project by the guy, simply because I can’t bear to listen to his voice, but this is slightly pleasant. I don’t know if he usually does this much singing, but I do prefer it to his nasally raps. Again, I can’t compare this to any other Yelawolf projects, but this one seems very experimental, going from country-like odes to southern rap ballads. On the downside, the album is extremely drawn out and not very entertaining. I’m feeling a light 3 on this one.
Jazz Cartier- Marauding in Paradise: This mixtape is so intense. Even though I don’t like it all, it goes to multiple dimensions throughout the 15 tracks. Jazz Cartier’s new offering definitely is an extremely intriguing offering from the rising Toronto artist. The production was beautiful, extremely lush and cinematic. Marauding in Paradise is seamless; the only noticeable break was the end of “Rose Quarts Like Crazy.” The project was definitely worth the download.
King Louie- Drilluminati 3: King Louie aka Tony is back with Drilluminati 3: God of Drill. The tape shows a lot of growth for the Chicago MC. An easy listen, the tape catches steam after the first 4 or 5 tracks, and the tape has a lot of great moments. Dope features and great surprises like “My World” make the tape really enjoyable. Just as Gucci is the God of Trap, Tony is the God of Drill.
Jamie Foxx- Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses: This album was a pleasant surprise. Since it seemingly popped out of nowhere, I assumed that it was just a money ploy, but I was quickly proven wrong. Hollywood finds Jamie Foxx in an interesting position, and his songwriting skills portray his plight in an exceptional way. What stops this album from being amazing is the amount of corny songs that he forces into the mix. A plus side for the album is that all the features felt organic and were effective; no one was misplaced. I doubt it will get a lot of attention, but those who do give it a chance will definitely enjoy it.
4 Spins
Trey Songz- Intermission I & II: This EP is smooth. I really enjoyed the whole project, and there weren’t any filler tracks to impede my enjoyment. He successfully created an album that guys can relate to and girls can get crazy to. It’s an extremely relatable album, and although it doesn’t dive too deep into touchy subjects, the album definitely touches the listener. Generally a feel good album, Intermission I & II will probably rule as one of 2015’s best summer R&B projects.
OG Maco- Tax Free: This EP is just so incredible. For only being four tracks long, the project is put together to show what Maco is really capable of style wise. The lyrics on Tax Free are immaculate; in fact they get better and better with each track. The production varies from chill to turnt to angst to melancholy, in a good way of course. Ultimately, OG Maco is extremely confident and ambitious on this project, and it translates into an amazing piece of music.