K Camp- Only Way is Up
K Camp combines southern and northern rap styles to make a statement with his debut album, “Only Way Is Up.” He let’s the world know that drinking a lil bit and being a slumlord isn’t all that he has to rap about. Now that I look back, I guess the single “Comfortable” hinted at that. But this project dives into his personal experiences like failed relationships, the road to fame, and the aftermath of the limelight. Furthermore, those topics are enhanced with embedded interludes from his mom, dad, an old flame, a day one, some haters, and Snoop Dogg. Snoop was also a feature artist on this star studded project along with, Jeremih, T.I., Yo Gotti, French Montana, Genius, Bun B, Cyhi, Fetty Wap, and Marian Mereba. I really like the structure of this album and I think there’s a nice flow to the tracks. He throws in harder rap and club records to makes sure that things don’t stay sentimental, and the production helps with that as well. K Camp had me at the introduction of “Change” and I definitely recommend that you guys check this out.
Fav songs- Changes, Comfortable,1Hunnid
TIP- Da Nic’ EP
T.I. officially introduces himself to the world as TIP with "Da' Nic". According to him, this project is an appetizer for the main course coming in a few months, but these 5 songs are a great way to kick things off. TIP brings his respected lyrical flow and a hungry tone to tracks of southern production, creating an overall lovable project. If his goal was to stay relevant, he's absolutely doing that. He keeps the projects coming and I appreciate it. Go check it out.
Fav Song- Project Steps
Travis Garland- Uppers+Downers Vol. 1 (EP)
Travis Garland is underrated. This guy has one of the best and soulful voices in the game right now and yet, so many people don’t know who he is. His riffing and overall vocal range is just captivating. That on top of his ability to successfully produce R&B records with a twist, is admirable. He considers the music on this EP to be Alternative R&B and I think that genre fits perfectly. I truly appreciate and respect his artistry, and two years was well worth the wait for a new project from him. I see growth in his music in regards to production and lyrics, but his original style is still present. He’s more vulnerable and blunt, but he continues to maintain a low amount of features on his tracks, keeping the focus on him, and I love that. On this EP, the only appearances are 2 Chainz and Tove Lo, on “Favors,” and that was enough for me. I just can’t wait to see what Travis does next.
Fav Songs- Wolves, Kate Moss
Rick Ross - Black Dollar
This mixtape lives up to the title, “Black Dollar.” Rick Ross spits about money, the Baltimore Riots, and women, giving the project a consistent theme. Personally, I consider this tape to be pretty chill because it’s not too hard or soft. It’s right in between. In my opinion, the intro and outro were perfectly placed, but a few tracks in between the two didn’t carry out the same vibe. That messed up the flow for me. But other than that, I think the project is Ricky Rozay to the fullest. It was only right for him to incorporate some of the biggest names in the game including his artists Meek Mill and Wale. Future, Gucci mane, August Alsina, Anthony Hamilton, and The Dream were also featured on this mixtape, and that made up for the tracks that I could’ve done without.
Fav Songs- Foreclosures, Money Dance, Dead Rappers
Music Reviews
from Kyra Williams