Reviews
De La Soul: And the Anonymous Nobody… - BRUH do you know how long
I’ve personally waited to here another De La Soul album? Anyone? No? Well,
the answer is a long time. Since their inception in 1987 the trio has influenced
a lot in the hip hop industry from flow to fashion to even haircuts. This project
is a crowdfunded venture and you would think that it wouldn’t be as high budget as it is but, the fans of De La Soul made it a priority to support them and
who wouldn’t especially with the incentives offered? Now what can I say about
the album? Uumm dude it’s everything I wanted and more; it’s got an eclectic
feel and sound and a long list of features to boast. So in conclusion, if you’ve
been waiting a long time-like me- you’ll love this album, and if you want to
discover the trio for the first time then this is the album for you too. It gets a 5
because it is a perfect blend of appeal and nostalgia.
-Mason Murphy
Gorgeous Records: Brand New EP– 3 artists from Gorgeous Records: Supreme Perc, Tundra Boi Lone, and Surf come together for a joint EP, that isn’t so
jointed. The formula is simple: one song from each artist + 1 group collaboration; however, the formula may not have been the most entertaining route for
the three compelling artists. Separated into 3 tracks, the quality ranges. However, all solo tracks aren’t the best representation of its respective artist. It feels
random and unhinged throughout the EP, until the closer. And “Options Three”
is a hell of a closer; in fact, it is a sign of what a fully realized project between
the three artists could amount to. Not bad guys, but like you all told me, “Everything’s gotta be Gorgeous.”
-Rosh Jobin
Fabolous: Summertime Shootout 2 - Fab still holds his relevancy in this
industry with the fire tracks he brings on this skit infused mixtape. His lyricism
remains as he remixes several popular tracks. He pays his respects and embraces the younger generation of artists like Shake, Lil Yachty, Dave East, Tory
Lanez, Jazzy, and A Boogie as he features them on the project. That creative
choice sets the tone for the project, a mixture of old and new. Just to name a
few, he samples Faith Evans’ I Love You in Faith In Me and Ashanti’s Rock Wit U
on Ashanti, and also includes a snippet of Mad Cobra’s Flex at the end of Sex
Wit Me. Overall, Fab provides a snapshot of today’s Hip-Hop culture through a
seasoned lens with Summertime Shootout 2. It’s just lit!
-Kyra Williams
Gucci Mane: Everybody Looking – Gucci returns with a strong presence
on Everybody Looking, providing listeners with one of the best Gucci projects
in recent memory. Everybody Looking was his test to see if he could still deliver
after his length time spent in the Feds, and he passed with no issue. The project doesn’t feel like it was rushed in comparison to his previous works. Gucci
sets the record straight with bars, fitting production, and an all-around nice
project for old and new fans of the Trap God. With a reciprocated feature from
Kanye West and an appearance from his loyal student Thugger, the project
could use one or two more features to really balance it out. Regardless, both of
the collaborations are a treat, be it hearing Thug screeching “GUWOP HOME!”
or Kanye’s impeccable Gucci impression. A couple of filler tracks bring Everybody Looking’s aesthetic down a little bit, but overall it was a great re-entry to
the game for the legendary Gucci Mane.
-Rosh Jobin
Frank Ocean: Blonde - Frank Ocean finally returns with his follow up to
2012’s highly revered Channel Orange, Blonde. A weirder outing than expected, the album challenges one’s perception of typical R&B and typical Frank
Ocean. For example, the album’s opener, “Nikes,” is a rewarding test in patience.
After 3 minutes of high pitch vocals that mimic the viral “Petty” song on twitter does the album, the track is finally blessed with Frank’s normally pitched
vocals. The first half isn’t anything to scoff at however; demanding as it may
be to endure for the average listener, it offers great songwriting. That’s why
Blonde succeeds throughout. At its weirdest and most perplexing, the album
successfully conveys a wide array of emotions and themes that make Blonde a
very special addition to Frank’s discography and music as a whole, regardless
of how the title is really spelled.
-Rosh Jobin
EVERYTHING GWALUH: EVERYTHING GWALUH EP – Another artist from
Southside Atlanta has a mixtape out this quarter. This unique voice goes by the
name EVERYTHING GWALUH, and he-like South sideSmoke-strives in making
catchy music. Describing his music as catchy isn’t to belittle his music however
because Gwaluh has bars. Needless to say this EP shows that he’s got the voice
and charisma to become a star in addition to his low-key prowess on the mic.
However EVERYTHING GWALUH EP is bogged down by its features; the EP is at
its finest when Gwaluh handles things solo (other than the amazing “Kan’t Do
That ft. SouthsideSmoke”). The EP would have been more effective a 4 track EP
including “Finnessin,” “Kan’t Do That,” the exponential “Skuffle Story,” & “Trayvon Martin.” With more focus on his unique voice and delivery, EVERYTHING
GWALUH would have shined a lot more on his latest EP.
-Rosh Jobin
Frank Ocean: ENDLESS – Weirder and less concrete than it’s critically acclaimed follow up, ENDLESS is the project that officially liberated Frank Ocean
from his Def Jam, and, understandably, he saved his best music for himself
even at the expense of ENDLESS. What’s crazy is that although the album is
most definitely his weakest material (yes including the ridiculously long unreleased collection), the album is still impressive. Sandwiched by weird technology sound bites- “With this apple device”- and overflowing with interludes
that only add to the number of tracks on the album, ENDLESS is very sparse
when considering the amount of new (full length) songs. Regardless of Frank’s
approach to ENDLESS, the visual album is audio porn, albeit the visual aspect
wasn’t exactly captivating. So if you’re down to see how weird Frank can get,
this is the project for you.
-Rosh Jobin
Isaiah Rashad: The Sun’s Tirade – I’ve never considered myself a fan of
Isaiah Rashad, but his debut album is a grand portrayal of what he has to offer
as an artist. The Sun’s Tirade isn’t a short offering from the TDE MC, but it is a
vital feature of the album. The album explores a lot of ideas from Rashad while
showcasing many of his abilities as an artist. TST stands well as an entire project, and it’s enjoyable to pick apart as well. The only aspect of TST that feels absent is a distinct identity for Isaiah Rashad, but that is partly because of ability
to experiment with so many styles and touch on so much content. It’s impossible to label Rashad as a certain type of rapper and this album as a certain type
of album. If anything, The Sun’s Tirade is a reassuring sign that Hip Hop is alive
and well, and an excellent representation of Isaiah Rashad’s musical ability.
-Rosh Jobin
Reviews