Ambitious, musically impressive, and a bit off-kilter. An emotionally challenged Kendrick provides us with a project shedding light on his shortcomings as a man, a father, and a public figure. While at times the content matter may seem cognitively dissonant, this album stands as almost the antithesis to DAMN. in the same respect saying “You aren’t the trauma you’ve endured.” A big step, if you will.
While this may have been the sonic shift Drake needed, the execution sounds uninspired.
Pusha continues to carve out new angles in his style and simply creates new experiences with the same tales of his unnerving past. This record is musically impressive given the level range him and his collaborators display.
Vince speaks on a troubled youth with an almost deadpan delivery. While this album is dejected in nature, exhausted at times, and borderline expressionless, his lean towards introspection is welcomed with good production and detailed storytelling.
Larry June, LNDNDRGS, and Jay Worthy demonstrate incredible chemistry. This record is smooth, cohesive, and exactly what you need for a long drive on a hot summer night.
A literal tonal shift for Denzel allows him to turn his gaze inward and follow a more introspective direction on this record. This album comes off as cohesive, thoughtful, and intimate. It lends itself to being a solid listen, yet, it misses being vivid and provocative.
Rosalía showcases exceptional range and diversity that feels almost free form. This album is playful, tragic, and heartfelt without losing it's authenticity and cohesion.
Glasper, an artist of collaboration, pulled together a work filled with soul and r&b that extends beyond his Jazz roots. In the execution, this album displays cohesion and collectivism that sets this project apart from its predecessors.
Caprisongs showcases a more fun yet emotionally expressive album that casts a wide net over the sounds it's inspired by. While staying light at heart, Twigs speaks on heart break, being comfortable in her own skin, and self-realizing her own worth. Altogether, an enjoyable listen.
Dawn FM is more then just an album, but an experience.
The boys recap their top picks from 2021.
This album is sonically immaculate. With that said, it lacks an identity that makes it truly unique outside of the purpose it serves.
Aminé goes back to the drawing board and decides to let his consciousness run wild and free. The ideas are zany and colorful which make for an entertaining and light-hearted experience. All in all, decent. A good teaser for what's to come.
Score: 7.1
Mick Jenkins submits an abstract yet globulous and scattered project. While aiming to be more concise and succinct in his approach, the album fails to hold a coherent schemas with little ambition.
A mature and vulnerable Maxo Kream puts his creativity in full display on a well-crafted and produced to the brim, album full of tales.
Great vocals, solid production, there's a lot to dig with this record. It's radiant, it's thick, it has a lot of melancholy yet it's captivating. While the play on silence is very apparent with this record, it's endearing at every corner.
MONTERO showcases a fervent, focused, eclectic, and unapologetic side to Lil Nas X. This is a pop record that could've sounded as derivative as its predecessors but ends up sounding like a well-crafted autobiography with many treats along the way.
It's clear Baby Keem has the potential to make a great music. However, in this case, Baby comes off almost scatter brained not having honed in on a focus that justifies its zaniness. His focus on breaking boundaries and taking creative risks come off more as intent rather than proper execution. On the other hand, the album's saving graces lie in its autobiographical cuts where his story of tragedy and heartbreak is delivered well. An enjoyable but disjointed experience overall.
The tonality and sonic feel of this record makes for a kind of drowsy and tucked away listen. However, when it comes to melody, flow, cohesion, and conciseness, this album stands on both its feet. Yet, one is left wanting more because while Rashad might be saying something, his delivery comes off so tired that it misses the impact.
