Pop Rap

Doja Cat – ‘Scarlet’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Jacob Webster Amala “Doja Cat” Dlamini has had the sort of career that could have only unfolded in our current “Very Online” era. Her big breakthrough arrived via the self-published “Mooo!” – a rap number, which was accompanied by a music video of Doja in cow pajamas, and which includes the line, “B*tch,… Read more

Travis Scott – ‘UTOPIA’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Kristina Nagel Travis Scott’s new album UTOPIA is an interesting addition to his discography, but it falls short of the high expectations set by his previous work. UTOPIA features notable collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Drake, and The Weeknd, which adds star power to the album and showcases Travis Scott’s ability to bring… Read more

Kesha – ‘Gag Order’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Vincent Haycock Since Kesha sued Dr. Luke in 2014, her reputation has shifted from that of the party girl of pop to the genre’s survivor. In the near-decade that’s ensued, she’s alternately embraced and run away from that title; on 2017’s “Praying,” she offered a direct rebuke to her former producer in the… Read more

Jack Harlow – ‘Jackman.’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Julian Buchan Jack Harlow’s Jackman., is an album that truly takes you on a journey. From the very first song, it’s clear that Jack is going for a stripped-down, more intimate approach. The luxurious production speaks for itself without unnecessary flash, leaving room for Harlow’s thoughtful and captivating storytelling to shine. The opening… Read more

Lil Yachty – ‘Let’s Start Here.’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Gunner Stahl Not since Tyler, the Creator reinvented himself with soul-inspired records like Flower Boy and IGOR has a rapper reinvented himself as 25-year-old Lil Yachty does on Let’s Start Here. So, what in the world happened? The viral hit “Poland,” released earlier this winter, hinted that Lil Yachty was about to climb… Read more

Black Eyed Peas – ‘Elevation’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Black Eye Peas via Facebook In the nearly two decades since they broke through with the 2x Platinum-certified Elephunk, LA trio the Black Eyed Peas have been the butt of many a joke – especially as their star continued to grow throughout the noughties. “What the f**k happened?” was the question on the… Read more

Drake – ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Republic Records The best Drake songs captivate people as soon as they first hear them – it’s why he’s responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 2010s. A trio of acclaimed albums and mixtapes from 2011-2015 – Take Care, Nothing Was the Same & If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late… Read more

Post Malone – ‘Twelve Carat Toothache’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Adam DeGross Austin Richard Post has a pretty serious self-destructive streak. If his recent admission to smoking up to 80 cigarettes a day wasn’t sufficient proof of this, his fourth album as Post Malone is. Indeed, if there’s one throughline across Twelve Carat Toothache, it’s one man’s ability to sabotage himself even as he reaches… Read more

Kyle – ‘It’s Not So Bad’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Sariel Elkaim Kyle Harvey – known also as K.i.D, SuperDuperKyle, Kidd Kash, and, most commonly, just Kyle – has made a name for himself through his work with other artists. His breakout hit was the now-Platinum certified “iSpy” with Lil Yachty – his only other Platinum-certified track is “Playinwitme”, featuring Kehlani. On It’s Not… Read more

Lil Nas X – ‘Montero’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Charlotte Rutherford (Content Warning: this review – through exploration of the song “Sun Goes Down” – and briefly discusses themes of suicide.)  After the record-breaking success of “Old Town Road”, Lil Nas X seemed destined to be a one-hit-wonder; the hip hop-country crossover felt unmistakably like a fluke; a gimmick. With each follow-up… Read more