New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month's edition includes new releases from Janelle Monae, Kimbra, Post Malone and more. Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino Arctic Monkeys take a 180 degree turn for their first record since 2013 … Continue reading New Music Roundup: May
Alternative and experimental hip-hop has always had a thriving underground scene since the early nineties and even into the new millennium. Today the genre continues to prosper thanks to fresh artists willing to experiment with sound and push the envelope with lyrical content. Whether its unorthodox beats, eccentric flow or radical bars, this niche section … Continue reading JPEGMAFIA – Veteran
Since his early days as an up and coming rapper-producer, Jermaine Cole seemed destined for greatness. After a solid stretch of raw, purist-friendly mixtapes, the once aspiring basketball player got his initial shot in 2009, signing to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label with enormous expectations set for him. It took Cole a couple commercial releases to … Continue reading J. Cole – KOD
At 23 years old, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that Joey may still have his best music ahead of him, but don't sleep on the greatness of this early chapter in his career.
Social media celebrity turned trap-rap queen, Cardi B, has been dominating internet hip-hop culture since the arrival of her smash hit "Bodak Yellow" last summer. However, until early this year, it was hard to judge whether Cardi had what it took to turn the monumental success of her breakout single into sustained relevance or if … Continue reading Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month’s edition is packed with hip-hop, including the latest from eclectic NY rapper Princess Nokia, Chicago up and comer Saba, The Weeknd and more. Chuck Strangers - Consumers Park In contrast to other Beast … Continue reading New Music Roundup: April
After struggling to make the leap from mixtape acclaim to commercial success on their debut, Beast Coast trio, Flatbush Zombies, find solid footing on their latest album: the raw and psychedelic-tinged, Vacation In Hell. Though it suffers from a long run time, the Zombies' new project sees them returning to their grimy New York roots, achieving an … Continue reading Flatbush Zombies – Vacation In Hell
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This edition includes records from the last couple months, including new releases from electronic artists Nightmares On Wax and Nicolas Jaar (Against All Logic), new Bay area hip-hop quartet SOB x RBE and the highly … Continue reading New Music Roundup: February
Childish Gambino, Beach House, Gibbs and Madlib. The music outlook for 2018 translates to great expectations for lots of big names.
Counting down our ten favorite beats by legendary Detroit hip-hop producer, James Yancey.
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This edition includes a variety of hip-hop releases, including Evidence, Migos and Maxo Kream, the latest from California singer-songwriter Ty Segall, and the new record from folk-pop duo First Aid Kit. Evidence - Weather or … Continue reading New Music Roundup: January
A few rap projects from 2017 that I slept on, just discovered or didn't listen to quite enough.
"I know I got the best album out, preach."
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month’s edition includes new releases from BROCKHAMPTON, Charli XCX, Travis Scott and Quavo. and more. Brockhampton - Saturation III BROCKHAMPTON's third release in just over six months fulfills one of the most prolific short … Continue reading New Music Roundup: December
We spoke with the UK producer-rapper about his favorite tracks from his new project, how he started making beats, his go-to current artists and more.
From Kendrick Lamar to Fleet Foxes, here are my favorite albums of 2017.
P.O.S. (Stefon Alexander) is one of the founding members of the Minneapolis-based hip-hop collective known as Doomtree. The group is well-known as one of the most staunchly independent groups, and they formed their own record label and publisher (Doomtree Records and Doomtree Press, respectively) in the 2000s. With each successive release, P.O.S. gained more momentum … Continue reading P.O.S – Chill, dummy
Exceptional albums too good to overlook in our Best of 2017 series.
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month’s edition includes new releases from Angel Olsen, Chris Stapleton, Jaden Smith and more. Angel Olsen - Phases Angel Olsen's Phases is a collection of b-sides and unused tracks from the past few years of recording. … Continue reading New Music Roundup: November
After numerous rapper-producer collaborative albums, North Carolina born beat maker L'Orange is back with his latest solo effort The Ordinary Man. Released on one of hip-hop's favorite record labels, Mello Music Group, his new project is another sample heavy tribute to old film and radio, a smooth orchestration of beats and bars, and perhaps his most accomplished … Continue reading L’Orange – The Ordinary Man
One way or another, each tape on this list made a significant impact on me and grew my affinity for hip-hop in a big way.
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month’s edition includes new releases from King Krule, Lil Uzi Vert, Open Mike Eagle and more. Alex Lahey - I Love You Like A Brother A lot of the appeal in punk-pop and alternative … Continue reading New Music Roundup: October
As the days get darker and the weather gets colder, there are certain types of albums I like to take off the shelf. I say that relatively speaking, as here in LA it's still 90 degrees on a daily basis. Regardless, Halloween is right around the corner and although many celebrations went on this weekend, … Continue reading 10 Rap Songs to Put You in the Halloween Vibe
Rapsody is very much a 'rapper's rapper'. Over the past few years she's been steadily gaining lots of praise from her peers for her prowess as an MC, even though until this year, she had yet to come out with a fully realized album. I think there's been a number of factors that have played … Continue reading Rapsody – Laila’s Wisdom
Eight great, low key projects that may have slipped by your ears this year.
New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month’s edition includes new releases from Alvvays, Daniel Caesar, Neil Young and more. Action Bronson - Blue Chips 7000 Action Bronson is back with his follow up to 2015's Mr. Wonderful, a project that had … Continue reading New Music Roundup: September
Tyler, The Creator's major label debut Flower Boy is a beautifully composed hip-hop record that utilizes elements of modern rap with R&B, funk and soul music, along with an array of talented guests that enhance the album's lush aesthetic. I've always seen Tyler as a talented hip-hop artist that - aside from a handful of decent … Continue reading Tyler, The Creator – Flower Boy
The Los Angeles duo is currently touring off of the 10 year anniversary of their classic debut album, Below the Heavens.
Wisconsin rapper and producer Milo has a knack for the abstract. His Bandcamp bio reads "I convert and translate", which is about as direct as he will ever be. Active since 2010, he has recently become one of alternative hip-hop's most beloved acts, frequently collaborating with the likes of rappers such as Open Mike Eagle and … Continue reading Milo – Who Told You To Think??!!?!?!?!
Riffs & Rhymes 