Complex's Scores

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For 49 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 46% higher than the average critic
  • 2% same as the average critic
  • 52% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 5.1 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 68
Highest review score: 90 Surf
Lowest review score: 40 Non-Fiction
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
49 music reviews
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    • 59 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Royalty
    Royalty is many things all at once though much of it is not particularly good.
    • 44 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven
    Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven is ultimately messy, challenging, and rough around the edges (perhaps more so than anything Scott has ever released), but there’s also something about it that’s admirably unique.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Major Without a Deal
    Major Without a Deal’s concept songs miss almost as much as they hit.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Remember My Name
    There's nothing new or challenging here. It bangs, though predictably.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Bush
    There isn’t anything outright offensive to the senses, but if you are a bit of curmudgeon Bush might strike you as a little corny.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Jackie
    For what it’s worth, Ciara’s voice sounds stronger than ever. It’s just much of what she’s singing lacks a certain oomph.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Fly International Luxurious Art
    Fly International Luxurious Art is an often awkward and fumbling attempt to update Raekwon’s music.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Love Story
    Its solid momentum really fizzles out in the last few songs, making for a disappointing finale of an otherwise solid effort. Nonetheless, Love Story is a big step forward for the Slumerican affiliate.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    The Past, The Present, The Future
    When the lyrics don’t sound old, they come across as eternally gross.... A lot of lyrics are just corny.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    I Don't Like Shit: I Don't Go Outside
    Self-produced almost entirely under the moniker RandomBlackDude, I Don’t Go Outside is a minefield of gloomy thumpers. Nothing stands out to the point of distinction sonically, but that might be the point.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 50 Critic Score
    Empire: Original Soundtrack from Season 1
    The rap songs are dated and goofy as hell, but occasionally they're catchy enough. Luckily, Empire keeps a few true R&B greats on call for the love of musicality.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Another Eternity
    A relatively conservative follow-up to a debut album that, three years ago, had many fans and critics re-imagining pop music as inexhaustibly brave and new.
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Full Speed
    For the most part, Kid Ink is a C-average rapper scoring unexpected B-pluses over A-grade beats from DJ Mustard, Stargate, and Metro Boomin.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Non-Fiction
    Non-Fiction is a fire sale of songs no one else bought, over beats no other singer could’ve wanted. The beat selection is whiplash, from pop to R&B to retro trance vibes that never settle into a sure, comfortable pattern.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    B4.DA.$$
    [Joey Bada$$'s] potential is only half realized on B4.DA.$$, which speaks to his lack of adjustment in transitioning into a full-fledged artist who truly represents something other than ’90s nostalgia rap. Still, B4.DA.$$ is a commendable performance from an MC who has every opportunity to capitalize on his next project with some more seasoning, experience, and focus.