Ghost continues his tradition of being the Wu's most consistant soloist.

It's the sound of a composer showing just what can be done with a sampler in the right hands. Hip-hop producers should take notes.

Many worry that the Cadillactica theme might go over the heads of some and alienate fans but rest assured, at the core of it all, there's still the 808 bang, jazzy, soulful music and the same Big K.R.I.T. that so many have come to know, respect and love--on second thought, he's better.

Overall, it's hard to find much fault with The Wonder Years, and it's remarkable how cohesive it feels given that it's a compilation album.

It showcases Rapsody's indisputable excellence as a lyricist and rapper, and it sets up the next stage of a career that will keep everyone in the industry watching closely.

Do NOT approach this as a rap album, or you will be perplexed to no end. This is cerebral, intricate and inventive electronically-based music that is certainly hip-hop in ethic and inspiration, but channelled through a uniquely British conduit, interpreted by one of the more intriguing urban poets of recent times.

Summertime '06 is extremely cohesive, but occasionally tiptoes on being monotonous.

An artistic statement and a brilliant debut, Gas Mask should be Motown's unofficial soundtrack, but its listenership should know no regional boundaries.

On Ctrl, SZA proves that you can be confident yet insecure, sexual yet crave affection and genuine connection, and empowered and still prone to falling for bad boys and all the drama that entails. SZA is the real deal and yet another example of how some of the most interesting, complex, sophisticated art being made today is being made by R&B artists.

They've wisely chosen to not compete with the younger generation of DJs, and shown the upstarts the roots of dance music. They've also proven that they are not one-trick ponies who can only build beats on samples. They do just as well with a completely different sonic pallette.

It is more expansive and daring--resulting in more highs and lows than "Arular."

There's not a single track on Imperius Rex that I didn't dislike or even skip.

The album is soulful, accessible, and devoid of the ignorance and shallowness that are trademarks of mainstream hip-hop.

The Roots aren't just cashing in from their newfound Jimmy Fallon fame, they're doing what they do best that nobody else in or outside the Illadeph-side can do.

Overall, "No Said Date" is the collective combination of stellar performances across the board.

“Magic 3” continues to strengthen the argument for Nas as the GOAT and his legions of fans who appreciate his output in 2023 will clearly agree with this take.

Aside from these few niggles, this is easily Nas’ best record since 2012’s “Life is Good” and let’s be honest, a pleasant surprise.

This album is two veteran MCs going hard and loose, feeding off one another's energy and pushing one another to step their game up. It's definitely the start to a beautiful friendship.

“Sound Ancestors” is a good listen, but if you’re expecting the manic gangster energy of Gibbs or the loquacious lyricism of Dumile, then this isn’t the Madlib project for you. ... I’d definitely call it a Madlib album, but I still don’t know if I’d call it a Four Tet one.

Simply put, it is an essential document of hip hop history, an interesting collection of sound art, and a lot of fun to listen to as well.

The EP serves its purpose quite well as it gives fans just enough to keep you craving a Brother Ali full length, but holds back enough so they will appreciate the full length once it arrives.

This is the sort of 'really good album' that can precede an all-time classic breakthrough album.

This is not an album that thumps, drips, bangs, or whips. This is a young man with a lot of heavy thoughts on his mind, and to his good fortune he happens to be able to express them through rap over beats that sustain his flow. It may not be "boom it in your Jeep" music but that doesn't make it bad--just different. Earl Sweatshirt is different, and in a day where all rappers sound like the same AutoTuned singer, we need more different raps to appreciate.

Easily one of the best records released in 2019, superlatives only go so far. ... “May the Lord Watch” only solidifies Little Brother’s place in the pantheon of great rap duos.

Chance the Rapper builds on the formula that Kendrick Lamar rode to success last year, offering a lower-key, more introspective take on Kendrick's confessional half-sung raps.

We've come to expect nothing less than near-perfection from K.Dot and he comes pretty damn close on his most recent effort.

Even when you don’t understand his choices, you can’t argue with them, because you know they are coming from a place of thoughtful artistic creativity.

Skyzoo has created an album that may not be the dream we all thought it could be, but it is one that will be playing in your mind long after you've nodded off.