XXL's Scores

  • Music
For 380 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 68% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 26% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.7 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 Life is Good
Lowest review score: 40 Hotel California
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 0 out of 380
380 music reviews
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Simply put, this is a step forward for the Rhymesayers veteran.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Napalm is a well-rounded LP full of illustrative and cohesive tracks, while surviving a few average hooks, such as on "Gangsta Gangsta."
    • 55 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There are no lyrical acrobatics-just his patented simple-sounding yet soon-to-be-sewn-in-your-brain one liners.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The industry veterans offer a release that's thoughtful and well-crafted.
    • 56 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, the third installment of the critically acclaimed series fails to excite.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It works just fine and follows the blueprint of most major label projects today. The thing is that, in doing so, Curren$y loses some of the magic that makes him a true original.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Pluto may be far from the sun, but Future shines brightest when he aligns with the stars.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    He puts out so much that there's no filter, and even bright flashes are clouded by curious moments.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    More than it's lack of rap, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded suffers most from not fully being any one thing, as it's unable to balance multiple approaches into one package.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    OF Tape, Vol. 2 works within itself, and adds another project to the growing catalog of the collective.
    • 67 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    It's a pretty fun album to listen to--just don't listen too closely.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While the songs with Rae's contemporaries bang, the joints starring his artists--JD Era, Ceazar-N-Reason, Camoflauge, Big B, Tommy Nova and R&B singer Altrina Renee--are hard to sit through
    • 76 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The majority of the raps are unfortunately provided by ALC and Dr. No: two artists more known for getting busy behind the boards than on the mic.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Overall, the album has a good balance of solo tracks and features.
    • 39 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    This joint LP produces sub-par lyrics, multiple cartoon beats and a whole lot of, "What the hell did they just say?"
    • 68 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Unfortunately, it doesn't live up to its potential, and the result is lackluster, with bland efforts both lyrically and production-wise.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The result is tailored toward the stereotypical collegiate definition of "fun," sounding like the soundtrack to a keg party, rather than the "grown and sexy" interpretation of a good time.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There was opportunity on Blue Slide Park to genuinely capture some real elements of youth, and the album doesn't capitalize on the opportunity.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With Violence Begets Violence, JMT are as vicious and energetic as ever, reminding why they've been able to enjoy such longevity.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Though it runs a little long, Cats & Dogs is a banging, consistent platter that ought to satisfy backpackers and hard-rocks alike.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With his gruff tone and no-nonsense flow, Rob holds down 14 tracks with only one guest appearance without any problems.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Spanning 16 tracks, 1017 Bricksquad Presents: Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame – Ferrari Boyz gets redundant at times, but it features more studs ("PacMan,") than duds ("Mud Musik").
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While the tape may not win Gucci many new listeners, it should satisfy his already established fanbase.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Even without being a completely authentic offering from the Killa Beez, Legendary Weapons is a solid listen that can hold fans over and shows the Wu's weapons remain razor sharp, leaving hope for an official LP.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lil B die-hards may accuse I'm Gay of pandering to hip-hop purists; in reality, though, the project's production is high quality and inventive.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With so many personalities vying for attention, the artists struggle to display their own individuality, instead constantly relishing in their new spoils.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While HSC2 is a solid and enjoyable album, we hope that our favorite scientists will tinker with a slightly different, more exciting formula moving forward.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Kurupt’s energy doesn’t carry over to every song on Streetlights.