Category: Review

Music, Review

Album Appreciation: Adé Hakim’s “HAPPIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WIDE WEB”

This is an excerpt from our bi-monthly newsletter. For more, make sure to check us out on Substack! Released in 2019, this album is a soulful take on lo-fi hip-hop from one of the genre’s pioneers. A member of NYC collective sLums and producer with credits all over Earl Sweatshirt’s Some Rap Songs, Hakim is an uber-talented individual with the ability to flip soul and … Continue reading Album Appreciation: Adé Hakim’s “HAPPIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WIDE WEB”

Unknown's avatarMichael GormanLeave a comment
Music, Review

From 90’s Hip-Hop to the Neo-Soul: A Black Power Playlist Over the Years

Music has often been a sphere of Black empowerment, with artists like James Brown and Nina Simone, amongst many others, bringing Black experience and pride to millions of listeners. This playlist ranges from hip-shaking to solemn and quiet within just a few songs, a small display of the many sounds and feelings of music dedicated to Black Power. Solange — F.U.B.U. Off Solange’s 2015 album, A … Continue reading From 90’s Hip-Hop to the Neo-Soul: A Black Power Playlist Over the Years

Unknown's avatarMichael GormanLeave a comment
Music, Review

The DMV’s Top 5 Albums of 2020

The D.C. region is a hotbed of talented musicians. And while the region hasn’t quite received the recognition it deserves, the time is now to see the culture as it is: gushing with creative and eccentric musicians. From established stars to up-and-coming talents, these are five of the best albums from DMV born or raised artists in 2020. Wale — The Imperfect Storm Only eight months … Continue reading The DMV’s Top 5 Albums of 2020

Unknown's avatarMichael Gorman2 Comments
Music, Review

Criminally Underrated: Benny Sings Proves Himself Again With “City Pop”

Despite a consistent career and continued performance, the world has still not woken up for Benny Sings. Since 2005, Benny Sings has put out six studio albums, one live album, and a beat tape. His work is consistently impressive, especially his Tiny Desk Concert from Jan. 2016. Benny Sings, known as Tim van Berkestijn, is a 42-year-old Dutch alternative artist that has been pumping out incredible music … Continue reading Criminally Underrated: Benny Sings Proves Himself Again With “City Pop”

Unknown's avatarAndrew EddsLeave a comment
Music, Review

Megan Thee Stallion Takes Big, Explicit Step on “Good News” [Review]

With her debut, Megan has given us the album we were all waiting for… and the album we were expecting. On her full-length debut album, Megan Thee Stallion doesn’t shy away from the same sort of highly explicit material that characterized her feature in this summer’s talk of the town: Cardi B’s ”WAP.” Not a single of the seventeen tracks on Good News has escaped … Continue reading Megan Thee Stallion Takes Big, Explicit Step on “Good News” [Review]

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Music, Review

ARIANA GRANDE – Positions

Entering the new decade with her surprise-released sixth album, the pop princess sounds more confident and assured than ever before. But does she sound better? A surprise without surprises… “Broken. from the bottom of my heart. i am so sorry. i don’t have words.” This tweet was posted hours after a suicide-bomber detonated at an Ariana concert in Manchester, England in May 2017. Fifteen months … Continue reading ARIANA GRANDE – Positions

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Music, Review

An Anxious Dance Move: Sam Smith’s “Love Goes”

Sam won our hearts with “Stay With Me” in 2014. Six years later, he has decided to leave his balladry behind and approach dance-pop. But has he, really? Here’s a review of Sam’s latest album, Love Goes. Sam Smith quickly became the crown prince of ballads when he debuted with the heart-wrenching “Stay With Me” in 2014. Following up with the gospel-infused hit ballad “Too … Continue reading An Anxious Dance Move: Sam Smith’s “Love Goes”

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Commentary, Music, Review

Billie Essco: Buffalo’s Dynamic Talent in Music, Fashion [Profile]

Buffalo has been slapped right on the map of rap’s biggest cities this year, with critically-acclaimed releases from Griselda rappers Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Armani Caesar, and Conway the Machine. But an engine of hype and energy powers the city: Billie Essco.  And he’s doing it all on his own terms, opting to buck the industry norm of joining a major record label. While … Continue reading Billie Essco: Buffalo’s Dynamic Talent in Music, Fashion [Profile]

Unknown's avatarMichael Gorman2 Comments
Music, Review

21 & Metro Underperform on “Savage Mode II” [Album Review]

Following up their extended play from 2016, Atlanta rappers 21 Savage and Metro have finally returned with a full-length successor. The art of following up  a successful original is one of the hardest challenges an artist can face, especially when the original has been hailed by some as an essential cornerstone in the shaping of the trap genre. 21 Savage and Metro are far from … Continue reading 21 & Metro Underperform on “Savage Mode II” [Album Review]

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