A Meditation on Space with King Krule: “Space Heavy” Reviewed

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by Luke Modugno

We have a peculiar relationship with the concept of space. As vague in definition as it is in reality, space can signal overwhelming novelty. Novelty of location, people, community and circumstance. In the same vein, space can separate, destroy and alienate.

Since the 2010’s rolled around and, by consequence, rolled past, few individuals in music have matched the sheer despondence harnessed by Archy Marshall’s artistry, better known as King Krule. Meticulously crafting a discography that sits on a foundation of despair, heartbreak, romantic failures and the cruelty of the universe, Marshall illuminates the drab, dismal and visceral aspects of the human condition. If his earlier work like 2013’s 6 Feet Beneath the Moon and 2020’s Man Alive! are reductions of Marshall’s outlook on the negative aspects of his life, his latest masterpiece Space Heavy is fixation on the metaphysical hands that pull our lives apart from one another.

Archy Marshall, aka King Krule. Shot by Billboard.

Written between 2020 and 2022, Space Heavy follows Marshall’s psyche through a period of frequent migration for the British native. Constantly travelling between his homes in Liverpool and London, Marshall became obsessed with the concept of physical space. During his commutes, he became fascinated by the space between, which often coincides with grappling with change, forced or natural. Coupled with the dread of “losing people and situations to the guillotine of the universe,” Space Heavy’s sonic landscape is as desolate and crushingly lonesome as Marshall’s mind at the time.

The duality of space is mirrored by Space Heavy, as it snaps in-and-out of focus with the plethora of negatives and positives distance has brought about in his life. Atmospherically jazzy throughout, sound acts as Marshall’s transistor for conveying the raw emotions attached to his disjointed lyrics. Assigning genre to Space Heavy is tricky, it can be best summed up as a quintessential King Krule experience. Marshall’s screams and shrieks layer harmoniously with the jarring guitar sections, wailing saxophone solos and harrowing violin on tracks like “Hamburgerphobia,” “Pink Shell,” and most notably, the title track.

Marshall’s songwriting on Space Heavy is brilliantly dense. Inventive and alluring at every turn, the spiritual gateway between Archy’s soul and his pen is unbarred. From reflecting on the fickle beauty of cities we pass through while travelling on “Seaforth” to enduring the tortuous splitting seams of a relationship on “Tortoise of Independency,” Marshall’s delivery in tone and chosen verbiage throughout Space Heavy exhibit one of the most coveted traits an artist can possess: humanity.

Whether he’s releasing a blood-curdling groan over a guitar solo or utilizing his penmanship to emulate heartbreak in a mind-splitting manner, a microcosm of the record’s success comes on its title track. Albeit a brief reflection on a failed relationship, Marshall’s writing and sonic capabilities come together here, creating a clear standout. Without trying, Archy’s mind wanders back to his lost flame, “I had no thought about it, she appears from nothing, out the blue.”

“I sink in full armor, the lake is oil of misery, get ready slurp it up,” harmonizes Marshall. The decaying state of their relationship forces Marshall to engage his own defense mechanisms, putting up his armor. He knows this will inevitably end the relationship, sinking him deeper into a depressive pit. He won’t perish from separation, he knows that (oil to water), but the overbearing weight of his psyche will surely try. Marshall continues “I refused to be saved, my plastic straw.” Belting out, akin to nails on a chalk board, “my plastic straw” over a growing guitar and drum, Marshall is consumed by misery in his effort to trudge on minus his lover. Considering its designation as the title track, the space between him and his ex is weighing heavily.

King Krule has always had an inherent ability to connect to the essence of human experience. Space Heavy represents an obvious persistence of that talent, except on this effort, it’s focused, contained and a bit more poignant. Space shapes our lives in immense ways that are often indelibly defining. Music of the utmost quality such as Space Heavy does the same.

favorite tracks:

From The Swamp

Space Heavy

If Only It Was Warmth

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Luke Modugno is the editor-in-chief.

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The Final Days of TikTok?: Analyzing Its Impact on Music

by Luke Modugno

The music industry has and always will be guided by the everchanging, rapid nature of technological advancement. From vinyl records to cassettes, Walkman’s to CDs and iTunes to Spotify, technological innovation has informed the way we consume, explore and digest music for centuries. In the age of all-encompassing social media, the industry has had to deal with a change far less tangible than physical technology.

Since Tiktok burst into epidemic popularity in the late 2010’s, its short form content and wildly addictive algorithm have indefinitely altered the way we consume media. In light of the possibility of an impending ban of the app, lets examine the indelible marks its left on the music industry thus far.

Perhaps the most poignant and noticeable affect TikTok and the entirety of social media has had on us is its erosion of attention span. “In 2004, we measured the average attention on a screen to be 2.5 minutes,” writes Dr. Gloria Mark, a professor of informatics at UC Irvine and author of the 2023 book “Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity.” “Some years later, we found attention spans to be about 75 seconds. Now we find people can only pay attention to one screen for an average of 47 seconds.”

The erosion of our attention span can be directly linked to the arrival of TikTok. An endless series of visual and audible stimuli, TikTok provides a whiplash of shortform content fully tailored to the user. Coincidentally, the average length of a TikTok clocks in at 21-34 seconds, making it a prime culprit in our diminishing attention spans. Extrapolating the issue out to various industries, its no mistake that the music industry is the business to be affected the most significantly.

Considering the fact most albums are longer than 21-34 seconds, music executives have had to adapt their hastily shifting market. Seldom do you see a cohesive record release nowadays that exceeds an hour in length.  President of Top Dawg Entertainment, Terrence “Punch” Henderson recently popped a relevant question to his followers on Twitter. “Are albums losing value? Or am I not thinking progressively enough?”

The answer to Punch’s question isn’t difficult to find. As with all industries, consumer sentiment drives revenue, in turn directing the trends of product. So considering both the degradation of our attention spans and the fixation on having a set powerful and distinct stimuli at our finger tips, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that playlists are now officially more popular than albums. According to the Music Business Association, playlists account for 31% of listening time across all demographics, while albums came in at 22%. The fascination and value placed on with an ordered, coherent full-length LP has clearly faded.

Not only has TikTok affected the way we consume music, it’s also affecting the medium in which we consume it. Spotify recently announced a revamped version of their home screen, featuring a vertically scrolling home screen. Sound familiar? Comparably to TikTok, the new home screen update favors discoverability, exposure and quick dopamine hits. It’s no secret that all these repercussions are diminishing the artistic value of music, further commoditizing the art form.

Most new artists aren’t as interested in crafting a cohesive story, sonic direction or consistent artistic presence. Instead, the prevailing approach to music seems to be throwing as much shit on the wall and seeing what sticks, Certified Lover Boy style. Furthermore, why pour countless hours, musical exertion and bother for public discourse to move past your album in no more than a week? Take Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 effort Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers for example. Fans of the Compton emcee waited 5 long years for this moment, only for it to not even crack into the top 50 of the Billboard 200 only 6 months following its release. Here’s the real kicker: both DAMN. (#41) and good kid, m.A.A.d city (#35) are performing better than Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers (#80) on charts this week. Why? Because both DAMN. (“PRIDE.”) and good kid, m.A.A.d city (“Money Trees”) have viral TikTok songs that accrue new streams and visibility daily, while Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers never really had such a song.

But in order to properly evaluate the overall effect TikTok has had on the music industry, we need to need to look at both sides of the story. Despite the fact that TikTok has discouraged many of the poignant and coveted aspects of music, it has been an undoubtedly positive force for the discovery of new artists, as well as expansion of musical taste.

Artists such as Yeat, Lil Nas X, 24kGoldn and countless others have TikTok to thank for the meteoric rise of their respective careers. Like other social media platforms, TikTok acts as a open forum for sharing new tracks, artists and music you’d otherwise never discover. Combined with the app’s faultless algorithm, TikTok is considerably adept at recognizing the type of music you may enjoy and exposing you to it.

Songs that are years old have soared to the top of the charts to new heights solely due to TikTok trends. Fleetwood Mac’s “Dream” has had a total rebirth, going viral on the app. Bruno Mars’ “Talking to the Moon” has had an encore as well. While the revenue split for artists on the app isn’t ideal (70/30), it’s hard to conceive of a more effective marketing tool for artists to utilize.

In the same vein as countless other social media platforms, TikTok and the impact it has on humanity and human art is and always will be in the eye of the beholder. If TikTok is ultimately banned by the government or not, its impact on the world of music will be felt for years, as the music it exposed us to, careers it produced and artistic lives it impacted will last a lifetime.

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 Luke Modugno is the editor-in-chief.

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HOW TO BECOME MORE THAN AN ARTIST // TheStereoVision Podcast Ep. 63 (Feat. Apollo Liberace)

Welcome back to another StereoVision Podcast episode. On today's episode, we sit down with Apollo Liberace. Coming off the release of his first solo project "Apollo Liberace" the San Antonio native sits down with us and gives us details about his life and what it took to make this album. He speaks on everything from signing a deal with Def Jam Korea to hearing some of Kendrick Lamar's first verses before the fame.

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Controlled Chaos: JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown Split Heads on "SCARING THE HOES"

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by Luke Modugno

What makes both Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA’s artistry durable is their unrivaled devotion to the bumps and bruises of their own music. The two have mastered the art of employed imperfection, giving their records an unmistakably rugged finish. Within that artistic direction, Peggy and Danny have cultivated distinguishable styles, Peggy’s driven by beyond obscure production and Danny’s by off-kilter rhymes and delivery. The marriage of these two uncontrollable minds could be a considered a dream by some, and nightmarish by others (the hoes).

A collection of 14 volatile and abrasive tracks, SCARING THE HOES represents a caustic combination of rap’s most audacious forward-thinkers.

Jaggedly stitching together soul and gospel samples, iPhone text notifications, Lady Gaga and Ski Mask the Slump God cameos, Peggy’s work behind the boards on this record is best described as an unmitigated commitment to contrariness. As with the rest of Peggy’s work, SCARING THE HOES has distinct punk undertones, both in attitude and sonic style. Simply put, a lot of the things Peggy is trying here shouldn’t work. But they do, and they fit Danny’s unnatural tonality and rhyming superbly. Whether he’s fusing a somber jazz piano loop with hyperactive drums on “Jack Harlow Combo Meal,” borrowing a melody from a K-Pop song to blend with bouncy trap bass for “Kingdom Hearts Key,” or crafting a fidgety union of hyperpop and hip-hop on “Fentanyl Tester,” SCARING THE HOES’ uncompromisingly avant-garde nature is nothing short of incredible.

While the production is remarkable, SCARING THE HOES really comes into its own when it’s met with the duo’s clever and witty pens. Perhaps the most fitting example of the sheer power of their team-up comes in the form of “Burfict!” Draped with triumphant horns and thumping 808s, Danny’s cagey rhyme scheme and catchy hook emit pure electricity. Paired with Peggy’s raucous adlibs and closing verse, not only is “Burfict!” one of the standout songs on SCARING THE HOES, but additionally an undisputed song of the year candidate.

Neither Peggy or Danny are flooring listeners with their technical rapping ability on this tape, rather their one-liners steal the spotlight and more than a few laughs. “I feel like Papa John (insane),” raps Peggy on “Lean Beef Patty.” On the biblical “God Loves You,” Danny raps “Her with my dick like David and Goliath.” True to its humorous title, Peggy and Danny keep things lighthearted and comical throughout. Even though Peggy and Danny aren’t sharing any “Otis”-esque moments of bar trading on SCARING THE HOES, their rapping techniques are ideal foils to each other, something that is visible from one end to the other.

While this record represents a victory lap for the pair, SCARING THE HOES presents its own challenges and shortcomings. The LP sees Peggy is pushing genre boundaries while simultaneously pushing his own ability to mix the record properly. While Danny Brown mocked the criticisms of the album’s mix on Twitter, it is an entirely fair critique of the album. Danny’s verse on the opener “Lean Beef Patty” is practically unlistenable as the sidechaining essentially mutes Danny’s verse on every kick hit. Similarly, “Steppa Pig’s” brutal percussion and jumpy electronic elements nearly overpower both emcees. Conversely, looking at the mix as a stylistic choice also makes sense as well. With the title track having a similar mixing problems, the issue is certainly tangible.

But what are critiques if not perceptions? Sure, you can choose to perceive the mix as a flaw, or another calculated imperfection. Does either matter to Danny Brown or JPEGMAFIA? Do any perceptions of their music matter to them? Not in the slightest, and that’s what has allowed both to blossom into an artistic space where making such a staggeringly bold record is possible.  When collaborative records match the gravity and talent their duos command individually, the outcome is a substantial, as is the case with this album. A continuation of two brilliant careers, SCARING THE HOES is a record we’ll be talking about for quite a while.

Favorite Tracks:

Burfict!

God Loves You

HOE (Heaven on Earth)

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Luke Modugno is the editor-in-chief.

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Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date on all music news!

WHEN IS YOUR CAREER OVER? // TheStereovision Podcast Ep. 62

We're back! In todays episode we discuss albums turn 10 this year, Drake's retirement, and out thoughts on the new generation of Twitch content creators

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An Indomitable Spirit and Hunger: “Beware of the Monkey” by MIKE Reviewed

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by Luke Modugno

Art will always be a haven for the ambiguous and the obscure. No matter the medium, art provides grounds for creatives to test the status quo, borrow from the past and amalgamate it with a progressive future. From the onset of his career, Brooklyn’s resident underground hip-hop vanguard MIKE has found himself at home within his experimental niche.

Bursting onto the underground scene with the elusive New York collective sLUms, MIKE’s undisputable mic presence fused with a uniquely warped production style has turned heads since day one. Augmenting his pen, wordplay, introspection and skill as a producer with each release, MIKE has silently become one of the most talented acts in rap’s avant-garde sector. Beware of the Monkey, his latest project, only solidifies the emcee as one of his generation’s most powerfully forward thinkers.

Courtesy of HYPEBEAST

Preluding the release with a slew of notable singles and a three-track EP with Wiki and The Alchemist, those who were paying attention to MIKE’s trajectory could see what lens Beware of the Monkey was peering through before its arrival. A continuation of so many of the idiosyncrasies that made 2021’s Disco! a dense and head-swirling composition, Beware of the Monkey picks up the pieces of MIKE’s despair and refigures them, recontextualizes them, harbors them in his pen and hands them off to the listener in the form of 13 comprehensive tracks.

While usually borrowing a page of Some Rap Songs’ burned and tattered blueprint of confessionary, gut-wrenching writing focusing on crumbling, crushing depressive states, MIKE has a unmistakable hunger for more on this record. Sure, his drab tonality and lyrical content are here, but there’s an ambition and boldness to Beware of the Monkey. If MIKE was asking questions on projects like MAY GOD BLESS YOUR HUSTLE and War in my Pen, he’s moving significantly closer to the answers on Beware of the Monkey. The result of astute solitary observation and theorization, MIKE’s growing up with his music. “Live like it’s my all, gotta give a bunch/Sit tight through the fog it be bigger floods” he spits on the stunning opener “nuthin I can do is wrng.” MIKE’s moved past allowing the vapid dystopia he occasionally inhabits affect his outlook on life, a sentiment that’s backed by the follow-up track “As 4 Me.”

Stating his intention to showcase why he should be consider amongst the greatest rappers in the world, MIKE lays down a viscous flow over a intoxicating beat. This craving is demonstrated by his clever one liners, existential psychology and technical ability throughout Beware of the Monkey. Perhaps the most potent illustration of MIKE’s intricate commentary comes in the form of “Tapestry.” Struggling to make a distinction between complacency, success and converting his passionate hobby into a lucrative business, MIKE’s mind state leads him right back to his greatest asset as a writer: asking alluringly pertinent questions about himself and the world around him. “We in the crib making classics/It be hard making a living in catastrophe/At our darkest this shit be hidden in fallacies,” MIKE raps. “Tapestry” and the commentary it makes regarding MIKE’s past, present and future as a rapper is an absorbing example of his maturation as a writer and human being.

Sonically, Beware of the Monkey is utilizes a decisively brighter palette. Sticking to the use of distorted vocalizations as the backbone of his production, MIKE’s skill behind the board is boundless. MIKE uses this inherent skill to convey a broad range of feelings and moods. Utilizing his features in the same vain as a sample, “Stop Worry!” is pushed along by a head bopping chorus from dancehall legend Sister Nancy. From the determined and nearly motivational horns of “No Curse Lifted (rivers of love)” to “Ipari Park’s” haunting piano loop, MIKE has continually proven that the some of the most inventive production from this batch of avant-garde rap producer emits from his discography.

With Beware of the Monkey, MIKE has proven that he has all he needs. He has the raw feel of a contemplative writer. He has the ear and mind of a producer capable of baroque sonic tapestries. And he certainly has the ability to merge it all into a sweeping hip-hop masterpiece. At this point, all he needs is your attention, and more importantly, your respect.

favorite tracks:

nuthin i can do is wrng

As 4 Me

Ipari Park (feat. Klein)

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Luke Modugno is the editor-in-chief.

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Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything music related.

Counting Down the Top 20 Albums of 2022

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by StereoVision Staff

The end of a calendar year marks new beginnings. The rapid approach of new goals, new situations and new beginnings force us to look back on what we built in the year we just experienced. For music fans, the end of 2022 is an ode to the household names who reminded us of their brilliance, the meteoric rise of originative artists bursting onto their respective scenes, records with such gravitational attraction and quality that they derail Twitter discourse for days on end, and everything in between. Here at StereoVision, the final flip of a page on our yearly calendar just wouldn’t feel complete without counting down our favorite projects of the year. Without further adieu,

Honorable Mentions of 2022

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“Luv 4 rent” — Smino

Hints of: Southern Hip-Hop

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“Bar & Grill” — Royel otis

Hints of: Indie Rock

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“Its Almost dry” — Pusha T

Hints of: Coke Rap, Hip-hop

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“kiss the ring” — Rome streetz

Hints of: Coke Rap, Avant-Garde Rap

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“Get Fucked” — The Chats
Hints of: Punk

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aethopies — billy woods

Hints of: Avant-Garde Rap

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the 20 best albums of 2022:

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20. god dont make mistakes — conway the machine

Conway the Machine has always been the darker rapper of the founding Griselda Records members, but God Don’t Make Mistakes takes it up a notch. GDMM is a reflective album that details the effects of grief and guilt on an otherwise “successful” life, giving listeners an up-close look at the darkness that’s invaded Conway’s world. His most personal record to date, Conway explores the relationships and isolation that comes with fame while remaining true to his boom-bap, New York roots.

From the dedicated Conway shown in “Drumwork” to the lonely and depressed Conway in “Stressed”, GDMM is a courageously holistic look into Conway’s life, proving that even the darkest topics cannot distract from Conway’s raw musical talent.

Spotlight Track:

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19. fair exchange no robbery — boldy james & nicholas craven

Boldy James is a machine. The Griselda standout doesn’t compromise quality, but stills produces impeccable records with quantity. His team-up with rising producer Nicholas Craven is a continuation of what Boldy has built over recent years. With luxurious coke raps laced over inventive sampling, Fair Exchange No Robbery is an amalgamation of the Detroit emcee’s strengths. Craven keeps the record compelling and Boldy looks to expand his sonic palette here as well, taking on surprising beat selections and sliding over them more smoothly than ice.

Boldy’s consistency on Fair Exchange No Robbery is just another reason why he’s one of the best rap artists in the game today.

Spotlight Track:

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18. intros, outros & interludes — domo genesis

Since the inception of Odd Future, Domo Genesis has continually proven to be one of the preeminent traditional emcees out of the collective. In his first LP since 2016, Intros, Outros & Interludes, Domo recommences that narrative.

Executively produced by Evidence, Domo explores contemporary underground hip-hop’s distorted landscape to listeners’ excitement. The LA rapper’s wordplay clearly grew by leaps-and-bounds during his hiatus, as he navigates Evidence’s delectable choice of chopped soul samples and drum-less loops. Tracks like “Victories & Losses,” “Trust the Process” and “Don’t Believe Half” showcase a hungry and viscous version of Domo, something that been missing on prior records. Not only is Intros Domo’s highest quality album behind the boards, it’s comfortably one of the best-produced hip-hop records of the year.

Spotlight Track:

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17. ramona park broke my heart — vince staples

Over the past two years, Vince Staples has hit his stride artistically. Following up his glittering eponymous LP, RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART is an extension of Vince coming into his own. Dabbling in his west coast influences, blending in atmospheric production and revisiting his laid-back delivery, Vince created yet another quality record in 2022.

While RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART lacks much of the concision that made his last record so potent, multiple tracks harken back to the energy harnessed on his last record (“DJ QUICK" for example), landing him a spot on this list.

Spotlight Track:

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16. cheat codes — Black thought & danger mouse

In case the world forgot, Danger Mouse knows hip-hop. His first hip-hop record since 2005’s THE MOUSE & THE MASK, Cheat Codes is the culmination of two decades of collaboration between Danger Mouse and Black Thought.

Their comfort with each other is clear, as Black Thought remains sharp throughout the album over Danger Mouse’s heavy rhythmic style. Danger Mouse’s ability to adapt to his artists shows with the features, giving A$AP Rocky and Run The Jewels a fast-paced intense beat on “Strangers” and Conway the Machine a more boom-bap, classier style rhythm on “Saltwater.” 

Spotlight Track:

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15. cocodrillo turbo — action bronson

Cocodrillo Turbo is a quintessential Action Bronson album — not for one second will you forget who created this masterpiece. Simply put, the avant-garde “Cocodrillo Turbo” is a psychedelic-fueled Indiana Jones adventure condensed into a 30-minute album.

From the action-packed intro song “Hound Dog” down to Yung Mehico’s saxophone closing out the album, Bronson keeps listeners entertained throughout. The artists featured on the album maintain their artistic authenticity while still rapping over distinctly Bronson beats, like Conway’s gaudy and relaxed verse on “Tongpo” and Mayhem Lauren’s bougie and confident feature on “Turkish.” Throughout the album, Bronson bodies beats that don’t even sound like music, holding his footing over snarling crocodiles, growling jaguars and squealing pigs like it’s nothing.

Spotlight Track:

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14. WHat yall mad about today — chris crack

Chris Crack’s What Y’all Mad About Today is just one of countless reasons to start paying attention to the rising 32 year-old.

Employing many of the underground elements of avant-garde rap, Chris Crack’s iconic delivery and witty wordplay takes a page from Griselda’s playbook and makes it completely his own. On What Y’all Mad About Today, Chris Crack shows why his listeners regard him so highly when it comes to his pen. You cannot have a discussion about the emcees with the most canny one-liners without including Chris Crack. The result is a grimed record filled with personality and witty piece of music that shows flashes of supreme artistic refinement.

Spotlight Track:

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13. the elephant man’s bones — roc marciano & the alchemist

Unstoppable force meets immoveable object. Goliath of the underground teams up with a producer whose name is etched into the very fabric of hip-hop history. Roc Marciano and The Alchemist’s collaborative tape had immense expectations to live up to. Only possible with artists of this duo’s magnitude, The Elephant Man’s Bones is able to simultaneously fall short and impress in the same vain.

Boasting songs such as “Quantum Leap,” “Stigmata,” as well as the title track, calling The Elephant Man’s Bones disappointing would be entirely unfair. On the other hand, the production here just isn’t quite as ground breaking as we’ve seen from Alchemist. Opting for understated production to allow Roc’s wordplay to take center-stage works in places, but not across all 14 tracks. While also possessing several song of the year and verse of the year candidates, The Elephant Man’s Bones’ inconsistent bright spots alone propel it past many rap records this year.

Spotlight Track:

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12. sos — sza

Considering it’s thoroughness, thoughtfulness and craftmanship, its hard to believe SOS is SZA’s second studio album. You simply cannot begin to have a dialogue regarding contemporary R&B without mentioning the angel-voiced TDE member and this record reminded everyone why.

Borrowing the addictive song writing and structuring employed on 2017’s CTRL, SZA expands on her signature blend of R&B and hip-hop undertones here in an intriguing way. SZA’s rapping ability noticeably improved during her 5 year hiatus, allowing her to create standouts such as “Forgiveless” and “Smoking on my Ex Pack SOS has something for every listener, making it a versatile, impeccable and glorious return to form for SZA.

Spotlight Track:

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11. no thank you - little simz

The age-old saying “better late than never” couldn’t be more accurate when regarding Little Simz’ belated entry to the 2022 album of the year contest with NO THANK YOU. Simz is in a similar space mentally here as her previous standout record: she’s tired of hip-hop fame and the indignation that comes with it. But on NO THANK YOU, Simz isn’t just tired, she’s angry.

Felt through her razor-sharp delivery and cunning writing such as “f**k the politics I’m going Meghan on you neeks,” Simz has evidently grown as both an artist and emcee at an expeditious pace. With varied and enjoyable production throughout, the sole issue with NO THANK YOU is that it dropped in the twilight of 2022.

Spotlight Track:

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10. the forever story — jid

The most definitive way to describe JID’s The Forever Story is that it’s the unblemished and rounded record that we all knew JID was capable of creating.

Everything presented here is at the absolute peak of JID’s capabilities as an artist. From the abstract and captivating beat selections, to the intricate double entendres sprinkled across the record, The Forever Story is by far JID’s most complete record to date. With a jaw-dropping list of guests including Yasiin Bey, Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, EARTHGANG and more, The Forever Story does more than just hold the listener’s attention throughout its one hour runtime, it ensnares.

Spotlight Track:

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9. tana talk 4 — benny the butcher

Following up an unquestionably classic mixtape like Tana Talk 3 is no small task, and Benny the Butcher was clearly here for the challenge.

Tana Talk 4 was a shining star in Griselda’s marvelous calendar year. With the production duties split between the legendary Daringer and Alchemist, the beats served up for Benny are prodigious, allowing Benny to reach new heights as an emcee. From song of the year contender and J. Cole collaboration “Johnny P’s Caddy,” to the opulent “Weekend’s in the Perry’s” with Boldy James, you’d be hard pressed to find a single skip on Tana Talk 4. Benny isn’t doing anything necessarily groundbreaking here, however, elongating his ridiculous run of consistently enjoyable underground rap records is certainly remarkable.

Spotlight Track:

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8. wasteland — brent faiyaz

Since Brent Faiyaz burst onto the modern R&B scene in the mid-to-late 2010’s, listeners have marveled at his gifted singing voice. While dazzling on features and singles, Brent struggled to put together a comprehensive and thoroughly composite LP. That is, until the release of his 2022 effort WASTELAND.

WASTELAND sees Brent pull together the various components of his musical talents and employ them properly. The songwriting is as catchy as ever, his occasionally rap verses are well written, and, of course, his vocalization is spot-on. Brimming with silky tracks from head-to-toe, WASTELAND is an actualization of the potential Brent has displayed over the years. In conjunction with a central narrative about his toxic ways causing tragedy, WASTELAND is both Brent’s highest-quality record and the best traditional R&B record of 2022.

Spotlight Track:

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7. no fear of time — black star & madlib

One word tends to come to mind when discussing the Madlib-produced Black Star reunion we hip-hop fans were blessed with: retrofuturism. Madlib’s patchwork production symphonies offer Black Star a complete escape from their previous boom-bap driven sound. From the shades of bouncy reggae present on “Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd.,” to the high energy masterpiece that is “So Be It,” Madlib has continually found a way to be at the forefront of innovation behind the boards in hip-hop.

26 years since releasing their first record as a duo, Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli have yet to lose their hip-hop chemistry, a fact that’s evident on No Fear of Time.

Highlight Track: Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd.

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6. mr. morale & the big steppers — kendrick lamar

Since 2012, Kendrick Lamar has been anointed as the savior of rap music. An immense pressure that informed his generational pen for the vast majority of his career, Lamar spent the last 10 years digging and searching for ways to live up to the burden placed on his shoulders.

But Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers turns the mirror away from that duty, and inward at the man Lamar has become, for better and for worse. Kendrick’s 2022 project is his most confessionary record to date. Exploring his own childhood trauma, toxic tendencies and mental state, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers tells the story of a flawed man who has taken his focus away from being other people’s savior. An endearing journey through Lamar’s personal journey as a human being ignited by his inherent talent as a musician, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is yet another superb addition to a catalogue littered with classic records.

Spotlight Track:

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5. dawn fm — the weeknd

The Weeknd possesses an immensely rare skill as an artist: he’s a bonafide master of concept albums. Dawn FM showcases Abel’s ability to tell an intriguing story, one that builds off of the same conceptual mastery displayed on After Hours.

Journeying into the beyond after his narrative death in After Hours, Dawn FM is a purgatorial pitstop in his trilogy, one made possible by a exciting exploration of 80’s synth-pop. Paired with his distinguishably unique voice, the production on this record is groovy and superb throughout. Hit making comes easy to an artist of Abel’s magnitude, as his fills Dawn FM’s track list with hit after hit (“Out of Time,” “Is There Someone Else?,” “Take My Breath).

Spotlight Track:

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4. 10 — westside gunn

Despite only having two solo songs, Westside Gunn never loses the spotlight in 10. Gunn maintains his signature high-class style throughout, surprising listeners by bringing in legends like Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, Black Star and more to close out the “Hitler Wears Hermes” series.

In true Gunn fashion, each song brings a unique beat to back up equally attention-grabbing lyrics without sounding like it’s doing too much. Elegant and clean-cut, 10 is a culmination of the skill Gunn has honed throughout his HWH series. Plus, the second track spotlights his son, FlyGod Jr., as a producer. The father-son artistic connection benefits both Gunn and Doe Boy, as they thrive on the cold-blooded beat in “FlyGod Jr.”

Spotlight Track:

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3. melt my eyez see your future (deluxe) — denzel curry

The maturation of an artist is a stunning phenomenon to witness. While it’s been evident for a number of years that Denzel Curry was one of the astute writers of his generation, Zel has been trying to find consistency in his sonic approach for some time now. Melt My Eyez See Your Future is an entirely aimed record, one’s that individual components are wrapped tightly and produce a comprehensive body of work.

Melt My Eyez See Your Future is a personification of Zel and his relationship with the world he exists in. Across the album, Zel is inquisitive, pessimistic, optimistic, candid, calculated and contemplative. Focusing on both his own personal faults and the inadequacies of modern life, Zel displays a level of pellucidity that is simply not available on his prior LPs. The production here is scattered in the best way possible, pulling in JPEGMAFIA, Thundercat, Kenny Beats & Kal Banx to blend their wildly unique sonic styles with his own. Paired with a innovative deluxe album release, 2022 was Zel’s year.

Spotlight Track:

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2. sick! — Earl sweatshirt

If one truth has been proven to be self evident about Earl Sweathsirt and his artistry, it’s that he is nothing short of a brilliant poet whose greatest strength is his ability to convey feeling. SICK! is a bit of a departure from Earl’s gruesomely bleak, visceral avant-garde sonic aesthetic, yes. But it’s far from a departure from the unmitigated honesty in his pen.

At times, SICK! is light-hearted, allowing Earl to expand artistically and challenge himself as an emcee. Tracks like “Lobby (int),” “Visions,” and “Titanic” have an unmistakable trap influence, a sound we have sparingly seen from the Odd Future alumni. Simulatenously pushing his sound forward (“God Laughs,” “Tabula Rasa”), SICK! allows Earl to grow and explore his own talents. For an artist as gifted as him, it’s not a surprise SICK! was one of the best rap records of 2022.

Spotlight Track:

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1. gemini rights — steve lacy

Each year, music fans anticipate a release so superb, it commands the attention of music enjoyers of all varieties. Turning heads, directing trends and dominating the perpetual musical deliberation, albums as superlative as Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights etch an indelible mark on the musical year itself.  

A 35-minute romantic catharsis doubling as a funky R&B, pop fusion exercise, Gemini Rights has all the elements of clear-cut album of the year candidate. Lacy’s endearing and relatable storytelling mixed with his undeniably generational song writing ability allowed tracks like “Bad Habit” to explode as a megahit. Lacy finding the precise and proper combination of experimentalism and hit making produce a track list to be littered with song of the year candidates (“Sunshine,” “Helmet,” “Mercury”). 2022 was a superb year musically, but it will ultimately be known as the year of the Gemini.

Spotlight Track:

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The Top 10 Best Albums of 2022

2022 gave us so many great albums, but what was the best? Beyonce's "Renaissance"? Kendrick Lamar's "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers"? Pusha T's "It's Almost Dry"? What about Steve Lacy's "Gemini Rights"? In today's special feature from StereoVision Miles and Spencer sit down and list their top 10 albums of 2022 as well as some honorable mentions:

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The Top 20 Best Songs of 2022

2022 was a fantastic year in music and gave us some incredible songs, but what was the best? Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit"? Denzel Curry's "Walkin"? Benny the Butcher and J. Cole on "Johnny P's Caddy? What about Omar Apollo's "Evergreen"? In today's special StereoVision feature Miles and Spencer sit down and give their top 20 songs of 2022 as well as some honorable mentions

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Listen to all our picks on our “Best of 2022” playlist:

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THE TOP 5 BEST NEW ARTISTS OF 2022

2022 gave us so many great new artists, but who was the best? Does Redveil win the title for the release of his excellent project "Learn to Swim"? Or what about Tony Shhnow thanks to two projects of his own that showcase him innovating the loved plug sound? In today's special StereoVision feature, Miles and Spencer sit down and go through their top 5 new artists of 2022. Find links to all the artists included below. Thanks for watching, don't forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe!

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SZA // SOS REACTION & REVIEW

After a five-year hiatus, SZA is FINALLY back with a new album 'SOS'. The TDE singer revolutionized R&B back in 2017 with ctrl and she looks to do so again with her new offering. Watch Miles and Spencer hear the album for the first time below:

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METRO BOOMIN // HEROES & VILLAINS REACTION x REVIEW

Metro Boomin is back with his highly anticipated album "Heroes and Villains" which features Travis Scott, Future, Young Thug, A$AP Rocky, Gunna, Don Toliver, Takeoff, Chris Brown, & Young Nudy. What did you think? Listen along with Miles and Spencer below:

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New Music Friday: Wizkid, Brockhampton, Nas, & More!

By Spencer Lobdell

Wizkid, photo by Jason Hetherington

“2 Sugar” by Wizkid (Feat. Ayra Starr)

“Soul Child” by Young Bleu

“Very Few Friends” by Saint Levant

“The Ending” by Brockhampton

“Band of Brothers” by 38 Spesh, Harry Fraud, Benny the Butcher, & Ransom

“M’s” by Tony Shhnow (Feat. ManMan Savage)

“Michael & Quincy” by Nas

“Flower Pads” by Wizkid

“6am” by Channel Tres

“Break My Heart” by Rod Wave

“Who Else Would It Be” by KayCyy

“Ride or Die” by DRAM

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What’s Drake’s Best Song? // TheStereoVision Podcast Ep. 53

Welcome back to The StereoVision Podcast. First and foremost prayers to Takeoff's family. A true legend in the culture. In today's episode, we discuss all new music from Smino's "Luv 4 Rent" album to the new Drake and 21 Savage album "Her Loss". We also get into what have been some of the highlights of Drakes career and how we view the current situation with Kyrie Irving in the NBA

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DRAKE x 21 SAVAGE // HER LOSS REACTION x REVIEW

Three weeks ago, the dynamic duo made up of Drake and 21 Savage announced they would be taking their collaborator status to the next level with a joint project titled "HER LOSS". The surprise project is now here and the expectations are through the roof. Watch Miles and Spencer listen and give their first reactions to songs like "Circo Loco", "Pussy & Millions", "Middle of the Ocean", and more!

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Is R&B Too Toxic in 2022? // TheStereoVision Podcast Ep. 52 Featuring Selina

We're back!!! In today's episode, we're joined by Selina. One of the brightest young talents in the R&B scene today. We discuss her influences, turning heartbreak into art, finding yourself through music, and so much more. Make sure to follow her on all platforms and stream her music!

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New Music Friday: Smino, Rihanna, Baby Keem, & More!

By Spencer Lobdell

Photo Credit: Denita Turner

“No L’s” by Smino

“Shirt” by Rihanna

“highway 95” by Baby Keem

“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna

“Modennaminute” by Smino (Feat. Lucky Day & Phoelix)

“OOGA BOODA!” by Ski Mask The Slump God

“Patience Interlude” by Baby Keem

“pg baby - Remix” by redveil (Feat. Denzel Curry)

“Rage Quit” by BabyTron

“Shootouts in Soho” by Westside Gunn (Feat. A$AP Rocky & Stove God Cooks)

“300 Blackout” by Kodak Black

“Monsieur Dior” by IDK

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Smino // "Luv 4 Rent" Reaction x Review

Smino is back with his latest full-length project "Luv 4 Rent,” an album we have been anticipating for over a year now. With amazing singles and a great list of guest features, will the album live up to the hype?

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Hotblock Jmoe Sounds More Determined Than Ever on His New Song “9X Outta 10”

By Miles Hagan

Chicago has something special going on right now. The latest in a long line of successful musicians to come out of the city is Hotblock JMoe, and he just dropped his latest track “9x Outta 10” featuring Tory Lanez. Along with the release of the track he had a special listening event in LA and had some of the biggest stars and executives in the city come out. 

The track shows Hotblock back in his bag, effortlessly flowing between slick bars and emotional melodies. While he is still making his way up in the industry, it is abundantly clear that he understands his newfound position. JMoe speaks on what it has taken for him to get to this point and how he plans to change not only his life but the lives of those around him. The smooth guitar sets the tone for his heartfelt message, but there is an undeniable confidence that shines brightly through the melodic chorus. He seems keenly aware that even though there is a long way to go, he has no choice but to make it and give the people he loves the life they deserve.

Tory slides on his verse per usual as this is a very familiar type of production for him. Hotblock has also received features from G Herbo and Big Sauce and has effortlessly brought them into his world, and this track is no different. Tory continues the run that he has been on for the last couple of years, this time coming with more bars than normal while still utilizing his signature auto-tune.

The listening event in LA had media from AllHipHop, SiriusXM, and Hollywood Unlocked. Guests were treated to drinks, casino tables, and food as they enjoyed hearing “9x Outta 10” for the first time. If this is any indicator, Hotboy JMoe has begun to reach well beyond the Windy City and has a lot of success in his future.

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Miles Hagan is the co-founder of StereoVision.

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New Music Friday: Smino, NxWorries, Babyface Ray, & More!

By Spencer Lobdell

NxWorries’ Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge, photo by @alexxfigs

“Where I Go” by NxWorries (Feat. H.E.R.)

“Matinee” by Smino

“Do Better” by Ab-Soul (Feat. Zacari)

“Nice Guy” by Babyface Ray

“Mad Richer” by Sonder

“Drop An Album” by Boldy James

“Tony Fontana III” by Hit-Boy & Curresn$y

“ICU” by Coco Jones

“I Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert

“Aang” by Pivot Gang

“KICK DOOR” by SwaVay (Feat. G Herbo)

“Diana” by Armani Caesar (Feat. Kodak Black)