Kota the Friend is Still Dodging Bad Vibes: 'EVERYTHING' Album Review

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A year after his debut album, FOTO (2019), Brooklyn native Kota the Friend encourages his listeners to realize the power within enjoying the present in his new album. Released on May 22, 2020, EVERYTHING is comprised of 12 feel-good tracks that appropriately affirm what it means to be a human being. With features ranging from Joey Bada$$ to Tobi Lou and two interludes by actors Lupita Nyong’o and Lakeith Stanfield, EVERYTHING is a brilliant compilation of varying perspectives that discuss the purpose of life. With the current reality, the timing for this project could not have been more satisfying. While many have already been engaging in an abundance of self-reflection, EVERYTHING poses two arguably abstract questions: “What means everything to you?” and “What does it mean to have everything?” 

In a lyric explanation video for track one, “Summerhouse,” Kota describes the introduction as the “saddest song” on his album. Kota addresses his reality of having to balance being a musician, a father, and other demanding responsibilities. In an attempt to highlight the beginning of his spiritual progression, Kota urges each listener to “open your mind, turn on the vibe and get off the internet.” As the song progresses, we can hear Kota slowly leaving his worries behind. “Summerhouse” ends with a positive message backed by an isolated trumpet both emphasizing that “love is everything.” Kota wastes zero bars and successfully epitomizes EVERYTHING within the three and a half minute track.

Having professional cinematography experience, Kota’s ease of recreating special life moments is not surprising. With nostalgic songs like “B.Q.E.,” Kota strategically called upon New York City artists, Joey Bada$$ and Bas. Being included in a list of greats such as Nas, Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G., and more, all three artists are known to possess styles unlike what you would expect from rappers from their hometowns. Named after the New York highway, “B.Q.E.” accentuates the impact geographic location has on one’s experience. The presence of Joey Bada$$ and Bas attest to the power of genuine relationships. Fans, especially those from New York, will appreciate this collaboration because it showcases how their growth as artists has not affected their down-to-earth manifestations. 

EVERYTHING is a loose guide to achieving a tranquil state of mind. The majority of the world’s most influential texts teach by personal testimony. Reading about someone’s journey to attain success, instills hope that one can overcome their struggles and reach their goals. The inclusion of both “Lupita’s Interlude” and “Lakeith’s Interlude” serve as blatant testaments to Kota’s goal of telling a greater story than his own. Representation matters and Nyong’o and Stanfield are the epitome of Black excellence within Hollywood. Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o contributes a much needed feminine energy to the project. Positioned as track five, “Lupita’s Interlude” forces listeners to begin to consciously reflect on the small moments that largely impact them as beings. Track 11, “Lakeith’s Interlude” appears to be more philosophical beginning with, “It means to me to have everything to simultaneously have nothing.” Some may view Stanfield’s words as “dark,” but I interpret them as an alternative way of asserting the importance of feeling complete while free from external forces. After all, we are simply reflections of our experiences as they do not define us. 

Kota the Friend put his all into EVERYTHING. From producing almost the entire album himself, to the incorporation of an insightful analysis from his interview with The Lunch Table, Kota proves that we can all find joy within any reality. I would encourage everyone to get on the Kota the Friend train before you are forced to join the bandwagon. EVERYTHING is everything and deserves a listen.

Favorite Songs:

Summerhouse

B.Q.E. (Feat. Joey Bada$$ & Bas)

Long Beach

Rating: 9

Listen to EVERYTHING here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
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Polo G, Chicago’s Youngest MVP: 'THE GOAT' Album Review

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Since its birth in the early 2010s, Drill music has been used to fuel negative stereotypes on Black men. 

Artists such as Lil Durk and Chief Keef are believed to be glorifying a life of violence and criminality. The connotation that Drill music has had, is honestly unfair; the violent lyrics and music videos are purely forms of artistic expression. It’s a genre dominated by the Black community’s disadvantaged youth, who strive to tell their stories the best way they can. This way of life was not a choice for these young men, the root of why Drill music exists in the first place is a whole new article in itself.     

However, the conversation at hand is about Polo G, an artist who shows that Chicago Drill may be the most socially aware genre in rap. 

In track 1 “Don’t Believe The Hype”, Polo raps about drug addiction, lost loved ones, and the lack of support he’s dealt with in his life. We hear Polo admit it’s hard for him to find the line between his old life and a new life (“He want all them niggas dead, it's sad to say, but I feel him / If I ain't had so much to lose, I'd be riskin' it with him”). Mostly though we hear Polo brag about his fame, and how he persevered to get there (“They weren't with me through my struggles, all this shit I sacrificed / I climbed out the darkness, now my Patek shinin' bright”).

Track 2 is the certified gold single “Heartless” featuring Dj Mustard. The first half of this song describes Polo in his essence: a ladies man, a proud Chicago native, and an aspiring businessman (see Polo break down the meaning of the hit single for Genius). 

Track 6, “21” is one of the best on the album. It’s Polo’s 21st birthday, and what may have him reminiscing on this track so much is how many people he’s known who haven’t made it to 21. He mentions the passing of another Chicago G.O.A.T Juice Wrld, whose untimely death reminds him to not fall back into the habit of abusing drugs. “Can't relapse off these drugs, man, R.I.P. to Juice / We was tweakin' off them Percs, I popped my last one with you.” Polo’s raps are often all over the place, but it’s delivered in the best possible way. Almost every line in the second verse refers to a different point in Polo’s life, and the lives of those he loves. Polo raps about being successful ever since he started rapping and never being satisfied with his achievements, to then commenting on how Chicago’s streets resemble battlefields at times. Every bar Polo delivers paints a picture into the listener’s head on this track. My favorite line by far is “Took losses in these streets, shit got me singin' gang blues”. “Gang Blues” might be the best description of Drill music I’ve ever heard. 

Track 8 is “I Know”, an extremely emotional song. In the chorus Polo raps about losing the life of a dear friend, it seems as if he lost the friend while he was famous. He shared drugs, good times, and bad times with this friend; but still they lost their life. “How the fuck I wake up from a dream to a nightmare?” Is this line an indication that Polo may feel some guilt for being able to escape his past lifestyle? If the line is what I think it is, this may be why Polo struggles to see the advantages of fame since all of his friends can’t live like him. The track also features how hard it was to grow up in Chicago, and how it’s hard to find a girl who wants him for a reason other than his fame. 

Track 15 “Trials & Tribulations”, leaked on Soundcloud the day the album was set to release and I’ve got to admit… I probably replayed this song for an hour straight. “Trials and Tribulations” starts off with another great chorus from Polo, he might have the best hooks in the game right now. Almost all of Polo G’s songs revolve around life in Chicago, which is pretty funny considering people from other places say Chicagoans never stop talking about Chicago. The streets of Chicago are what made Polo the man he is today, and he learned early on that no one could save him but himself. People who aren’t accustomed to life in the streets often make it seem like you always have a choice, or that getting help is an easy task, but Polo knows this isn’t true. “Them streets'll turn a good kid into a cold lil' savage / No point in church 'cause the preacher can't keep them poles from clappin' / It seem like evil and my soul attractin'”. As soon we wiped our eyes from hearing that chorus, midway into the first verse we hear Polo say “Hood on my back, was bustin' two-fours like Kobe Bryant / Sometimes I think like what's the likelihood of Kobe dyin'?”. I don’t think I’ll EVER get used to Kobe’s death. This song is one of Polo’s “tell-alls”, he’s always honest with fans, and he could care less about haters cause he knows his message will reach those who need to hear it.

Finally, we’re at the last track, “Wishing For A Hero” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid. The song samples 2Pac’s song “Changes” and at first, it gave me mixed feelings. There’s always something off about hearing artists sample 2Pc tracks to me, but now it’s my favorite from the whole album. The song proves that Polo is the most socially aware rapper from Chicago since Kanye (don’t @ me). He raps about how his Blackness puts him in a constant emotional, and physical battle with himself and others. He raps about Black on Black crime being a direct result of racism. He even hints at self-hate and drug addiction. Hearing a man who was conditioned to hate himself, rap like this puts a smile on my face.

The originators of Drill Music are Chicagoans, so it makes sense that now in 2020, Polo G and other Chicago artists are taking the genre to new heights. In my opinion, Drill is a genre that describes daily life in the streets; all of the violent and dark details are embedded in the music. Now that many of our favorite Drill artists are no longer in the streets (Chief Keef, G Herbo, Lil Durk, and Polo G), much of their music describes past ordeals and the struggles of putting the street life behind them. Is this an evolution of what Drill once was, or are the artists mentioned no longer a part of the Drill scene? 

favorite songs:

21

Trials & Tribulations

Wishing For A Hero (Feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)

Rating: 9

Listen to THE GOAT here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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The Voice of the Streets: 'Just Cause Y’all Waited 2' Review

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Lil Durk, Durkio, Smurkio, No Auto Durk… I’m sure you can tell by all of his different monikers that he’s a man who often seeks change. I mean, there are enough nicknames to match all of his different hairstyles over the years. For an artists who is always switching up his look and musical styles, one thing has always remained the same: Durk’s love for the people. 

“The Voice” is by far my favorite nickname of Durk’s, and if you listened to his music and interviews you’d know why. He’s always true to himself, his friends, family, and his fans. Although Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 is just a project to hold us over until the release of Durk and Metro Boomin’s No Auto, Durk shows glimpses of being The Voice. 

Now, before we even dive into a few of the songs, one thing should be made clear: this was released to hold fans over, read the title! I didn’t particularly appreciate the harsh critiques of this project simply because I know that this wasn’t released with the intention of changing the world. So with that being said, let’s get into it. 

Without songs like “Trifling Hoes”,  “Gucci Gucci” featuring Gunna, “Chiraq Demons” with G Herbo, and “3 Headed Goat” featuring Lil Baby and Polo G, we’re left with a 12 track project filled with violence, confusion, and valiant efforts to save one’s self and their community. 

Track 2, “Street Affection” shows Durk the lack of love that the streets of Chicago have for gang members and civilians alike. Durk speaks on police brutality with the line, “They ain’t doing they job, they ain’t serve and protectin’”, as well as the lack of guidance many young men in the streets have with the line, “Big homies not big homies, they ain’t tryna give direction.” This makes for one of the most emotional Durk songs ever, it describes a young man who came from nothing, who now has all he ever dreamed of, yet he still can’t escape the setbacks he faced in Chicago.

“Viral Moment” and “248” are two more highlights of the project. What makes these songs so special is that Durk borrows from the experience of not only himself but also some of the people around him. Durk is such a great rapper because he’s able to relate to everyone. In an interview with Genius, Durk said, “I try to hit certain points when relating to people, even if it’s pain, talking shit, gambling, as long as you can relate to it, I wanna produce it to you.” Durk is a very personable rapper, he always connects with his fans, the streets, and really anyone.

As a whole, this project is full of pain, and honesty. Durk talks about relationship issues, battling addiction, missing lost loved ones, even simple disputes among friends. There is surely a song for every rap fan on this project. One of Chicago’s “Young OG”s” sound is still consistent with the catchy, dark, violent pretenses Drill music first showed us in the early 2010s. But, more than any other rapper Drill from Chicago, I’d say Durk is the “gatekeeper” so to say for the genre. Not to say he created it, or what have you, but out Chicago’s Drill scene, no one has been as consistent as Durkio.

Durk my favorite artist from my hometown’s “Drill Era”. He’s always honest, and I mean always. Like many Chicagoans, emotions aren’t something that Durk often shows on the outside, or even on social media but if there’s ever any doubt about whats going on in his life, you’ll find it in his songs. Although this project isn’t my favorite release of Durk’s, it has me more excited than ever for No Auto.

Favorite Songs

Street Affection

Viral Moment

248

Rating: 7

Listen to Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
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Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak
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Master of His Craft: ‘High Off Life’ Album Review

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Last week Atlanta rapper and trap icon Future announced and released his eighth studio record, High Off Life. This album follows the release of three of Future’s older mixtapes onto streaming services over the past month, making 2020 a great time to be a Freebandz fan. High Off Life is a 90 minute record that spans 21 songs, making it one of the longest Future projects in a while. Unlike last year’s Future record The WIZRD, this album sees Future adopt a more familiar sound, though there are certainly moments of greatness to be found in the record’s enormous track listing.

High Off Life follows a similar formula that many of Future’s prior records have adhered to over the past half-decade. Like 2017’s FUTURE and HNDRXX, High Off Life is an incredibly expansive catalog of Future tracks that have likely been recorded over the past year. There are definitely tracks that could have been left on the cutting room floor, but in true Future fashion he leaves nothing back as he delivers a 90 minute performance. His vocal register is consistent, his tone alternating between aggressively energetic and confidently laid back, embodying the ‘toxic masculine’ for better and for worse. It is easiest to argue that this is for the better, however, as his fans (myself included) subscribe to his music because of how consistently good it is. After arguably delivering two of the past year’s best features (“Sup Mate” with Young Thug and “Wassup” with Lil Uzi Vert), and entertaining rumors of a second collaboration with Drake - the hype was tangible going into this record. The results were less than surprising.

Most Future records, like High Off Life, seem to be structured around around approximately half a dozen tracks that are clearly meticulously crafted. These hits are then surrounded by around a dozen enjoyable but admittedly less-than-memorable moments. Think back to Migos before the release of the near-perfect Culture - with every mixtape hip-hop’s canon would be graced with a track like Versace or Pipe it Up despite their records having minimum 12 tracks each. In High Off Life, there are several tangible moments of brilliance that parallel his infamous “King’s Dead” verse, though finding them requires a fair amount of work. 

In the ~11 times I have listened to this record this week, I have managed to isolate the tracks where I feel Future to be at his best. Future’s delivery and signature vocal timbre on High Off Life is much stronger than his past few releases, so even though some of the mixes may leave you eying the ’skip’ button, they still remain ultimately enjoyable tracks that surround the hidden gems. “HiTek Tek” is a gem that sees Future’s powerful melodic delivery and “yeah yeah!” adlibs reach new heights as he effortlessly flows over ATL Jacob’s thundering 808s, mechanical hi-hats and glittering synth patterns. 

Though “Solitaires” featuring Travis Scott seems like it would be a clear standout track after the Houston rapper’s incredible verse on Future’s last record, the first 4 tracks immediately get overshadowed when playing High Off Life’s fifth track: “Ridin Strikers”. The ominous-yet-catchy banger features a unique arrangement including a Guzheng-adjascent track that artists like Future helped popularize in modern hip-hop music. After two minutes of bars about trapping and organized violence, a beat switch takes place that emphasizes and amplifies the track’s status as an eerie banger. Every instrument feels out of key, the drums off-kilter, and the 808s decelerated to a lurching slowness. Keeping it all together is Future, rapping a narrative about bank robbery where he says “Hold on, smokin' on pressure / Hold on, straight out a pound / Hold on, crazy-ass shooter / Hold on, sprayin' in the crowd”. The track ends quickly, in its wake leaving one of the most memorable Future tracks released since his career began almost a decade ago.

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High Off Life features so many more memorable moments embedded in its hour and a half runtime. “Harlem Shake” sees Future link back up with fellow SUPER SLIMEY collaborator Young Thug, and unfortunately it is not a remix of Bauuer’s EDM anthem. “Too Comfortable” is a refreshing and upbeat moment where Future raps over an acoustic guitar that is vaguely reminiscent of Migos’ 2018 hit “Narcos”, and Lil Uzi Vert’s appearance on “All Bad” showcases the two rapper’s incredibly infectious chemistry. Tracks like “Accepting My Flaws” and “Last Name” with Lil Durk show rare moments of Future’s emotional complexity, making the untouchable and omnipresent rapper reflect in a rare moment of vulnerability. Though “Life is Good” has been out since last winter, it is still a solid track and ending the record with its remix (sporting additional features from Lil Baby and DaBaby) felt like a fitting way to conclude this record.

Though High Off Life is pretty consistently enjoyable with several key moments, it is not without its unfortunate flaws. Future seems to have played it safe with this one, and it is unfortunate that Future doesn’t venture outside of his wheelhouse more often like he did with 2019’s The WIZRD or the following EP SAVE ME. Some of the tracks like “Up The River” or “Hard to Choose One” do not make much of a lasting impact as their beats sound like they were made using the same soundfonts every other producer today is using trying to craft the next big trap anthem. How long will fans have to wait before another Pharrell or Zaytoven collaboration? The answer is unclear. Finally, though it is nice to see Future elevating the next generation by featuring NBA Youngboy, their lack of chemistry and dissonance of styles makes his decision seem like an odd one, though their track together could have been worse. 

Though technically High Off Life is Future’s eighth studio record, this release is just one of over 16 projects that the Atlanta rapper has released over the past 10 years. It is clear in Future’s writing and persona that he clearly understands that he is a significant cultural icon, though hopefully in upcoming years fans are graced with music with less bars about coronavirus, and more thematic risks. I had the pleasure of meeting Future at the Grammys in 2019, and the the only thing more memorable than his elegant and minimalistic suit was the aura of untouchable celebrity confidence he carried with him. High Off Life is this in musical form - highly enjoyable, but it leaves you curious about the missed potential from the routes untaken. At the end of the day, Risks or not, this album will certainly be kept on heavy rotation for the foreseeable future.

Favorite Songs:

Ridin Strikers

Too Comfortable

All Bad (ft. Lil Uzi Vert)

Rating: 8

Listen to High Off Life here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

Crafting an Introspective Sugar Rush: 'how i’m feeling now' Album Review

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Charli XCX is no stranger to the experimental. Her 2017 project Pop 2 boasted numerous tracks that ventured into glitchy, noisy territory, and last year’s Charli certainly had its weird side, with cuts such as “Click” and “Thoughts” providing plenty of crushed drums and overblown climaxes for fans to chew on. When Charli announced an upcoming record made entirely in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was expecting pretty much just more of the same (which, keep in mind, wasn’t necessarily a bad thing). However, as Charli began to release singles through a collaborative process that kept her fans involved, I was blown away by what I was hearing. 

While her music still definitely falls under the pop umbrella, Charli delivered singles pitched through a lens of noise, distortion, and electronic music. “Forever” and “claws” featured lyrics about both the melancholy and blissful moments within romantic relationships, while “i finally understand” focused on Charli’s battle with her own mental health and self-doubts. Very quickly, I felt as if I was getting a good picture of what the album was going to be about and sound like, and for the most part, Charli delivered as expected—all while exceeding my every expectation. Perhaps her most intimate and close-quarters project yet, how i’m feeling now is an air-tight sugar rush consisting of songs about love, isolation, and the desire to live one’s best life.

Considering that Charli wrote the majority of this album while quarantined with her long-time boyfriend, it’s no surprise that many of the tracks here revolve around their relationship, and some even comment on the way social distancing has impacted their understanding of each other. For example, the song “7 years” looks at how far Charli and her boyfriend have come and the emotional progress they’ve made with each other. Lyrics such as “I used to live inside a lie with you / And now we’re honest and it feels so good” demonstrate Charli’s honesty with herself about how her relationship has evolved, and it’s a refreshing moment that made me genuinely happy for her. Meanwhile, the songs “detonate” and “enemy,” analyze Charli’s struggle with her emotional and physical proximity to her significant other with the latter serving as a definitive high point on the tracklist.

“enemy,” a track led by a nostalgic synth bass and an arsenal of soaring, fleeting synths, plays on the saying “keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” Lyrically, Charli realizes that her emotional vulnerability with her boyfriend could become her downfall should their relationship ever turn hostile, implying that he’s so close to her that he could do serious damage to her heart. She spends the rest of the song exorcising these anxieties, and the closing lyric “Can you reach me?” beautifully sums up her dilemma; on one hand, she wants someone close enough to count on and love, but on the other, she worries they might get too close and break down the emotional barrier she’s put up. 

It’s introspective moments such as these that make the album so emotionally captivating, but that doesn’t mean the project is without its bangers. The intro track “pink diamond” is a hard-as-nails, nocturnal cut that pulls no punches and reflects the nightlife that people enjoyed prior to the pandemic. Screaming synth chords and lasers fill the back half of the instrumental, and a crushed-to-hell drum breakdown closes it out in style. “c2.0,” a wonky reimagining of 2019’s “Click,” sees head producer A.G. Cook chopping singer Kim Petras’ contribution to the original track into a cute, dreamy set of background vocals. Meanwhile, Charli laments about missing her friends and the memories they have together—a sentiment that plays into how most people are feeling right about now. 

As yet another track containing elements of noise and EDM, “anthems” easily lives up to its name, sounding like something out of a college party movie or a promotional video for a music festival. Charli once again reminisces about the way life used to be, comparing it to the mundane nature of quarantine and how it has affected her personal drive. She also shares hope that her friendships will benefit from the time apart, arguing that “when it’s over / we might be even closer.” It’s a reassuring thought, and the high-stakes nature of the track left me in a state of euphoria (which was only heightened by the surreal trip presented by “visions,” the following and final track).

To be honest, there aren’t any major problems I have with this album. In my opinion, there is one minor dud in the tracklist that never quite reaches a satisfying climax (I’ll let you figure out which track I’m referring to, considering it’s the only one I haven’t mentioned so far). Regardless, the project as a whole is super tight and flows really well, the lyrics are catchy and carried by earworm melodies, and the production fully embraces the strange, pushing Charli’s pop songwriting towards pure innovation. It’s a truly inventive, one-of-a-kind project, written from physical isolation yet engineered digitally by a powerhouse team. The emotional moments hit, the bangers certainly don’t miss either, and Charli seems to be as vulnerable as ever, making how i’m feeling now my current frontrunner for album of the year. I can only hope that the future of pop music is this imaginative, forward-thinking, and downright fun.

Favorite Tracks:

forever

enemy

anthems

Rating: 9

Listen to how i’m feeling now here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

The Cascading Effects of Rap Regionalism’s Growing Absence

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We as rap listeners are comfortable compartmentalizing music based on regional differences. From the infamous East vs West Coast beef of the late ’90s and the recent rise of the South, to the growth of international sounds in hip-hop, territorialism in hip hop has been around since the conception of the genre. But these autonomous circles of rap are slowly growing closer. From the rise of social media to the invention of the smartphone, the rapid pace at which technology has evolved has made the world an undeniably smaller place. The music world, of course, has followed suit. No proverbial stone has been left unturned, as the way we consume music has changed with streaming services. Artist-fan relationships have never been tighter through avenues such as Twitter, as well as a complete transformation of production processes. Even one of hip-hops defining and fundamental characteristics is fighting a losing battle to the internet: regionalism.  “It’s a switch they can turn on and off,” said author Murray Forman, author of The ’Hood Comes First: Race, Space, and Place in Rap and Hip-Hop. “The Internet has facilitated a sense of placelessness.” Is the song West Coast, East Coast, Southern, or does it even matter anymore? 

Instead of your local record shop getting regionally relevant albums weeks ahead of other cities, it can be accessed worldwide via streaming platforms or countless other sites like YouTube, DatPiff, SoundCloud, and AudioMack. The elimination of the slow migration of physical records has undermined many of the unique characteristics of each region, as full discographies can be analyzed and consumed elsewhere at the touch of a button. Isolation, due to a lack of a comprehensive communication system like the internet, allowed these individual sectors of rap to flourish. 

Of course, the West Coast and East Coast had their own distinctive and legendary hip-hop scenes. But other areas cultivated their own exclusive and independent movements. Memphis developed a darker, more aggressive brand of hip-hop than the rest of the south with groups like Three 6 Mafia. New Orleans was dominated by “bounce” music, a type of hip-hop focused on energy and call-and-response style parties (Drake’s hit “Nice For What” incorporates elements of bounce). 

But the internet has changed rappers' views on the idea of regionalism, as instead of defending their turf's sound, they borrow elements from their technological neighbors.

Not all of this is bad news, whatsoever. In fact, the growing utilization of technology in hip-hop has allowed for a sort of rap renaissance of both the sound and philosophy of regionalism. The genre is more collaborative than ever, allowing for a compelling blend of styles and sounds. Take, for example, the two most recognizable labels in contemporary rap music: Top Dawg Entertainment and Dreamville. Both J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, head honchos of their labels rosters, are heavily rooted in their respective regions both sonically and topically. But the rest of their labels hardly follow suit. Dreamville artist JID represents a fascinating fusion of Atlanta trap and the old-school soul aesthetics of the south.  Isaiah Rashad of TDE is a through-and-through southern trip-hop guru. And LA based artist Cozz hardly fits Dreamville’s line-up of Southern/East Coast artists. 

Lamar is surely in favor of the post-regionalism of hip-hop,  “It’s not about the coasts, it’s not about what side we’re on. It’s about being as great as Biggie, as ’Pac,” he said in an interview with Power 106. “People trying to make it a rivalry—that’s old school, homie. We’re black men out here trying to uplift the culture.”

Lamar's sentiments on regionalism reflect a growing trend. Transcending the conformity of space has become something applauded in contemporary hip-hop, rather than something scrutinized. Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West, and Earl Sweatshirt, some of the most celebrated minds of rap today, hardly follow their region's designated soundscape. On the other hand, some of the unique idiosyncrasies  of the separate territories of hip-hop have survived the transition from old-school to new-school. Joey Bada$$ and the Griselda crew have upheld the East Coast’s boom-bap brilliance. Traces of the smooth, G-funk inspired golden age of the West-Coast can be found in artists like Nipsey Hussle, Jay Rock, and Lamar himself. While the South has undergone the most considerable transformation of the three with the immensity of trap music, the sounds of Isaiah Rashad, Smino and Big K.R.I.T. harken back to the days when Outkast, Lil Wayne and T.I. captivated the rap world. Artists like Denzel Curry and Travis Scott put their respective cities on the map. Rap is left in an odd place, one situated quite precisely in the midst of an overhaul between an old-school and new-school mentality toward regionalism. 

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But none of this is to say collaborative efforts between the sonic qualities of regions was nonexistent during the golden age of stubborn territorialism. Outkast’s second and third records, ATLiens and Aquemini  had almost every sonic quality of the then budding G-funk revolution that enthralled much of the West Coast hip-hop scene. New York legend Nas was unafraid of mingling with the influencers of the West, as he was the first rapper from the Big Apple to appear on a Dr. Dre beat on the classic cut “Nas Is Coming.” It’s widely known that A Tribe Called Quest’s legendary project The Low End Theory was heavily inspired by the masterclass of production present on N.W.A’s debut album Straight Outta Compton. While collaborative efforts between these distinct regions were entirely more taboo during the 90’s, the result were landmarks, classics and imaginative pieces of music. Today, we’re still enthralled by regional teamwork. Whether it’s when the distinct styles of a Drake and Future produce a legendary record like What a Time to Be Alive, or Migos, Run The Jewels or Kanye West adopting Memphis’ patented triplet flows, we’ll always have an affinity and appreciation for hip-hops regional roots. It differentiates our experiences from one another, but allows listeners a window into another life. A life that happened elsewhere and at an entirely different time, when sound had geography. 

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

StereoVision's AOTY Power Rankings: May

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By StereoVision Staff

Welcome to our Album of the year power ranking series! Each month all our team members submit their “top 10 albums of 2020 so far” along with some notes about why their list looks the way it does. These lists are then compiled into our overall power rankings which you can find below. Keep scrolling to see each team members personal list which gives interesting insight on how different albums age over the course of the year for specific people. Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoy the article!

 
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The Teams Picks:

3.15.20 & A Written Testimony still remain at the top of my list because of the expert artistry on both of the projects leading to immense replay value. Upon release, I thought Smino’s new mixtape She Already Decided was solid, but as I revisited the project through the end of April and beginning of May, I quickly realized it was one of my favorite offerings in recent memory. I wouldn’t be surprised if She Already Decided makes it all the way to my year end list because of how fun the entire tape is. Westside Gunn lived up to the lofty expectations he’s set for himself on the excellent Pray For Paris and Kenny Mason showcased his all-time great potential on his debut album Angelic Hoodrat. Lastly, Larry June and Cardo made one of the best albums to listen to in the car with Cruise USA, a undeniably smooth album drenched in west coast swagger. -Spencer Lobdell

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To me, Donald Glover still has released the most creative and quality project of this year. That being said Smino’s release of She Already Decided was unexpected, but one of the most pleasantly surprising mixtapes to drop in a while. Jay Electronica and Jay-Z had entirely too many bars as A Written Testimony might have been the best rap exhibition of 2020. Bent Fiyaz, Giveon, and The Weeknd have represented male R&B in an excellent fashion. Pray for Paris and Heaven or Hell are on two opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but each is worth a listen because they deliver things you couldn't get from anyone else. Finally Jhene stayed true to form with the excellent album Chilombo. -Miles Hagan

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My current favorite album of 2020 is King Krule’s third studio album Man Alive! The 25 year old English indie sensation consolidates his eclectic sound on Man Alive, allowing the best aspects of all his various musical influences shine through the album’s seamless production. Bolstered by King Krule’s poetic lyricism and enchanting vocal performance, Man Alive! will be a difficult album to top. This year has seen a great body of releases from up and coming women in the rap game, much of which had been significantly more impressive than the work of their famous male counterparts. Hook and Bbymutha in particular have stood out so far as being two of the most talented, versatile, and exciting new artists out today. Don’t sleep on the girls! -Kaila Cherry

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My power rankings have changed a pretty good bit since the last time I submitted them. I moved The Weeknd up as the record continued to grow on me and I added Smino right below it. I thought PND and Jhene both dropped very solid projects that deserved to be in the top 10, and most surprisingly, I loved the chemistry between Chris Brown and Young Thug on Slime B. I thought Kehlani and Nav’s albums were mediocre so they didn’t break my top 10, but hopefully I warm up to them as the year progresses! -Carter Fife

For the most part, my list remained the same from April. I find that, typically, the albums that leave the best impression on me do a great job of balancing the traditional with the experimental or lean towards the latter characteristic. The artists who have been switching up their sounds or presenting interesting genre blends (e.g. The Weeknd, 070 Shake, Mixed Matches,) have stayed at the top of my list, and more underground artists continue to funnel in as well. Vocalist and producer Mixed Matches presents an atmospheric soundscape of ear candy on Jesse, a project filled with infectious melodies and soothing, layered vocal performances. Meanwhile, newcomer brakence delivers a unique, wonky blend of electronica and punk on his debut album punk2, which features tons of experimental trap production and autotuned vocals. -Owen Tait

I know, the absence of PTSD is alarming to all of my fellow Chicagoans but honestly, it doesn’t match up sonically to the 10 albums listed. Albums 1-4 may be some of my favorite ever, listening to each of the 4 was an experience; the songwriting and overall story makes them all 10/10’s for me. #1 was an easy choice for me, After Hours has Grade-A production and storytelling across the board. Number 6 is a new project from someone I recently discovered; right after listening to the first song I knew the project would be great. At number 10 is Lil Baby’s latest album, I really hated it when it first released, but I decided to give it another listen and it’s actually pretty solid. -Courtney Fields

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Nothing put out this year has quite compared to Mac Miller’s posthumous project Circles, that is until Westside Gunn put out the grimey, bar-heavy masterpiece that is Pray for Paris. Touting some of the best cyphers of the year in “327,” “$500 Ounces” and “George Bondo,” Westside Gunn easily secures a spot in the top 3. The ever soulful and funky It Is What It Is and She Already Decided from Smino and Thundercat have aged like fine wine, while UNLOCKED and Eternal Atake have seen their replay value diminished for me. -Luke Modugno

I am excited to to still Have CHILOMBO at the top of my list. Jhené did what needed to be done to help me survive this pandemic. So again, name another album as captivating and versatile that is also 20 tracks long with no skips! Circles and A Written Testimony remain at the top of my list because they are solid projects from seasoned artists. I had trouble ranking 38 Baby 2, PTSD, and My Turn. I enjoy listening to all three but I’m unsure which is truly better. The debut album, KIKI, by Kiana Ledé, is well constructed and relatable. I listed the project to keep the newcomer in conversation. I’m interested in seeing the rest of the teams picks to see what albums I have been overlooking. -Amaya Lorick

Now that we are approaching the halfway point through the year, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make these picks. At #1, I still have Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles. I don’t listen to it every day, but the bitter sweetness of this album hits different for me. It’s a fantastic piece, and it is going to be very hard for any albums this year to take its spot. G Herbo also remains high on my list, he surprised me with PTSD and even though it has been out for some time, it still hits just as hard. Drake’s new mixtape made a big splash, I won’t be surprised if this stays on my list until the end of the year. I really dig the vibes on Slime & B, but time will tell how much longevity it has. -Colson O’Connor

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🔥 Frank Ocean Song Tourney 🔥 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Frank Ocean song of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story an
If you haven’t heard about it already, go check out TheStereoVision’s new “Situational Playlist Collection” 💎 Set the vibe with these 🔥 playlists curated by our team, for you. . . . Just search for “StereoVision”
A$AP Rocky and Snoop Dogg brought so much good energy to this 2016 freestyle 💎 . . . #hiphop #rap #asaprocky #asap #snoop #snoopdogg #freestyle #rapfreestyle #pushat #joeybadass #schoolboyq #icecube #warreng #eazye #biggie
A Flawless 3-Peat: ‘Almost There’ Mixtape Review . Favorite Tracks: . Unlimited Runnin With Nigo . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #newhiphop #hiphopalbum #rapalbum #ne
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According to our followers, the best J. Cole song of all time is “No Role Modelz”. Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket! 💎 . . . What bracket do you want to see next? . . . #svmadness #marchmadness #

Leveling Up: 'State of Emergency' EP Review

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On May 8th, 2020, Lil Tjay silenced all the haters with his new seven-track EP titled State of Emergency. It’s clear that this project is dedicated to the people of New York as all of the features on the record only come from the hottest rappers in Brooklyn. Some of these features include Fivio Foreign, Jay Critch, J.I. the Prince of N.Y, and the Brooklyn legend Pop Smoke.

Compared to Tjay’s previous work, this EP is much harder hitting. Aside from his two slower songs “Ice Cold” & “My City”, all these tracks consist of bass-heavy beats and hard-ass verses that prove Lil Tjay is leveling up in the game. My favorite aspect of this project is that it really showcases his growth, which isn’t necessarily a trend right now as artists rush to release music during quarantine.

If there’s one thing that is communicated clearly in State of Emergency, it’s that Tjay isn’t stopping until he is crowned the king of New York. Considering he dropped his debut album True 2 Myself in 2019, and he’s already released this EP, I think another full album is not too far away. It’s very clear that he’s been grinding in the studio and he’s got a lot left in the tank. This record and his recent singles are just what we needed to hold us over until we get the new album, which I assume is going to be the best project of his career (to date).

At only 19 years old, 2020 has already been a huge success for Lil Tjay, and we aren’t even halfway through the year. His work is very promising and we are only witnessing the tip of the iceberg.

Listen to State of Emergency here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

Introducing Atlanta’s Next Superstar: ‘Angelic Hoodrat’ Album Review

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Photo by Nasser Boulaich

Photo by Nasser Boulaich

Meet Kenny Mason, the Atlanta newcomer who is undoubtedly next up in the long line of hip-hop greatness from down south. While the majority of the world was introduced to Kenny last October when his break-out single “Hit” was released on streaming services, his debut album Angelic Hoodrat has actually been in production for three years. The fact that Kenny was willing to spend that much time on his debut album reflects an uncommon self-belief that is the first of many signs of greatness Mason displays on his debut record.

At its core, Kenny Mason’s Angelic Hoodrat is a story of duality, a slightly more sinister version of the good kid m.A.A.d city archetype entailing an individual who desires more than anything to do good but is constantly pushed to their limit and forced to act based on their overly toxic environment. The story is one told before, but one Kenny tells with more conviction and authenticity than his predecessors. Not only is it clear that Kenny has already seen more in his 25 years of life than most were meant to in their entire earthly journey, but he posses the rare ability to articulate these emotions in such a palpable way creating a deeply moving experience for those who have lived through similar tribulations and invaluable perspectives for those who haven’t even come close.

Listeners are alerted of Mason’s potential greatness from his very first quatrain as he opens his album with a line about the gut-wrenching paranoia that constantly coincides with being black in America (Sorry mama, I can not show weakness/Niggas walkin' round macho, my thoughts on defense/Paranoia make me talk slow, freezin' on the walk home/Freezin' when the cops show heaters, go figure).

Right from the jump it’s obvious that listeners need to fasten their seatbelt for the wild ride Kenny is preparing to take us on. Lyrical excellence is far from an anomaly on the tape as we are presented with deeply poetic and enticing songwriting at every turn on Angelic Hoodrat. On the fourth track “Lean” Mason concludes his first verse with a dazzling display of introspective wordplay (Speaking spiritual/I see a mirror and see a miracle when I reflect/I think of where I was at a year ago/Knowing where it’ll go/Still be wishin that I was at wherever you at). Kenny’s pen is years beyond his age and he’s already doing things on his debut album that are far beyond the threshold of many people making millions rapping.

Mason is far from a one trick pony though as the way he delivers these lines is equally as impressive as what the bars actually say. Whether Mason is relaxed and rapping in a somber and almost apologetic tone (“Firestarter” & “Once Again”), doing his best Denzel Curry impression and assaulting your ears through an aggressive in-your-face style (“PTSD” & “Metal Wings”), or living out his rock band dreams through a punk rock inspired sound that Mason credits to the legendary Pixies, on each song Kenny consciously picks a different style that fits the track. Not only does this deviation of style keep things super interesting, but it allows Kenny to connect with his lyrics on a deeper level resulting in each song being delivered in a way that makes you believe every word that Mason sings and raps.

Throughout the Angelic Hoodrat, Kenny uses his convincing delivery to disseminate two main emotions to his listeners: perpetual sadness and chaotic terror. Only once on the album does Mason depart from these themes and the result is my favorite track on the album, “Chevron”. This bright track showcases all of Mason’s aforementioned strengths along with potentially his best hook on the record. This song carries the same triumphant energy as much of the music of fellow southerner Big K.R.I.T, an energy that is hard to match and impossible to follow.

The wide array of influences that Kenny cited on his recent press run is apparent on Angelic Hoodrat as very few songs are able to be categorized as one specific genre. Taking genre-mashing to the extreme, Kenny mainly incorporates aspects of rap music of the 2010s and the post-punk movement of the 1990s in his music while sprinkling in bits of R&B and punk rock as well.

Mason doesn’t simply explore punk influences to be different though, as the 25-year-old artist showcases a serious vocal range that isn’t seen in his rap music. Some of the more rock-influenced tracks shine through as his most personal tracks on the album leading me to wonder if Mason actually plays the guitar and wrote these chords as well. Due to Kenny’s lyrical ability, his capacity to transmit emotion, and his post-punk sound, it’s impossible not to wonder if Angelic Hoodrat might be our best guess at what the rumored rock-influenced upcoming Kendrick Lamar album might sound like.

While Angelic Hoodrat is great, it’s not perfect. With this being his debut project, it’s a given that the 25-year-old is still trying to exactly find his sound. This leads to him flying too closely to the styles of others for my taste on a couple tracks. On the third track “PTDS” I swear Kenny Mason is actually Baby Keem at 1:14. “Metal Wings” is a little too Denzel Curry for me in the first verse. The ad-libs on “U in a Gang” are so Trippie Redd it distracts me from what is otherwise an excellent song. With this being said, Kenny is extremely good at impersonating these artists making these moments enjoyable, but with potential like his, he’d be a fool to imitate anyone but Kenny Mason.

In my opinion, Mason’s debut album is the second true break-out project of the year (the first being Take Time by Giveon), launching Kenny into the highest tier of new artists. Angelic Hoodrat will leave you feeling like you know Kenny Mason, sympathizing with those in a position similar to him, but respecting him to the point that where you understand your sympathy would offend him. With Angelic Hoodrat being one of the best releases of the year, it’s officially time to welcome Kenny Mason to the big leagues.

Favorite Tracks

Chevron

Angels Calling // My Dad

Hit

Rating: 8.5

Listen to Angelic Hoodrat here:

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

400 Million Dollars Worth of Game: ‘Pray for Paris’ Album Review

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Westside Gunn. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Westside Gunn. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

The Harlem Renaissance was a black intellectual, social, and artistic explosion in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, spanning through the 1920s. After four long years of hard work led by Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway, it has become evident to the rap world that Griselda has started their own Renaissance.

On April 17th, 2020 Pray for Paris was released independently through Griselda Records. The Album Art is a story in itself being that it is based on the painting David with the Head of Goliath by Italian painter Caravaggio, who is considered to be “The Second Michelangelo.” Like Caravaggio, Westside Gunn is a product of some of the greats like Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. Said influences are exactly what makes Pray For Paris a gritty, graceful, imaginative, and ambitious album.

The album begins with an intro titled “400 Million Plus Tax'' which is an excerpt from an auction; which is a testament to the confidence of Westside Gunn.

The album then shifts to “No Vacancy”, a track that embodies the true grit and grace that the album’s artwork achieves on its own. The track is an anecdote of Gunn’s drug, crime, designer clothing, luxury car filled life; played over some of the most beautiful keys you’ll ever hear. Nothing is more heartwarming to a rap fan than hearing menacing lyrics over such heavenly production.

WSG 2.jpg

Griselda’s big three, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway take us to “George Bondo”, A track where we see the three men not even try to “acclimate” to their new surroundings. If anything, this track is an explanation for Gunn’s entire career, a man that can say something like “Just shot a nigga on the anklet”, but then go hang out with Virgil Abloh at a fashion show. We even get to hear Benny The Butcher say, “I get you whacked at The Venetian for blasphemous speakin’ ”. Basically, on “George Bondo” we get a glimpse at the intersection point between the streets of Buffalo, NY and the three rappers’ newfound elitist status in the world of music - two worlds that are equally as crooked as they are beautiful.

On “327” Gunn, Joey Bada$$ (it feels good to be able to say we’ve gotten a new Joey verse), and Tyler, The Creator brag about the lifestyles their fame has allowed. I’m sure we can all agree that hearing Gunn brag about keeping a gun in the armrest of his Benz, Joey hanging with Diddy and Jay-Z, and Tyler bragging about his glittery fingernails is pretty worthwhile.

Tracks 8 and on is where we get to see the true grit of Gunn and his friends.

“$500 Ounces'' is a standout track of 2020, let alone the album. In just one verse, Freddie Gibbs sums up what makes him Freddie! He details friends looking out for him, selling drugs, and having trust issues; to then just chalk it up to the way God set his life out to be. Freddie even sneaks in the bar, “Kobe died, I swear a nigga might cry when I watch the Lakers, damn”. I’m not sure if anyone was ready to hear that line. Roc Marciano absolutely destroys the track with his melanin bar, “The MAC-11 hit your melon and crack it” A double entendre that had me pause the track if I’m being honest. Roc’s MAC-11 bullets are cracking skulls (hit your melon and crack it), but the words “melon and” also serve as the word “melanin” insinuating that black don’t crack.

 This review can’t end without mentioning track 10, “Claiborne Kick” which features Boldy James. Boldy sets a scene like no other, hearing him rap about his past is almost like watching a slideshow of his life. Boldy’s lyrics are cold and harsh, you don’t just hear what he’s saying, you feel it. His lyrics literally pop off of your phone as you’re reading the lyrics on Genius.

In its essence, Pray For Paris is, in my opinion, art at its purest form. This album is the truth, really. It perfectly embodies what it’s like to be black in America. We take our past with us everywhere we go, most of the time we try to escape it; but Gunn and the rest of Griselda want us to embrace all avenues of our blackness wherever we are. I mean, he had Virgil Abloh put diamond chains on a painting of David and Goliath. Gunn takes his true self wherever he is, whether it’s at Paris Fashion Week with Virgil Abloh, whacking guys at The Venetian with Benny The Butcher, or listening to Tyler, The Creator choose the next color of glitter for his fingernails.

Favorite Tracks

327 (Feat. Joey Bada$$ & Tyler, The Creator)

$500 Ounces (Feat. Freddie Gibbs & Roc Marciano)

Claiborne Kick (Feat. Boldy James)

Rating: 8.5

Listen to Pray for Paris here:

We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us i=on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get notified whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

The Summer of the 6 God: ‘Dark Lane Demo Tapes’ Mixtape Review

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Drake, photo courtesy of Republic Records

Drake, photo courtesy of Republic Records

Rap’s biggest commercial superstar, Drizzy Drake, has been making lots of noise in 2020 as he prepares for the release of his 6th commercial album this summer. While hip-hop fans alike were aware of Drake’s recent spike in activity due to the viral hit “Toosie Slide” as well as recent SoundCloud freebies like “Chicago Freestyle” and “War,” no one was quite expecting Champagne Papi to announce the release of a surprise mixtape of leaks and throw-aways that would be available on all streaming platforms less than 24 hours after the announcement post.

Drake released Dark Lane Demo Tapes on May 1st, 2020 through OVO Records. The mixtape contains 14 songs with features from Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Future, Chris Brown and others.

Before diving into the music, it’s important to note where each track came from so we can conclude what this tape tells us about Drake’s sixth album. Four of the 14 tracks (“When To Say When”, “Chicago Freestyle”, “Desire”, & “War”) were released on SoundCloud over the past six months well one track was officially released by Drake on Spotify (“Toosie Slide”). Tracks “Deep Pockets” and “From Florida with Love” were initially recorded for Drake’s 2018 album Scorpion but didn’t make the final album and were eventually leaked in April 2020. Besides the two aforementioned tracks, we have every reason to believe that the rest of the music on Dark Lane Demo Tapes was recording for lucky album number six giving us a glimpse into what to expect this summer.

The first major takeaway from Dark Lane Demo Tapes is that Drake sounds hungrier than he has in recent memory. Something about Drake’s delivery sounds more urgent than it has in years - a welcomed deviation from the slew of complacent mid that he packed on 2018’s Scorpion. He displays this new drive on tracks like “When To Say When”, “Landed”, & “Losses” while also reminding us why we use to refer to Drake as a great rapper and not just a popstar. It seems like Drake is bringing back his long-winded, freestyle-esque tracks where verses are separated by brief pauses in the reflective bars if they’re separated at all. These instances where Drake accepts the challenge of bodying an entire song with no hook truly showcase Drizzy at his best as we remember that most of Drake’s most impressive tracks over the course of his career normally throw conventional song structure to the wind.

Photo: Splash News

Photo: Splash News

Although Drake reminds us why he’s a great rapper through this tape of demos, he makes sure not to neglect his R&B fans on Dark Lane Demo Tapes. “Not You Too” features Chris Brown and showcases the two A-list artists trading sensual melodies over smooth ambient instrumental that are aided by a breath-taking synth slide halfway through the track. The song is classic singing Drake and is going to be played in idle cars with foggy windows for years to come. Drake doesn’t only make R&B for the bedroom though as the 7th track “Time Flies” sounds primed to be his next melodic hit and has the same addictive qualities as his 2018 viral smash “In My Feelings” without being half as obnoxious (please don’t turn this song into a viral trend).

Besides a very underwhelming Playboi Carti appearance, features pull their weight on Dark Lane Demo Tapes and even out perform Drizzy on certain songs, the first of which is the haunting “Chicago Freestyle”. On the track Drake calls on R&B’s next superstar Giveon who delivers a chilling hook that steals the spotlight and sets the tone for the track. Drake doesn’t go down without a fight though as the track showcases some of his most captivating writing and fascinating melodies. Every time I press play on “D4L” my day is made by Future’s “money counter” sound effects. “D4L” sounds like it was so much fun to record and the energy shines through making it one of the most infectious tracks on the tape. Fivo Foreign and Sosa Geek pop in for awesome guest verses on “Demons” adding something to the track that Drake simply couldn’t: Grit.

One of the most promising signs from Dark Lane Demo Tapes are the producers Drizzy chose to work with on the project. One of my biggest issues with Scorpion was boring production from Drake’s favorite in-house producer Noah “40” Shebib. Gone was the magic that the two shared during the Take Care days and all that was left was bland instrumentals that Drake tried to make work. It seems like Drake is taking a different approach to album number six as Dark Lane Demo Tapes has production credits from some of the most innovative producers in the game including Pi’erre Bourne, Southside, Cardogotwings, and OZ. The variation of production styles really seems to bring Drake’s music back to life in ways that I haven’t heard before. Hopefully Drake also embraced this collaborative attitude on album six, utilizing the surplus of gifted producers he has in his network to help lift him out of critical mediocrity and elevate back to the level he was on during the first half of his career.

It would be impossible to talk about producers on Dark Lane Demo Tapes without shining a light on veteran producer OZ who is having a moment in 2020. The beat maker already has three number one songs this year (“Life Is Good”, “Toosie Slide”, & “The Scotts”) and produced some of the best tracks on this new mixtape (“Time Flies” & “Losses”). OZ’s signature is a dreamy instrumental anchored by extensive hi-hat use, a style that gives Drake ample room to explore ear-worm melodies (“Time Flies”) or rattle off an emotional verse dripping in disdain (“Losses”). Oz’s outro on “Time Flies” is transcendent and gives the song a beautiful cherry on top that solidifies it as one of the best tracks on the mixtape.

The last two tracks on the mixtape house Drake flexing his versatility as he kills 6-minutes of UK inspired hip-hop that he’s dabbled with in the past but never fully dove into. As Drake successfully interpolates a European accent on “War” it’s hard not to see the potential for UK-Drake to become the multi-dimensional artist's third persona.

For being a mixtape full of loose freebies, Dark Lane Demo Tapes flows extremely well. Drake opens with three songs that flex his pen game and aim to intrigue fans of Drake the rapper before going into a four-song R&B run. Using “Time Flies” to fade back into rap, Drake then hits us with classic Drake bangers for the next five tracks before concluding the tape with his take on UK rap. Everything about the sequencing is perfect leading to Dark Lane Demo Tapes being more cohesive than the average mixtape.

Overall, Dark Lane Demo Tapes is a win for Drake fans everywhere. Not only did the six god gift us with a bunch of great new music to hold us over until his new album comes out, but even our favorite song on the project was consciously left off the album communicating that we should see an uptick in quality from this mixtape to the upcoming album. It’s hard for me to picture an album where songs like “D4L”, “Time Flies”, and “Demons”, are tossed to the side in favor of other tracks but believe me, that’s an album I’m VERY excited for.

Favorite TRacks

Chicago Freestyle (Feat. Giveon)

Time Flies

D4L (Feat. Future & Young Thug)

Rating: 8

Stream Dark Lane Demo Tapes here:

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Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get notified whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

Nothing In-Between Us: A Muse In Her Feelings Album Review

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Dvsn 2.jpg

It has been almost three years since dvsn released their sophomore studio record Morning After. After their world tour in 2018, the OVO Sound duo comprised of vocalist Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85 were immediately back in the studio, hard at work preparing their newest record. After releasing a few singles over the past few months and keeping details to a minimum, A Muse In Her Feelings finally released earlier this month. Unfortunately, many fans realized that this album may not have been worth the long wait they endured.

A Muse In Her Feelings sees the Canadian duo churning out sensual and glamorously-produced R&B anthems over the course of just under an hour. The record provides distinct moments that harken back to their previous projects, with many of the tracks (like the powerful opener ‘No Good’ which finds our heroes more dejected than usual) sounding like they could have been left over from early recording sessions for their 2016 debut SEPT 5th. Other tracks that carry a slower and more acoustic feeling to them (like the impressively serene ‘Pray For You’) sound like they could be B-Sides from their last record. If one were to collect all the tracks that break new ground for the group, one would be staring at only 5-6 tracks. This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, as even though the majority of the album shares many sonic similarities with dvsn’s music that preceded it, the music is still made incredibly well with powerful vocal and production efforts from two of the industry’s best. Even if one were to be disappointed that this record does not have a complete musical shift, like the one seen between dvsn’s first two records, there is no denying the talent and allure of this album as a whole.

Where dvsn breaks new ground, they find themselves actually diverging into two totally separate realms within their perfected area of R&B. The first realm is admittedly the safer one, as heard on tracks like ‘Friends’ featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR., and “Flawless’ Do It Well, Pt. 3’ with Summer Walker. It is here that dvsn strays into the conventional and pop-oriented side of R&B, with powerful kicks and mechanical hi-hats dominating the percussion tracks of each song. While ‘Friends’ is more reserved and melancholic meditation on love, ‘Flawless’ is a powerful and outspoken anthem that could just as easily be a club hit as it could be a track one listens to on the way home. ‘For Us’ is another track like this, and with it comes perhaps my favorite mix that dvsn has created since I became a fan years ago. While the song starts out as soft and low-fidelity, it evolves into a 90’s-esque power-ballad with production that sounds like an insane mix between House of Balloons-era The Weeknd and The Backstreet Boys. 

The second realm they stray into is more subversive- as they borrow from reggae and dancehall styles on tracks like ‘Dangerous City’ with the legendary Buju Banton and Ty Dolla $ign, and ‘So What’ featuring Popcaan. ‘Dangerous City’ carries a unique combination of dvsn’s intoxicating heavy R&B style with Jamaican reggae, and the instrumental sounds like something one would find on a Matisyahu album, but why Ty Dolla $ign was included on the track is a bit of a mystery. His presence doesn’t detract from the song, though the choice to pair him with Banton is certainly a strange one. ‘So What’ does what many artists have tried to do: properly harness Popcaan’s incredible talent and delivery without trying to hop on a trend or a wave. This track rhythmically aligns much more closely with dancehall music than most of the other songs Popcaan has been featured on over the past several years, and his performance with dvsn was well-done with the timbre of his deep voice contrasting well with Daley’s. It would be great if fans got more tracks like this, or like ‘Keep It Going’, a song that plays with several musical styles and has one of the most unique vocal performances on the record. It should be said, however, that it is a bit odd to have 3 partly reggae/dancehall songs on a record that is majority trap-influenced R&B.

The biggest problem with this record is that the incredible 2019 single ‘In Between’ was replaced with a remix featuring Snoh Aalegra. The original was a minimalistic, and shimmering acoustic banger that sounded like the lovechild between Jodeci and N*SYNC, so it was a shame it was it was replaced by a weird radio-friendly track featuring a poor performance by a guest vocalist. This is fairly easy to forgive as dvsn was likely trying to capitalize off of the hype from that single, and it is not hard to simply delete the newer version from one’s library.

Although A Muse In Her Feelings does not musically reinvent the wheel, it is still a solid album with close to an hour’s worth of content for every dvsn and R&B fan alike. There is a little bit of something for everyone, and though I wish the OVO duo would have doubled down on their newer dancehall-inspired music, I am still satisfied with what we were given. Was it worth the 3 year wait? Maybe not, and not to sound like an apologist, but few albums are. A Muse In Her Feelings has certainly given me plenty of songs to add to my current rotation, and I am excited to see how this record grows on me in the coming months.

Favorite Tracks

No Good

Keep it Going

For Us

Rating: 7

Listen to A Muse In Her Feelings here:

We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get updated whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

The Return of the Raf Simons Raven - Platinum Falcon Vol. 1 EP Review

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Guapdad 1.jpg

Last Week Oakland’s very own Guapdad 4000 released a small collection of previously released singles into one *cohesive* package: the Platinum Falcon Vol. 1 EP. Clocking in at 18 minutes with 6 tracks (5 of which had already been released over the past few months), this short collection is the first project that Guapdad has released this year, after 2019’s long-awaited Dior Deposit, being all over Dreamville’s ROTD3, and 2017’s Scamboy Color. With his most recent singles nicely bundled together now, it seems like this is a good time to catch up on any you may have missed.

With the humor of Zack Fox / Father sense of humor and the charisma of Vince Staples / Lil B, Guapdad 4000 has quickly made a name for him himself in hip-hop. ‘Platinum Falcon’ is probably one of the best songs to listen to in order to understand what the Bay Area native is all about. Like most Guapdad songs, it is a cleverly written bop featuring an original flow and many humorous bars. While ‘Greedy’ is a bit more aggressive than most tracks on the project, it isn’t until ‘Dolce and Gabbana Dalai Lama’ that the listener is given a rare intimate view of the California M.C. The new track from the collection, ’Trade Places with Them Jeans’ is a similar emotional and slow track with a bit more of an acoustic sound. 

There is not too much to say about these tracks that already hasn’t been said seeing as 5/6 tracks have already been released, but this is truly the time to dive into Guapdad 4000’s discography if you haven’t already. Synthesizing elements of Bay Area music with contemporary trap, hip-hop, and R&B, Guapdad will definitely be a great artist to watch over the next few years. 

Favorite Tracks

Platinum Falcon

Dolce & Gabbana Dalai Lama

Embezzle (feat. Jigga Juice)

Rating: 7

Listen to Platinum Falcon Tape, Vol. 1 here:

We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get notified whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

Songs of Solitude - ‘She Already Decided’ Mixtape Review

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Smino 3.jpg

While fans waited patiently for the release of Smino’s third record, the St. Louis rapper decided to drop a semi-surprise mixtape on Soundcloud this week. Titled She Already Decided, this project finds Smino synthesizing neo-soul and hip-hop elements seamlessly over 40ish minutes of casually-produced tracks. It is safe to assume this is at least a partial product of Smino’s time spent in quarantine, as fans received an email from him saying, “S.A.D. MIXTAPE OUT NOW! … I made dis shit at the krib fr tryna stay sane and Inspired as much as I can mane… REAL FREE MUSIC.. AINT NUN PERFECT ALL UNMASTERED N ROUGH RAW WTF EVER for y’all…”. A blessing to be sure for those of us who are going stir-crazy ourselves- thankfully it is hard to complain while safely in quarantine with new music.

For a project whose aesthetic is intentionally casual and ‘rough around the edges’, She Already Decided is an excellent showcase of not only Smino’s versatility - but his command of multiple styles of rapping and singing. On the project’s opener, ‘Fronto Isley’, Smino starts by singing over a classic sample from The Isley Brothers. On the chorus he says “I rap good, smoke good, fuck good, Look good, shit good”, and the next minute he’s delivering lines like “I made a call to bae and told her breakfast on the way / I'm so elated, pussy bald like Charlamagne”. This is just the first of many tracks on the project that make the listener realize that even Smino’s “ROUGH RAW” tracks have an incredible amount of thought and talent poured into them. An example of this is even seen in S.A.D.’s production credits - as though there were not too many hands involved in the tape’s creation, Chicago’s L10MixedIt (Acid Rap, NØIR, Telefone) is involved with every track. 

Tracks like ‘Kotton Kandy’ with Sevyn Streeter and ‘Good Ol Julio’ are great examples of Smino thriving while singing in a variety of different styles. The former is a sultry hi-hat laden R&B track, whose rhythm and chemistry between Smino and Streeter work in tandem to make an infectiously catchy banger. The latter is a much more percussive and jazzy track that requires an insane performance from the St. Louis rapper. For almost three minutes, Smino continuously sing-raps over an intense drum and bass arrangement, and he does not disappoint. The point of these tracks, and their criticism, is not simply to show how versatile of an artist Smino is. What is present here is not just versatility, as to be versatile merely just implies a wide range of ability. What Smino shows on She Already Decided is dynamism - an adaptive mastery of multiple styles of both singing and rapping, and this is shown all throughout the project.

Some of the most stand-out moments on She Already Decided come from Smino’s remixes of other popular songs. On ‘Cabbage’, a remix of Megan Thee Stallion’s TikTok anthem ‘Savage’, Smino captures the true theme of this project while casually adlibbing “I'm having so much fun in this motherfucker right now”. ‘Blac Soda’, an interpolation of Baby Keem’s hit ‘ORANGE SODA’, has Smino delivering clever lines in a cadence that is just a touch too similar to Keem’s, though perhaps that is just a testament to Keem’s iconic flow found in the original track. Smino even gets the opportunity to remix Roddy Rich’s ‘The Box’ on ‘Jamie Boxxx’ towards the end of the project, though not before remixing his own track ‘KLINK’ with T-Pain. 

One of the most notable qualities of She Already Decided is how irregular and subversive many of the mixes and beats found on the project are. ‘2MuchFronto’, ‘Gotta List’ and ‘Chips & Juice’ all occupy opposite ends of the hip-hop instrumental spectrum, but somehow Smino is able to dominate on each one. Even on the track ‘Already’, Smino graces listeners with a strangely hypnotic banger with transposed vocals edited past the point of recognition. Despite how utterly odd many of these tracks are, I cannot help but admit that Smino’s baby-voiced “Big gyal, rock the boat, oh baby! Big gyal, rock the boat, so crazy!” is equally infectious and enjoyable.

She Already Decided is a mixtape that will likely help hold fans over until the eventual release of Smino’s third record, or at least until the quarantine is over. With sixteen tracks to highlight Smino’s own talent in both rapping and singing, it is easy to get lost in the rapper’s wordplay, humor, and sheer weirdness. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a distraction, or at least something new as spring turns to summer.

Favorite Tracks

Gotta List

Already

2MuchFronto

Gotta List

Rating: 9

Stream She Already Decided Here:

http://www.SmiTransfer.com sumn for da ones who been holdin shit down from jump.. FREE MIXTAPE

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KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

The 42 Dugg Interview: The Quarantine, Detroit Rap Legends, and Being an XXL Freshman Nominee

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“I feel like everything I do is from the heart, I don’t do no clout chasin’,  none of that fake shit. You gon’ get the real with me every time, you know what I’m sayin’?”

By Courtney Fields

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Dion Hayes, popularly known as 42 Dugg was essentially “born in conflict.” Being from the Eastside of Detroit, one of the city’s roughest areas, Dugg landed himself into some legal trouble. 

At age 15 he was arrested for carjacking and felony firearms possession, this arrest earned Dugg 4 years in prison but he ended up doing 6 after his sentence was extended for a physical altercation with another inmate.

The rapper was placed into solitary confinement after the altercation, which ended up being the start of his rap career. Writing raps while in solitary confinement is what honed Dugg’s rap skills. In the one hour per day allotted for Dugg to leave confinement, he rapped to his fellow inmates and seemingly gained his first fans. 

Although in Dugg’s eyes, the raps weren’t very good. In an interview on the Stewe Show, Dugg admitted that initially when he “had got to writing music, but it was a bunch of bullshit.” In 2018, Dugg began to acknowledge rap as more of a serious career path. In 2018 at the studio with fellow Detroit rapper 42 Twin, 42 Dugg wrote his first breakout single, “Mama I’m Sorry”. 

The song is an ode to his mother, who was disappointed to find out his jail sentence had been extended for 2 more years. The rapper went on to release more popular singles like: “The Streets” featuring Babyface Ray and “Stfu” featuring Peezy, EWM Kdoe, Bagboy Mel, Cash Kidd, and EWM Buck. 

 “11241 Wayburn” and “11241 Wayburn Pt. 2” were two projects that led to Dugg becoming a roster member of both Yo Gotti’s CMG record label, as well as Lil Baby’s 4PF record company in 2019. The signing then prepared Dugg’s Young And Turnt mixtape release.

 The rapper earned a feature on “Grace” , the fourth track on Lil Baby’s album My Turn. The track was arguably the best track on the album and this feature caused a great buzz for Dugg’s budding name in the industry. 

Despite the fact that 42 Dugg has been rapping for some time now, Young And Turnt seems like a proper introduction to the rapper’s career. I recently got a chance to catch up with Detroit's next star to discuss how he's been handling the quarantine, his hometown of Detroit, and why fans should vote for him as an XXL Freshman. Our conversation, lightly edited for clarity, follows below:

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Courtney Fields, StereoVision (CF): What are you up to during quarantine? You still going out or staying in?

42 Dugg: Shit, chillin’ for real. I just moved out just trying to get everything straight with my new house. 

CF: I feel like right now Detroit having a sort of resurgence in the rap world. You all have a lot of good artists coming up right now... if you had to make a starting five of some Detroit rappers, who would that include? 

42 Dugg: Let’s see… Me, Peezy, Baby Face Ray, Cash Kidd, Big Sean, Dej Loaf, 42 Twin. Haha, I can’t just do five though, Eminem you know? I can’t just do five.

CF: You mention Big Sean, I hear him talk a lot about making sure he reaches out to other Detroit artists, do him or any other artists reach out?

42 Dugg: Big Sean reaches out, I fuck with him. Peezy, Dej Loaf, Cash Kidd too.

CF: You and Yo Gotti are very close, I know he’s a great businessman, do you see yourself following that blueprint maybe in a few years? Or are you already working towards being bigger than just rap?

42 Dugg: Man hell yeah! I’m really trying to follow his model right now. I want to do some different things outside of rap, anything really. I’m really just trying to stay focused with rap right now though, just staying in the studio.

CF: Detroit Rap has a very distinctive sound, all the rappers are very lyrical and don’t really follow any trends that are hot among most rappers. I see that in your music as well, do you think that’s a result of being from Detroit, or are you just a guy who’s always gonna be himself despite the circumstances?

42 Dugg: Shit, both… you know I’m from Detroit but it’s like, I’m still gonna be me regardless at the end of the day.

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CF: Any guilty pleasures? Any specific brand or item you can’t stop buying?

42 Dugg: Ha, Amiri’s and white Air Force Ones lows, yeah, I’m obsessed with those two. Moncler, Off-White, I’m obsessed with all that, I gotta have all that. 


CF: Who are some rappers you wish to work with?

42 Dugg: I’ll work with anybody, anybody who fuck with me. I’m not really just trying to be picky you know, anyone who rock with my music. 


CF: When you signed with both Yo Gotti and Lil Baby, was it more a shocking feeling, or were you ready to get to work?

42 Dugg: Both, it doesn’t really shock me now cause they’re my guys now. It’s just like being around all the guys. 


CF: Lastly, I know you’re currently in the running to be an XXL Freshman… congrats by the way. Why should fans vote for you?

42 Dugg: Appreciate you... I think fans should vote for me cause I'm turnt... you know what I’m sayin’, I make good music. I feel like everything I do is from the heart, I don’t do no clout chasin’,  none of that fake shit. You gon’ get the real with me every time you know what I’m sayin’?

Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get notified whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’

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If a human being were to be the direct personification of the word “duality,” it would most certainly be Stephen Bruner, aka Thundercat. From harmonizing over soulful instrumentation about wishing he could be a cat, to gripping with loss of a friend, to aging and socioeconomic disadvantage, Thundercat’s juxtaposition of painfully human emotions and scenarios can truly make you laugh and cry all at once. But his fourth studio album It Is What It Is is perhaps Bruner’s greatest display of his artistic versatility. 

Building off of the genre-melding sounds established by his 2017 project Drunk, Thundercats signature velvety melodies and funky production allow him to really come into his own sonically on this album. While Thundercat seems to pin down his soundscape on this LP, It Is What It Is is far from predictable. Alternating between toned down, nearly lofi production (“Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26”) and upbeat, jazzy tracks, (“Black Qualls,” “Dragonball Durag”) the project ticks all the boxes of a typical Thundercat release without sounding musically complacent. With help from friend and co-producer Flying Lotus, Thundercat takes considerably more sonic risks on It Is What It Is, allowing the album to be far more experimental than prior projects. But each risk pay off, creating standouts like “Innerstellar Love” and “Existential Dread.” The result is a cacophonic ride through Thundercats various emotional states, pushed along with inherently intriguing instrumentation and production.

Mood and sound are ever changing on It Is What It Is, as Thundercat attempts to come to terms with the death of his close friend Mac Miller. The title itself is a reflection of the lessons learned from the Pittsburgh musicians passing, “It’s just part of it, part of the story,” said Bruner in an interview with Apple Music. “That’s why the name of the album is what it is -- [Mac’s death] made me put my life in perspective. I’m happy I’m still here.” His happiness is reflected through his utilization of humor throughout the record, as it extenuates his grieving. No matter how good, bad, happy or sad the situation, Bruner always seems to find room for comedy. His lighthearted approach to misfortune saves the project from focusing too hard on philosophical reflection of the morality and fragility of life, something Thundercat is far too hilarious for. Instead, It Is What It Is exists somewhere else; somewhere between grieving and happiness, laughter and tears, the meaningful and the meaningless, life and death. Duality takes center stage in It Is What It Is, as Bruner must begrudgingly accept the highs and the lows of life because, quite simply put, it is what it is. 

In addition to humor, good company seems to uplift Thundercat during the rough patches in life, and they also happen to make this guest list on this record star-studded. Steve Lacy, Louis Cole, Pedro Martins and Flying Lotus add to the already soulful aesthetics of a Thundercat record, while Ty Dolla $ign and Childish Gambino put in valuable vocal performances on notable cuts “Black Qualls” and “Fair Chance.” The tracklist is full of melodic, atmospheric songs that inspire a wealth of emotions. From floating through space on “Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26” to being thrust into the saturated uptempo “Innerstellar Love,” the album is a bumpy, yet endearing musical ride. The funky guitar gracing “Black Qualls” make for a truly soulful track, with a valuable and thought-provoking emphasis on black education and confidence. “Fair Chance” is spacey, glossy, beautiful goodbye to Mac from two of his closest friends (Cat and Ty Dolla $ign). “Dragonball Durag” is hilariously catchy and provides an exuberant counterpart to Bruners introspection. But the crown jewel of the tracklist comes last, in It Is What It Is’ title track, as Thundercat succumbs to his pure devastation in the wake of the death of Mac Miller. “My best just wasn’t enough/ It couldn’t be helped, the end/ The things I would do for you/ So many things I wanna say/ This is the end,” sings Thundercat over a melancholy guitar solo. The song acts as Bruners final goodbyes to Mac, as he grips with the apex of guilt, pain and mourning he’s felt in the two years following Miller’s death. The unbridled despair in Thundercats voice is raw, endearing and heartbreaking. Combined with the intimate, somber production, “It Is What It Is” is a tear-jerking, brilliant memorial to Miller. About halfway through, the track fades and is followed by Thundercat and Pedro Martins trading bass solos. Interweaving with Martins, Thundercat spends the closing moments of It Is What It Is playing the same instrument that sparked his friendship with Miller, which clearly blossomed into something incredibly dear to Bruner. 

It Is What It Isis, through and through, a fantastic record. Its irresistibly funky, genre-fusing instrumentation combined with its playful, yet devastating subject matter make for a truly intriguing project. 

Favorite Songs

Lost in Space / Great Scott / 22-26

Black Qualls (feat. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington & Childish Gambino)

It Is What It Is (feat. Pedro Martins) 

Rating: 9

Listen to It Is What It Is here: 

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Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get notified whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak

42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on 'Young & Turnt Vol. 2'

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42 Dugg 2.jpg

Known to the world as 42 Dugg, Dion Hayes was born on the Eastside of Detroit. He attended multiple high schools as a teenager and was known around town as an avid partygoer. At the age of 15 Dugg got arrested and was sentenced to 4 years in prison but ended up doing 6. Around his fifth year, he was put into solitary confinement for 3 months as punishment for getting into a brawl with another inmate. Since there wasn’t much to do in solitary “I had got to writing music, but it was a bunch of bullshit,” Dugg said on The Stewe Show in 2018. 

Once released, Dugg started to take rap more seriously. He did so by attending a studio session with fellow Detroit rapper, 42 Twin and wrote what would be his first breakout single “Mama I’m Sorry”.

“Mama I’m Sorry” is an apology to his mother, who was disappointed when he got his jail sentence extended for 2 more years for fighting. Dugg went on to release many more popular singles, such as “The Streets” featuring Babyface Ray and “Stfu” featuring Peezy, EWM Kdoe, Bagboy Mel, Cash Kidd, and EWM Buck. 

“11241 Wayburn” and “11241 Wayburn Pt. 2” gained Dugg enough traction to sign a joint deal with Yo Gotti’s CMG record label, as well as Lil Baby’s 4PF record company in 2019 in preparation for his Young And Turnt mixtape release. 

In 2020, the rapper was featured on “Grace” the fourth track on Lil Baby’s My Turn. Arguably the best track on the album, Dugg outshines his label’s head honcho. 42 Dugg manages to deliver emotionally charged bars while still maintaining a menacing cadence and flow that surprised a lot of listeners. 

Within a week of the release of Lil Baby’s My Turn, Dugg continued to ride the momentum the feature created and began rolling out his new mixtape Young & Turnt, Vol. 2 with the video for “Palm Angeles in the Sky.”

Young & Turnt, Vol. 2 was released through 4PF and CMG on March 26th, 2020. The mixtape is nearly 30 minutes long and consists of 14 tracks featuring both of his label heads (Yo Gotti & Lil Baby) as well as frequent collaborator and fellow Detroit rapper Babyface Ray.

On Young & Turnt 2 Dugg sounds like he’s ready to thrust into stardom. The project has an unorthodox, mellow, lyrical sound that has become a standard in Detroit. 

What makes Dugg’s sound on this project distinguishable from his other projects is simply his vocal ability. Dugg sounds like a much more confident and polished rapper. He shows his capability to apply unique vocal inflections that you don't see as often throughout his other projects. 

Many times, Trap artists like Dugg don’t get the respect they should as musicians. Their often misogynistic, violent, crude lyrics get deemed as “inappropriate” by critics and are written off. These rappers are even referred to as a detriment to young listeners by some parents. “Young & Turnt 2” is yet again proof that while Dugg lived in conflict for many of his young years, he and many other young Black men like him possess a unique ability as wordsmiths. 

Dugg mourns the loss and imprisonment of many of his childhood friends on tracks like “It Get Deeper” and reflects on how other of his former friends resent his success on “Hard Times.” All the while, still managing to keep listeners hype on songs like “Turnt Bitch” and “Mr. Woody.”

 This type of duality is often overlooked in the world of Trap and should be celebrated.

Favorite Tracks

Hard Times

Turnt Bitch

One Of One (Feat. Babyface Ray)

Rating: 8.5

Listen to Young & Turnt, Vol. 2 here:

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Thanks for reading! Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & twitter to get updated whenever we post:

KANYE WEST ALBUM TOURNEY 🔥👊🏼 . . . Welcome to StereoVision Madness! This week we’re running a tournament to find out what our followers think is the best Kanye West album of all time. Everyday matchups will be posted on our Instagram story a
According to our followers, the best Mac Miller song of all time is Self Care! Thanks to everyone for voting, check back tomorrow for a brand new bracket. Let us know who you wanna see next ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Coronavirus won’t stop Sway from making freestyle videos 💪🏽 G Herbo and Black Thought give us some raps on Sway’s live series “Bedroom Bars”💯 . . . Who had the better freestyle? . . . #hiphop #rap #gherbo #juicewrld #ptsd #
Duality Takes Center Stage in Thundercat’s Fantastic New Record ‘It Is What It Is’ . Favorite Tracks: . Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26 Black Qualls (Ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino) It Is What It Is (Ft.
Dr. Dre’s classic record ‘The Chronic’ will be coming to streaming services this 4/20 🔥🌴 . . . What’s the first song off the album your streaming? . . . #drdre #thechronic #snoopdogg #deathrowrecords #deathrow #weed #420 #ma
42 Dugg Shows Why He’s Detroit’s Next Big Thing on ‘Young & Turnt Vol. 2’ . Favorite Tracks: . Hard Times Turnt Bitch One of One (Ft. Babyface Ray) . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! .
Welcome To A New Party - “PARTYMOBILE” by PARTYNEXTDOOR Album Review . Favorite Tracks: . NOTHING LESS ANOTHER DAY SAVAGE ANTHEM . Hit the link in our bio to read the full review and stream the album! . . . #hiphop #rap #albumreview #drak