Album Reviews 2018 – December

Dec 23, 2018

The Dream Comes Through With The Triple Album “Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3”

Three isn’t a crowd this time.

Talk about confidence. While several artists are trying to shorten their albums to offer a more concise narrative, The Dream is tossing that idea out the window. The syrupy sweet vocals of The Dream drip across 40 tracks on his latest triple album, Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3. There are no features listed on the album, but I’m sure once you dig in there will be familiar voices to help navigate the extended project.

The Dream spoke with Billboard about the project earlier in December, and claimed that he built the entire project from scratch. “Everyone that knows me knows I don’t save records,” he revealed. “I try and build in that moment and be inspired by the moment, but there will be records that I’m sure…the same way me and [Beyonce] have done records that you haven’t heard yet. If we did a record in 2011, and we just weren’t ready to put it out or we felt like the temperature wasn’t right, we’d just shelve it — which doesn’t mean it’s not good, it just may not be ready for the moment, so we go on to the next thing, which is what I’ve done.” Stream Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3 on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal now.

9th Wonder Blesses Us With “Zion III”

9th Wonder is a GOAT.

It’s been a long time since 9th Wonder won over the nation with his production skills as a part of Little Brother. His soulful samples and electrifying percussions paint pictures before any given rapper begins laying down their lyrics on the beat. That’s why when 9th comes through with an instrumental project, the world rejoices. Last December, 9th dropped off Zion II, and now he’s returned with a thrid entry into the series.

King Draft and Swank are the only two featured artists on the project, which is amazing because the album spans 42 tracks. Some of the instrumentals are shorter than you’d like, but the entire album pulls together nicely to create a retro aura that will light up your speakers. Sit back and relax to 9th’s latest masterpiece, available for stream on Apple Music and Tidal now.

Arin Ray Adds Three New Tracks To “Platinum Fire” For Deluxe Edition

Arin Ray shares an upgraded version of “Platinum Fire (Deluxe)” ft. Babyface.

Many emerging R&B acts dropped off impressive debut albums this year including Arin Ray. The former X-Factor contestant has been steadily winning over the hearts of fans across the country with each one of his efforts. Platinum Fire, his debut album, dropped in March and he’s been on the road and pushing the project heavily. Before the year wraps up, Ray delivers the deluxe edition to his debut album.Arin Ray comes through with three new tracks on Platinum Fire (Deluxe). The deluxe edition of the project has a collaboration with legendary R&B singer, Babyface. The two link up on “Always.”

The project still has the rest of the project including Ray’s collaborations with YG, DRAM, SiR, Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Major and more.

Method Man Delivers “Meth Lab 2: The Lithium” Featuring Redman, Snoop Dogg, & More

Wu-Tang forever.

To be clear, there will never be a day where the hip-hop community doesn’t welcome a new album from Method Man. The most personable member of the Wu-Tang Clan has always been a lyrical monster, so fans are glad to ingest another LP of rap excellence at any moment. The New York veteran came through this week with Meth Lab 2: The Lithium. Sticking to his 90’s roots, where albums ran for 20 plus tracks, Method Man delivers a project that runs for 22 tracks.Meth Lab 2: The Lithium walks the line between nostalgic 90’s vibes and new-age instrumentals and deliveries. Adapting is an important part of staying relevant, and Method Man accomplishes that without losing himself or abandoning his New York origins. The album features guest appearances from Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, Redman, Noreaga, Sheek Louch, Cappadonna, Masta Killah, Hanz On, Streetlife, Joe Young, Hue Hef, Pretty Blanco, and more. Stream Meth Lab 2: The Lithium on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal now.

Big K.R.I.T. Drops Yet Another Surprise EP “Trifecta”

Big K.R.I.T. keeps ’em coming.

Big K.R.I.T. has been dropping surprise projects over the last few weeks, and he continues the trend with another EP. Trifecta follows Thrice X and Double Down, and completes the numeric narrative that K.R.I.T. has been following. There may be more EPs coming, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, Trifecta is the perfect finale for an impressive creation.

The EP begins with “4 Tha Three,” which could be a radio single. The chorus is catchy and the beat fits into the imaginary pocket of commercialized qualities. “1 Oh Oh” slows the vibe down with a honey sweet sample and mellow mystical pianos. K.R.I.T. reflects on a relationship that survived rough waters and matured into something else altogether. Still, through all the struggles, his lover kept it 1-0-0, or “1 Oh Oh.” The EP ends with “Energy,” which stands out as the best song on Trifecta. It finds the perfect balance between smooth and hood, and K.R.I.T.’s flows are pristine over the jumpy production.

Pusha-T & 1800 Tequila Showcase The Future On “1800 Seconds”

Pusha-T’s new endeavor with 1800 Tequila is set to shine a light on hip-hop’s next up.

Pusha-T has been having an excellent year, putting forth a viable contender for “album of the year” in many circles. Yet the extent of his vision does not stop there. Pusha has recently teamed up with 1800 Tequila to launch 1800 Seconds, “a new recording and artist discovery platform.” The premise is simple: each artist was given the chance to write an original track during a studio session with Pusha-T, marking the Clipse legend’s first turn as a mentor in such a capacity.”Making it in hip-hop is hard—the only things you can control are the creativity and yourself,” explains Pusha, no stranger to the game. “New artists on the rise will strive when they know who they are and what they want. Hip-hop is all about staying connected to culture, being inspired by what’s happening on the streets and translating that to your audience.”

Image provided by 1800 Tequila

Each of the ten artists was hand selected by King Push, making for a formidable crew of up-and-coming voices, hailing from all corners of the United States. Ant White from Philly, PA, Cartel Count Up from Hampton, VA, Don Zio P from Middletown, CT, Hass Irv from Harlem, NY, Monalyse from Detroit, MI, Nita Jonez from Houston, TX, Sam Austins from Detroit, MI, T Got Bank from Brooklyn, NY, Trevor Lanier from Wilmington, VA, and Tyler Thomas from Los Angeles, CA.

The compilation, which you can stream below, showcases the product of said studio sessions. Prior to the release, the album was brought to life through a live concert on December 5th, whereupon each artist performed their selections. Push himself helped close out the show.

For more information on the Pusha-T curated 1800 Seconds compilation album, check out the official website right here.

Domo Genesis Comes Through With “Facade Records” Featuring Cozz, IDK, & More

Domo keeps it real.

The West Coast is overflowing with talent, so it may be hard to keep up with all of the dope music coming out of the left coast. Domo Genesis is underrated in his craft, but he refuses to remain overlooked on the larger musical spectrum. Domo already released the Aren’t U Glad You’re U mixtape at the top of the year, and he’s returned with another project to close out the year as well. Coming full circle is in 2018, Genesis just dropped Facade Records. The EP runs for just six tracks, but features appearances from Cozz, IDK, Buddy, and Chip Tha Ripper.Domo dropped off the singles “Online” and “Consecutive Normal Punches” featuring Buddy leading up to the EP’s release. Hailing from South California, Domo delivers his West Coast vision over bubbling instrumentals. Stream his new EP Facade Records on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidalnow.

Ice Cube Reemerges With “Everythangs Corrupt” Featuring Too $hort

The West Coast vet has something to say.

As the political climate in America hits a boiling point with the current president, Ice Cube has something to say. Cube made a solo career for himself by speaking out against the system, and he returns to his political roots with his latest album Everythangs Corrupt. The tenth solo album by the N.W.A. lyricist and West Coast vet touches down with 16 tracks and one feature: Too $hort.Everythangs Corrupt takes the aesthetics from AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and reapplies them to the present. Truth be told, not much has changed in the Black community since the early 90’s. That’s why several of the narratives that made Cube a prophetic rapper still hold weight on his current venture. Although Cube has spent time starring in family movies, building a basketball league, and steering his son down the right path, he hasn’t lost an ounce of his lyrical ability. Stream Everythangs Corrupt on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music now.

JID Drops Off Anticipated “DiCaprio 2” Featuring J. Cole, Method Man & More

JID closes off the year with a tour de force performance.

On his new album, DiCaprio 2, Dreamville rapper JID has chosen to pay homage to actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who recently won his first Academy Award for his performance in The Revenant. Perhaps the title derives from simple fandom; perhaps JID felt the masses were sleeping on Leo, only coming to recognize his importance with an undeniably delayed response. In any case, the project finds a young lyricist in the midst of a tour de force performance, picking up where the slept on Never Story closed off. With supporting turns from A$AP Ferg, J. Cole, Method Man, Joey Bada$$, 6lack, Ella Mai, and production from Kenny Beats, ChaseTheMoney, Christo and more, DiCaprio 2 may be a quiet contender for many a top-ten-spot.Many who have watched from afar are well aware of JID’s lyrical dominance, though to chalk him up as a one-trick-pony only displays one’s ignorance. The man approaches the pen with a noted sense of wit, fueled by the authenticity of an Atlanta upbringing and a trusted inner circle, occupied by the likes of EarthGang and 6lack. Of course, the bars are here, with three-hit-combo “Slick Talk,” “Westbrook” and “Off Deez” showcasing JID’s offensive skillset. Yet the “schmoove” is also accounted for, as evidenced by the introspective and soulful midway run. There’s even a RZA-inspired budsmoker’s anthem, featuring Joey Bada$$ and the irreplaceable Method Man.Do yourself a favor, and do not sleep on JID’s DiCaprio 2. It’s only a matter of time before he receives his due recognition. Be ahead of the curve.

The Alchemist Drops “Bread” Featuring Earl Sweatshirt, Westside Gunn, Conway, & Roc Marciano

Alchemist is on a run.

Have you been paying attention to this Alchemist run? He laced Freddie Gibbs and Curren$y‘s entire FETTI mixtape, he helped produce Benny the Butcher’s Tana Talk 3, and he’s been blessing Westside Gunn and Conway with bangers as well. Now Alchemist pulls up with Bread, a four-song EP that enlist Earl Sweatshirt, Westside Gunn, Conway, and Roc Marciano.Earl Sweatshirt’s “E. Coli” already set the tone for Bread, pushing expectations into the orbit. As expected, Alchemist delivers. Bread is split into two sides, one with the original tracks and the other with their instrumentals. Bread is the companion EP to Lunch Meat, which dropped back in April. For those looking for stringent hip-hop, artful lyricism, and superb instrumentals, Bread will satiate your hunger. Stream the new project on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal now.

Ghostface Killah Drops Off Remixed Double Album “Ghost Files”

Ghostface with the remixes.

Ghostface Killah has come through with Ghost Files, a new double album remix of The Lost Tapes. The double album has the same songs on them, with two different producers going to work on remixes for each side of the project. While Bronze Nazareth handles the Bronze Tape, Agallah takes care of the remixes on the Propane Tape.One new track is included on Ghost Files, entitled “N.W.O.” featuring Queensbridge rapper Tragedy Khadafi. Spanning 26 songs, Ghostface didn’t have much work to do on this album. With every song already completed, Agallah and Bronze Nazareth are the true craftsmen of Ghost Files. KXNG CROOKED, Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, Planet Asia, LA The Darkman, Chris Rivers, Ras Kass, Snoop Dogg, E-40, Cappadonna, Raekwon, Masta Killa, Tragedy Khadafi, and more bless fans with guest appearances. Stream Ghost Files on Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal now.

Earl Sweatshirt Returns With “Some Rap Songs”

We’ve been waiting for “Some Rap Songs”

It’s been three years since Earl Sweatshirt dropped I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. His missing presence has been felt, and other artists have profited from his influence. There are several new school artists running around claiming to have originated the “emo-rap” genre, but Earl was opening his soul on records long before many of those names were even on the mixtape circuit. Earl has touched down with Some Rap Songs today, after blessing fans with the singles “The Mint” and “Nowhere2go.”Speaking with Vulture about the album’s title, Earl stated, “Just the concept of brevity. I’ve become … It’s been made evident to me that I’ve become kind of obsessed with simplifying shit, which sometimes can lead to oversimplification. People take a lot of liberties, I feel like. Incomplete shit is really stressful to me, and the concept of unsimplified fractions is really stressful to me.” The 15-track album features appearances from Earl’s parents, Cheryl Harris and Keorapetse Kgositsile. Navy Blue and Standing On The Corner complete the short list of features. Stream Some Rap Songs on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music now.

Statik Selektah & Termanology Take It Back Like It’s “Still 1982”

Termanology delivers vintage vibes.

Termanology and Statik Selektah are continuing their 1982 line with another entry into the series. Referencing the year both artists were born, Still 1982 sounds much like its predecessor, finding creative strength within the old school boom bap sound. The new joint project runs for 12 tracks, and features Chris Rivers, Conway, Kendra Foster, CJ Fly, Crimeapple, Lil Fame of M.O.P., and more.“I love making the 1982 projects with Statik because we have a formula we use and it always works,” Termanology told HHDX. “We always have a couple conceptual songs, some really grimy, disrespectful songs, a radio song or two, some boom bap beats with scratches and a little R&B with some updated topics lyrically. We not tryna jump on every wave. We just stick to doing what we do best and doing it at the highest level.”“It’s definitely filling a gap right now of just fun, traditional East Coast Hip Hop,” Statik added. “No extra hype or gimmicks. Got some fun guests on it.” Stream Still 1982 on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music now.

Trey Songz Drops Star-Studded Surprise Double Album “11.28”

Trigga blesses us on his birthday.

Tricky Trey Songz. In October, he dropped off the single “How Dat Sound” featuring 2 Chainz & Yo Gotti. A month later, he released “Shootin’ Shots” featuring Tory Lanez and Ty Dolla $ign. Trey didn’t announce an album release connected to either song, but it was suspicious that he was dropping star-studded bangers randomly. It appears Trey isn’t as random as he seems. He’s been calculating and teasing us with a new double album. The surprise album dropped on Wednesday night, and each disc is named after the date. 11 and 28 mark the return of Trigga Trey.Unlike many other double albums on streaming services, Trey decided to split 11 and 28 into two separate playlists. 11 runs for ten tracks, with only one song featuring guest appearances. Trey maneuvers his way through the majority of 11 alone, delivering his patented panty droppers and sensual singles. The aforementioned “Shootin’ Shots” is the only song with features.28 is the exact opposite, with all ten tracks featuring guest appearances except for one. Ty Dolla $ign, Tory Lanez, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, Jacquees, Swae Lee, Rich The Kid, OT Genesis, Jeremih, Dave East, Rich The Kid, Chris Brown, Fabolous, and Shy Glizzy all loan their talents to the second half of Trey’s project. Stream 11.28 on Apple Music and Spotify.

Podcast also available on PocketCasts, SoundCloud, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and RSS.

The Podcast

Join Naomi Ellis as she dives into the extraordinary lives that shaped history. Her warmth and insight turn complex biographies into relatable stories that inspire and educate.

About the podcast