First Impressions: Q2 2026
June 30, 2026
Reviews of new albums by Navy Blue, Isaiah Rashad, Latto, YG; Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE and Surf Gang, and more.
ALL: Reviews
First Impressions: Q1 2026
April 30, 2026
Reviews of new albums by J. Cole, Roc Marciano, Baby Keem, A$AP Rocky and more.
The Honorable Shyne
November 21, 2024
The Honorable Shyne may not exactly convince us of Shyne’s musical importance, but it unfurls his improbable story with aplomb.
Blu & Exile, Love (the) Ominous World
October 27, 2024
Blu’s third album of 2024 revolve around familiar concerns: fulfilling his hip-hop ambitions, and trying to find spiritual sustenance.
Rise of a Killah: My Life in the Wu-Tang by Ghostface Killah
September 30, 2024
Not quite a full autobiography, Rise of a Killah compiles interviews with Ghostface Killah that tend to be impressionistic in details.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys
September 2, 2024
A Tale of Two Dirtys strains to show us that the much-missed Wu-Tang star was a compelling artist, not a holy fool.
Boldy James & Conductor Williams, Across the Tracks
July 4, 2024
On Across the Tracks, Boldy James illustrates a drug hustler’s lifestyle in colorful language, not thematic exposition or narrative tension.
Your Old Droog, Movie
June 23, 2024
Your Old Droog’s “Movie” isn’t quite a God-tier film, but it’s a solid excursion with quality production and “nutty bars.”
ShrapKnel & Controller 7, Nobody Planning to Leave
June 19, 2024
“Nobody Planning to Leave,” a collaboration between ShrapKnel and producer Controller 7 unfolds as a kind of fragmented tapestry.
Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story
February 18, 2024
Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story gives testimony about a history that most fans of a certain age will know by heart.
May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story
February 11, 2024
May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story substitutes lengthy, single-camera interviews for a compelling, dynamic film.
MIKE, Burning Desire
November 9, 2023
While defined by minute-long nibbles and familiar tics, MIKE’s Burning Desire has its share of buttery beats and standout bars.