album review: Ludaversal | Ludacris

Three years after its initial announcement, Ludacris bridges the gap between music and Hollywood once again for his eight (not counting Battle of The Sexes) solo outing, Ludaversal.  With a penchant for exploding onto the scene, it is no wonder that Ludacris flies out of the gate on the introduction, hammering David Banner’s instrumental with […]

Soundtrack Review: Chrono Cross

“Perfection is the child of time.” – Joseph Hall Three things have really captured my attention as of late.  One: the freedoms associated with working a private sector job or being one’s own boss.  There has to be a terrific brand of independence – and grief – brought about by such work.  Two: music in […]

album review: If You’re Reading This, You’re Too Late | Drake

“It’s not exactly a scam, Crease. Even at half speed, you’re pretty damn good.” –Rayburn, “Man On Fire” Such is the impasse Drake finds himself with the long rumored release of a mixtape, If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late, revealed on iTunes on So Far Gone’s sixth anniversary.  This album is a mere bridge, […]

album review: Tetsuo & Youth | Lupe Fiasco

Late 2007 saw the release of Lupe Fiasco’s sophomore album Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool, just one short year after the refreshing Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor hit shelves.  Eight years later, Tetsuo & Youth is the final chapter in Lupe Fiasco’s tumultuous relationship with Atlantic Record, in addition to the rediscovery of the laser sharp […]

Track Review: @Common and @JohnLegend “Glory”

“I believe in truth, truth… see you next lifetime.” – Lonnie “Pops” Lynn (RIP), “Pop’s Belief” Let’s talk about why Common is one of my favorite rappers.  There are a number of reasons both chronicled on WiW and otherwise that go into the why of my respect and admiration for Lonnie Lynn, but one thing […]

album review: Royce Da 5’9″ + DJ Premier – Prhyme

Short and sweet, Detroit wordsmith Royce Da 5’9” and the legendary DJ Premier, as the group Prhyme, deliver one of 2014’s satisfying hip hop efforts in their eponymous debut.  Not without flaw, what makes Prhyme such a strong effort aside from the lyrics and production is the homegrown chemistry between Primo and Nickel in addition […]

Album Review: D’Angelo and the Vanguards’ “Black Messiah”

“So if you’re wondering about the shape I’m in/I hope it ain’t my abdomen that you’re referring to” – D’Angelo, “Back to the Future, Part 1” The conversation between my friend and I went like this: Him: …she’s not hip to today’s lingo as well as she assumes she is… Me: And wouldn’t just deal […]

Track Review: Kendrick Lamar’s “Untitled”

As The Colbert Report comes to a conclusion this Thursday, last night’s episode featured Stephen’s final musical guest: West Coast golden boy Kendrick Lamar.  He performed a new track, one that lacks a title, but even more interesting than that was how he was backed by Anna Wise, Thundercat, Bilal and Terrace Martin.  You have […]