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 […]
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 […]
album review: J.Cole – 2014 Forest Hills Drive #FirstImpressions
Unless you are new to the site, you are already quite familiar with how the “First Impressions” review format works. An opinion of a project is presented by a number of critics, featuring their primary thoughts on the project in question. Hit the jump to check out the thoughts of The Koalition’s Profex as well […]
album review: BJ The Chicago Kid – The M.A.F.E. Project #FirstImpressions
If you checked out our review of T.I.’s Paperwork or are privy to the “First Impressions” posts located at The Koalition, you are well aware of how the format goes. A project’s thoughts and flaws are presented off the strength of a single review to lessen a biased or altered opinion. After the jump, check […]
album review: run the jewels’ “Run the jewels 2”
“The jewel runners, top tag team for two summers” – Killer Mike, Jeopardy I spent five years of my life in Atlanta as a student of Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University, and as a result I became a (very) minor adept of Atlanta’s hip hop scene. Beyond the realms of Outkast and DJ Unk, […]
album review: Big K.R.I.T. – Cadillactica
Signing to a major label placed Big K.R.I.T. in a conundrum the moment he scribbled his name on the dotted line. While 2012’s Live From The Underground had its moments, it was severely hindered by sample clearance issues, a product of releasing a project for purchase. Then Kendrick Lamar threw the gauntlet on “Control”, openly […]