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Album Reviews

Album Review: Gap Year! by Laila!
Coming off the heels of the viral tracks “Like That” and “Not My Problem,” Laila! isn’t letting the momentum stop her as she drops her charismatic debut…
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Jamila W.
Album Review: The FORCE by LL Cool J
LL Cool J makes a comeback to Def Jam since ‘Exit 13' with his fourteenth studio album, his first in eleven years, and partners up with producer Q-Tip…
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Phil
Album Review: Beautiful Pain by Tyrese
Inspired by Stevie Wonder’s ‘Songs In the Key of Life,’ Marvin Gaye’s ‘Here, My Dear,’ and the mourning of his divorce, Tyrese lets his soul cry with…
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Phil
Album Review: Better Me Than You by Big Sean
Big Sean has navigated through introspection, public leaks, health challenges, and the constant evolution of the music industry—his newest LP unveils…
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LeMarcus
Album Review: Alligator Bites Never Heal by Doechii
This mixtape by Doechii is a culmination of her experiences with her rapping finesse, showcasing the evolution from those humble beginnings to becoming…
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Tabia N. Mullings
Album Review: ReVenge by Muni Long
On Muni Long’s second album, the best revenge is success and living her best life. The album is about her journey, growth, and healing, serving as a…
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Tai Lawson
Album Review: While We Wait 2 by Kehlani
After two months since Kehlani released ‘Crash,’ the L.A. singer-songwriter cooks up a sequel to their well-beloved mixtape from 2019.
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Jill Wannasa
EP Review: Duets (EP) by Eric Benét
As we await a 2016 self-titled follow-up, Eric Benét released a five-piece appetizer to hold us over for an album next year with Chanté Moore, Tamar…
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Imani Raven
Album Review: Luvology by LARA’
Known off-stage as Eimaral Sol, LARA’ lace narratives around self-love, romantic love, or even a broader, more philosophical love through her debut…
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Jamila W.
Album Review: The Thief Next to Jesus by Ka
Ka's surprise album is one of his most cohesive thematic analysis, combining gospel and blues with his signature reflective lyricism.
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Phil
Album Review: Quantum Baby by Tinashe
Tinashe’s second album of the BB/ANG3L trilogy series features a fascinating mix of electronic influences and songs with productions that fuse between…
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Jamila W.
Album Review: Shadowbox by Mavi
Mavi returns with his latest album, which finds him grappling with weighty themes such as alcoholism and sorrow. The rapper fearlessly confronts…
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Harry Brown
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