Hip-Hop Matters: The Best New Hip-Hop of July 2021
These are the best hip-hop albums released this July, including new LPs from Dave, Tkay Maidza, Declaime x Madlib, Unknown T, and John Glacier.
Tom Morgan
Tom Morgan is a BA English graduate based in South Wales, UK. Besides PopMatters he also writes for BrooklynVegan's Invisible Oranges, Wales' main culture magazine Buzz and numerous other websites, often focusing on heavy music. His day job is running a record store.
Hip-Hop Matters: The Best New Hip-Hop Albums of June 2021
Summer is the best time of year to listen to hip-hop. From the upbeat and bouncy to the weird and paranoid, hip-hop just sounds better in the sunshine. That makes now the perfect time for the first edition of “Hip-Hop Matters” – PopMatters’ new monthly hip-hop roundup.
‘The Golden Casket’ Finds Modest Mouse in Captivating, Heartfelt Form
Modest Mouse’s The Golden Casket is a lively and soulful return; one marked by a distinct sense of clarity and appreciation of life.
Hiatus Kaiyote’s ‘Mood Valiant’ Is a Rich and Vibrant Return
Following six turbulent years, Australia’s Hiatus Kaiyote return with their third LP of neo-soul virtuosity, Mood Valiant. It’s effortlessly likable and rich with heart and soul.
Dean Blunt Crafts Another Confounding Work of Avant-Indie Weirdness on ‘Black Metal 2’
Slight but rich in tonal complexities, Dean Blunt’s Black Metal 2 is another musical puzzle box from the enigmatic London musician.
Kool Keith Delivers Another Surreal Rap Odyssey on ‘Keith’s Salon’
Veteran rapper Kool Keith’s latest album, Keith’s Salon, finds his brand of dirty, absurdist hip-hop in especially sharp form.
Loraine James’ ‘Reflection’ Is a Masterful Work of Heartfelt Electronica
North London producer Loraine James finds romance and hope on her extraordinary album, Reflection. It’s a work of seductive, heartfelt brilliance by an artist at the peak of her powers.
Manic Street Preachers Were Reborn with ‘Everything Must Go’ 25 Years Ago
Manic Street Preachers’ Everything Must Go is a haunted album, yet its greatest accomplishment is that it never feels oppressive or weighty.
Basic Rhythm’s ‘Electronic Labyrinth’ Is a Modernist Dreamscape
Shades of drum and bass, techno, and grime all appear but are warped and distorted via Basic Rhythm’s cool, muscular production style on Electronic Labyrinth.