Danny Brown Remains Unpredictable on ‘Stardust’
Despite the mixed results on Stardust, two things remain clear: it’ll be impossible to predict where Danny Brown goes next, and it will be appointment listening.
alternative hip-hop
Armand Hammer and the Alchemist Deliver a Masterclass
For listeners drawn to the art of hip-hop, the music meant to stand the test of time, Armand Hammer and the Alchemist’s Mercy is a feast.
Loyle Carner Is One of the UK’s Best Storytellers
Loyle Carner brings his trademark earnestness and affable rapping style to the forefront in a stirring record using jazz chords, breakbeat drums, and live guitars.
Aesop Rock’s New LP Is a Rewarding Chapter of a Singular Career
The legendary MC Aesop Rock delivers another masterclass in beats and rhymes with some new wrinkles.
billy woods’ ‘GOLLIWOG’ Is a Stunning Achievement
In GOLLIWOG, billy woods explores the endlessly shifting shades of horror. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s a stunning achievement.
Heems’ ‘VENNA LP’ Communicates Across Boundaries
On VEENA LP, Queens rapper Heems delivers a significant and sonically diverse work of NYC rap fueled by diaspora blues. It’s his best record as a solo artist.
RJD2 Refines His Signature Sound on ‘Visions Out of Limelight’
RJD2 felt he was getting pigeonholed for his sample-based style, only to be lambasted when diverting from it. On his new album, he embraces his true muse.
Shabazz Palaces Resist Profiling on Elusive ‘Exotic Birds of Prey’
Following Robed in Rareness from last fall, Shabazz Palaces continues a provisional series with the cryptic and digressive Exotic Birds of Prey.
20 Years of Madvillain’s Endlessly Creative ‘Madvillainy’
Madvillain’s Madvillainy remains an unforgettable underground hip-hop album, combining Madlib’s distinctive beats with MF DOOM’s precisely designed rhymes.
Aesop Rock’s ‘Integrated Tech Solutions’ Continues His Excellence
Aesop Rock has always excelled at vivid character sketches and using his music to work through the most challenging parts of life. His latest LP is no different.
‘Robed in Rareness’ Elaborates Shabazz Palaces’ Afrofuturism
On Robed in Rareness, Ishmael Butler aka Shabazz Palaces takes yet another step in his forward-thinking, far-sighted project of Afrofuturistic hip-hop.
Abstract Hip-Hop Duo Armand Hammer Return with Superb New LP
We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is an incredible offering from Armand Hammer, one of the headiest yet most exciting alternative hip-hop groups right now.