For All the Dogs by Drake
4/10
Read ReviewAs expected, Drake puts out another mediocre record. The album had surprisingly decent production value. However, Drake’s performance fell short. The only song that Drake actually tried to be a lyricist on was "First Person Shooter." This is probably because he doesn’t want the public to say things like “Bro, got bodied on his own song by J Cole”. His bars on "First Person Shooter" were immaculate, better than J Cole even, I would argue. "8 AM in Charlotte" was pretty good as well. The old mellow, chill rap Drake came out again with this song.
But that’s it. Those were the only good songs on the album. Everything else is either mediocre or terrible. One more thing: some of the features on this album are ruining it. Adonis and Sexxy Redd should just be cut out from this project; they add nothing.
Utopia by Travis Scott
6/10
Read ReviewAt first listen, this album was a 4/10. I had to make myself like this album because I respect Travis Scott so much. The quality of work doesn’t compare to what he had before. Rodeo – a masterpiece – came out in 2015. That means Travis had 8 years to evolve and make better music, and he comes out with this? I expected a lot more. Not enough adlibs to hype up the songs on the album.
Mid bars. Mid effort. Mid everything.
Pink Tape by Lil Uzi Vert
5.5/10
Read ReviewVery hype. The hype songs (Suicide Doors, Flooded the Face, and Fire Alarm) were amazing. Everything that was a mashup of metal and rap was absolute garbage. Enjoyed the BABYMETAL collab. Pluto to Mars had a very Eternal Atake feel, which I found enjoyable and nostalgic.
I guess I was hoping for another Eternal Atake in this album, and that’s not what I got. It’s good to see Uzi evolve, but the metal and rap combo is not flying. Also, I feel like he’s not bringing enough energy in the songs. Almost like he’s saying his bars in the mic too quietly.
College Dropout by kanye West
9/10
Read ReviewI like the theme of perseverance in this album. Everyone knows this album is great musically, so I want to talk about the aftermath of this album’s release. Kanye made this project after his life-changing accident. After he made this masterpiece of an album, he went on stage and said this philosophical quote:
“When I had my accident I found out at that moment nothing in life is promised except death. If you had the opportunity to play this game of life you need to appreciate every moment. A lot of people don't appreciate their moment until it's passed”
And then he drops this iconic punchline:
“I know everybody's asking the question, they wanted to know ‘I know he's going to wild out, I know he's going to do something crazy’ Everybody wanted to know what I would do if I didn't win. I guess we'll never know”.
His rhetoric is so perfect. He knew he was gonna win the Grammy, which just goes to show this record’s perfection.
1989 by Taylor Swift
7/10
Read ReviewI reject the social notion that you’re either a Kanye fan or a Taylor Swift fan. I appreciate both artists. This album is the typical pop album that everyone listens to and likes. Upbeat instrumental and good flow from Taylor on this record.
Probably the best album Taylor Swift has released.
Midnights by Taylor Swift
6/10
Read ReviewPretty mid. Nothing to hate and nothing to love. If you’re a die-hard fan, this project will probably appeal to you a lot. For me, it was whatever. Karma was good
Man on the Moon by Kid Cudi
8/10
Read ReviewAmazing production. There isn’t a single bad song in this album. Cudi flows on the beats like he’s shredding 10 footers at the Wedge. Overall great music. One of the USC supplementals asked what the soundtrack of my life was, and I picked a song from this album. Good record.
Whole Lotta Redd by Playboi Carti
9/10
Read ReviewThis album makes me want to JumpOutTheHouse. Very cool Cardi album. I think it’s better than Die Lit.
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
9.5/10
Read ReviewMost breathtaking, aesthetic alternative pop record to ever be made. No bad songs in this album. National Anthem’s social commentary on the American Dream makes me think of it as the soundtrack of the Great Gatsby. Overall great. This album makes me want to take a boat ride in Venice’s Grand Canal.
Savage Mode II by 21 Savage
6.5/10
Read ReviewGood record. 21 has some good bars, and the flow is pretty hard. Nothing monumental though.