Album Reviews8/10
Armand Hammer’s BLK LBL Is a Bold Experiment That Mostly Pays Off
A review of Armand Hammer's BLK LBL, an abstract hip-hop record that mostly succeeds despite some thin filler.
CLAY TRIBUNE / THE ARCHIVE
Category: Album Reviews
Records we have scored.
Album Reviews8/10
Armand Hammer’s WHT LBL Trades Radio Hooks for Ambition — 8/10
A review of Armand Hammer's WHT LBL, a rap album blending trap, jazz loops, and soul, ranked track by track.
Album Reviews8/10
Killer Mike’s Pl3dge Balances Radio Hits With Political Fire, Mostly Landing Its Marks
A fire-breathing political statement with songs built for radio, Pl3dge earns its place among Killer Mike's finest work.
Album Reviews9/10
Killer Mike Forges Force From 24 Tracks on I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind
Killer Mike forces his way through 24 tracks on I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind, proving his voice remains the fiercest weapon.
Album Reviews8/10
Killer Mike Defends Rap’s Power Across 14 Years on R.A.P. Music
A grim warning from Killer Mike, defending rap music from those who would strip it of its power.
Killer Mike’s Gospel Coda Is a Bold, Messy Expansion — and Mostly Worth It
Killer Mike closes his Michael trilogy with a gospel record — songs for sinners and saints, a mixed bag of faith and ambition.
Album Reviews8/10
Eighteen Years On, Killer Mike’s Grind Record Still Deserves Its Name
A rapper's mission to prove he can hold a full-length record together while rapping about money, power, and the grind.
Album Reviews6.8/10
2 Chainz Proves He’s Still Got It on So Help Me God!
2 Chainz's So Help Me God! balances sharp, standout tracks with weaker filler; a dense, uneven comeback record.
Album Reviews7/10
One Year On, Life Is Beautiful Still Sounds Like a Band Working Out Its Identity
Larry June, 2 Chainz and The Alchemist make a record of ease and success, where two voices sit together upon the same track.
Album Reviews7/10
Today, I Wrote Nothing Review: Poor Company Earns Its Place Among the Singles
A dense, referential album of crime, race, and relationships, told through 24 tracks of wit and weariness.
Album Reviews8/10
Moor Mother and billy woods join forces on the 15-track BRASS
A ghostly record of furies, maroons, and ancient emperors, wherein Moor Mother and billy woods conjure dread and prophecy alike.
Album Reviews7.7/10
Hiding Places Review: Billy Woods and Kenny Segal Lock You in a Room Where There’s No Air
A review of Billy Woods and Kenny Segal's Hiding Places, a dense, uneasy record of dread and grim acceptance.