Album Reviews6.7/10
Twelve Years On, J. Cole’s ‘2014 Forest Hills Drive’ Still Rewards Confession Over Polish
A review of J. Cole's 2014 album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, a confessional rap record of honesty and self-examination.
CLAY TRIBUNE / THE ARCHIVE
Category: Album Reviews
Records we have scored.
Album Reviews7.1/10
J. Cole’s ‘Born Sinner’ Is a Record About Being Judged — and Proving Himself Beyond It
A review of J. Cole's Born Sinner, a dense 21-track statement about fame, family, and the sins others see in him.
Album Reviews7.3/10
J. Cole’s KOD Trades Bravado for Grief and Self-Criticism
A review of J. Cole's KOD, a dense, ambitious rap album weighing fame, guilt, and the cost of success.
Album Reviews7/10
Little Simz’s Alice-In-Wonderland Frame Finally Delivers the Payoff
Little Simz frames her life as Wonderland in Stillness in Wonderland, a dense 16-track album of introspection and force.
Album Reviews8/10
Little Simz’s 2015 Concept Album Argues That Women Should Be Judged by Their Own Rules
A tale of trials and persons wherein a woman declares herself king, proving the crown belongs upon her brow.
Album Reviews8/10
Run the Jewels Review: El-P and Killer Mike Refuse to Let a Joke Become a Comfort
Two men of rage and wit refuse to let a jest become a comfort upon this record of twenty songs.
Album Reviews7.3/10
Anderson .Paak’s Oxnard Still Sounds Like a Party Full of Friends
A review of Anderson .Paak's Oxnard, a record that pairs loose soul singing with rap's biggest names, but struggles with its darker jokes.
Album Reviews7/10
Anderson .Paak’s Venice Rewards Patience Over Polish
A review of Anderson .Paak's 2014 album Venice, weighing its live, raw strengths against weaker filler tracks.
Album Reviews8.4/10
Vince Staples Refuses to Let Go on Summertime ’06
A rapper's second record tells a single summer's story of being stuck, boredom, and growing up too fast.
Album Reviews8/10
Migos & Migos Double Down on Trap Formulas Across 23 Tracks on Back to the Bando, Vol. 2
Migos & Migos pile twenty-three tracks of heavy bass and layered ad-libs into Back to the Bando, Vol. 2 — a strong, consistent record.