SABA – “Few Good Things” review

SABA is a 27 year old MC/producer from Chicago, Illinois who came up as the co-founder of the Pivot Gang collective a decade back. He then broke out in the fall of 2016 off the full-length solo debut Bucket List Project, but it wasn’t until his sophomore effort CARE FOR ME where his potential would be put on a much more broader display. A lot of people (including myself) have been patiently waiting to hear this 3rd album of his ever since & I’m so happy that the day’s finally come.

Cheflee tags along for the colorful opener “Free Samples” confessing it gets harder to spend less as you get more famous whereas “1 Way or Every N***a With a Budget” goes into a funkier, boom bappy direction talking about how there’s a million ways to get by. “Survivor’s Guilt” has this more energetic tone comparing his city’s love for him to the way Dublin loves former UFC Lightweight & Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor matched with G Herbo detailing still being wild even though he is rich but then “An Interlude Called “Circus”” mixes some hi-hats & an acoustic guitar reminiscing on the days before their first tape dropped.

Meanwhile on “Fearmonger”, we have SABA on top of a summery boom bap beat confessing his feeling of hunger just before Krayzie Bone comes into the picture for the heavenly “Come My Way” talking about thinkin’ how to get some money & then they’ll be good. “Still” has a more enticing vibe as he & Smino get romantic, but then the Mereba-assisted “A Simpler Time” takes a more settler route continuing to get more reflective lyrically.

“Soldier” reveals itself to be a hypnotizing Pivot Gang posse cut proclaiming that they’ll be buried as legends whereas “If I Had a Dollar” with Benjamin Earl Turner weaves in an acoustic guitar talking about he’d be rich if he got paid every time he failed. “Stop That” showcases some stellar flows even the the instrumental isn’t all that great while the track “Make Believe” is a touching open letter to SABA’s mother.

The penultimate song “2012” works in a peaceful instrumental detailing why that particular year will always hold a special place in his heart & the title track couldn’t have finished the album any better as Black Thought of none other than The Roots pops in for an epic 3-parter to talk about going back where they started.

I might catch some heat from people for saying this which I’m completely fine with because I’m used to people coming at me for saying how I feel, but this is what Cordae’s latest album From a Bird’s Eye View should’ve been. SABA’s lyricism is more transparent than it’s ever been & the production that’s backing these subject matters are just completely breathtaking.

Score: 4/5

Kain Cole – “S.U.M.P. (Survival Under Major Pressure)” review

Kain Cole is a 38 year old MC from Belleville, Michigan who’s actually been making music ever since he was in high school. He’s since perfected his craft after spending 8 years in prison but now that he’s out & back home, it makes perfect sense for local independent powerhouse & one of the hottest labels in the underground Middle Finger Music to sign him & have it’s co-founder Foul Mouth produce his full-length studio debut entirely from start to finish following his appearance on Belushi on Gawd last summer.

“The Arrival” sets the album off with a drumless yet buzzing instrumental letting motherfuckers know he’s officially here whereas “The Bag” works in some suspenseful keyboards & dusty drums getting in his hustler bag. “Ain’t My Home” takes a more soulful route looking back on the days when he was locked up just before “L.M.K. (Let Me Know)” has a bluesy quality to it talking about being back in his old ways.

Meanwhile on “Feel This Way”, we have Kain jumping on top of a grimy boom bap beat confessing that he has no idea why he feels the way he does leading into the disgusting drug dealer’s ode “Kain”. Things go into a funkier direction for “Have You Ever” talking about being one of a kind, but then “Fuck ‘Em If They Mad” takes a more alluring turn clapping back at those who’re envious of him.

“Run Away” weaves in a perfect vocal loop talking about how he has to find another way whereas “Rock n Roll” returns to boom bap territory letting listeners know how reckless he truly is. “K Cole Shit” gets in his battle rap bag with the instrumental taking it back to the days of 70’s action films just before the eerie “D.O.G (Definition Of Greatness)” speaks for itself lyrically.

Following this, “Do My Thang” brings in the horns to talk about how all he does is own thing while the track “Church” has a more colorful tone to the beat encouraging listeners to praise God after him. The penultimate song “Count Stacks” comes off as a sequel to “The Bag” that lives up to the predecessor & the title track sends the album off with a synth-laced instrumental talking about how no one can knock him down.

It’s always exciting when a Middle Finger Music artist drops an album & even more so when they add fresh new faces to the roster because S.U.M.P. (Survival Under Major Pressure) definitely surpassed my expectations even though they were high to begin with. Kain sounds hungry as fuck on the mic & Foul Mouth cooks up some of the best production of his career thus far.

Score: 4/5

2 Chainz – “Dope Don’t Sell Itself” review

2 Chainz is a 44 year old rapper from Atlanta, Georgia who came up as 1/2 of the duo Playaz Circle. They eventually signed to Disturbing tha Peace Records & Def Jam Recordings in the 2000s releasing only 2 albums. He eventually ventured off into a solo career, with the biggest standouts being Pretty Girls 👍 TRΛP MUSIC & Rap or Go to the League. Last we heard from him was a little over a year ago with So Help Me God! but after dropping 2 singles last month, Tity Boi is returning in the form of his 6th full-length outing.

“Bet It Back” starts off the whole album with a rubbery bass-line & a sputtering sample talking about working hard to be well made whereas “Pop Music” with Moneybagg Yo & BeatKing comes off as a boring strip club anthem. “Kingpen Ghostwriter” picks things back up as Lil Baby tags along over a symphonic Buddah Bless instrumental talking about money coming in a hurry leading into “Outstanding”, which has a high spirited Hit-Boy beat & lyrics paying tribute to his lifestyle.

Meanwhile on “Neighbors Know My Name”, we have 2 Chainz bastardizing the classic D4L joint “Laffy Taffy” for 2 minutes just before 42 Dugg comes into the picture for “$1M Worth of Game” to talk about how shit can’t change them accompanied by a mediocre Lil Ju instrumental. “Free B.G.” takes a more wavier route with the help of Mannie Fresh obviously calling for the former Hot Boy$ member of the same name to come home, but then “10 Bracelets” has a more feel good tone to it as he & YoungBoy Never Broke Again get materialistic.

“Lost Kings” with Lil Durk has some woozy synthesizers throughout pondering how they’re supposed to breathe if all people do is kill & fight while the song “Caymans” with Swae Lee goes into a more stripped back direction talking about taking care of you & yours if you got something that people wanna see or be a part of. The penultimate track “Vlad TV” with Major Myjah, Stove God Cook$ & Symba finds the trio over a funky ass beat calling out the interview platform for being the feds & “If You Want Me To” just seems like an awkward send-off to the album trying to get seductive.

Coming from someone who’s enjoyed his last 3 albums, I feel like Dope Don’t Sell Itself is slightly above average in comparison & could’ve been a tad bit better. 2 Chainz’ lyricism is absolutely not the problem at all because he’s the been the best he’s ever sounded throughout the past 5 years. The main problems I have with this album are the production & the features being hit or miss.

Score: 3/5

Claas – “This is Revenge” review

Claas is a 40 year old MC from Arlington, Texas who’s been putting it down in the underground for almost 2 decades at this point whether it be on it his own or as a member of groups like The Underground Avengers or VLNC. But right before the pandemic started, he’s been teasing his 6th album (albeit 3 with Lyrikal Snuff Productionz) & even dropped a trilogy of EPs leading up to it much like Strange Music used to do in 2019/2020. Couple years later, we’re finally being treated to This is Revenge in it’s entirety.

“Sweartagawd” is a rowdy boom bap-tinged opener talking about how some people got him fucked up referencing WWE Hall of Famers D-Generation X whereas “Foxtrot. Echo. Alpha” follows it up with a more trappier sound getting in his hardcore bag. Keagan Grimm tags along for the rock-tinged “Friends” talking about burying their competition, but then Kung Fu Vampire & The R.O.C. come into the picture for the rugged “Devil May Cry” detailing what they’ll do when they get down to Hell.

Meanwhile on “Feast”, we have Claas angrily calling to be let off his leash just before the rowdy “What Does That Make You?” talks about how cats need to know their placements even though neither Chxxmpa or Sicnoizednice’s verses. Keagan returns for the trap metal-flavored “Revenge” expressing their desire for vengeance leading into the hellish “Come & Get It” lashing out to those who want to bring him down.

“Legen (Wait for It) Dary” is a riot starter tackling his legacy with a reference to former IWGPヘビー級チャンピオン, 3-time IWGPジュニアヘビー級チャンピオン, NEVER無差別級チャンピオン, ROH World Television Champion, United Empire leader & the longest reigning RPW British Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay of 新日本プロレス while “Crowns” goes into a more morbid direction sonically talking about how his throne remains untouched. “Time Bomb” goes straight metal getting ready to explode mentally whereas “Gone (Never Comin’ Down) takes a spacier, trap route talking about never touching the ground again. Boondox & Cage link up with Claas for the creepy “Dichotomy” confessing being in the middle of a Holy war while “Outlaw” with JP tha Hustler & 1 Ton has a more operatic sound comparing themselves as such.

“Smoke” keeps the uncanny trap vibes going challenging anyone to step up to him lyrically & “The Sinners Win” returns to a more rock-centered sound talking about trying to evolve & survive. The song “Burn It Down” with Bukshot sees the pair telling the frauds to stay away from them over a rambunctious beat while the penultimate track “Fuckin’ Dope” reunites with Chxxmpa & Sicnoizednice for a more triumphant tune boasting their skills. “Suffocation” ends the album with yet another rock banger calling out those who don’t want him to succeed.

For as long as this guy’s been in the game, I think he really came through with his best solo effort yet & it absolutely makes up for the 2 year wait. Claas has always been a lethal wordsmith, but he really turns it up to 11 on here & I’m very impressed with the amount of different sounds that he goes for throughout.

Score: 4/5

NLE Choppa – “Me vs. Me” review

NLE Choppa is a 19 year old rapper from Memphis, Tennessee who came up in 2018 off his debut mixtape No Love: The Takeover. However, it wasn’t until the following Christmas where his debut EP Cottonwood started to bring more attention to him & subsequently signed to Warner Records. He has since put out his full-length debut Top Shotta & his 2nd mixtape From Dark to Light since being on a major label but after spending last year doing features, Choppa’s returning in the form of his 3rd mixtape.

Things start off with the 6th installment of the “Shotta Flow” series which I understand is his biggest song, but it feels like him trying to get lighting to strike at the same spot over & over despite the energizing CashMoneyAP instrumental. Young Thug tags along for the triumphant “Push It” talking about having the game in a figure-4 leading into the money anthem “Jumpin’” which has a fresh woodwind instrumental & Polo G verse, but Choppa’s performances (especially the hook) are lifeless.

Meanwhile on “Trap Phone”, we have an atmospheric beat from Southside & some decent lyricism about hustlin’ just before “Final Warning” works in a blobby bass-line & some piano melodies for Choppa to send a message to his enemies. “I.Y.B. (If You Buck)”is a shameful bastardization of the classic Crime Mob single “Knuck If You Buck”, but then “Stompin’” ruins a cinematic beat with corny lines like “Fly like Peter Pan, bitch you know I’ve been a man. All black Batman with my n****s robbin’” & “Have you ever seen Mike with an Ike?”.

“Change My Ways” has a bit of a more orchestral with the help of OG Parker with more clever bars like “White boy with the ball in the cut, Tom Brady” whereas “Ima Dogg” comes off as a ripoff of the Gucci Mane joint of the same name. “Mmm Hmm” takes a more psychedelic route trying to talk about being on another level & even though I like the sample on “Still Hood”, the gangsta rap lyrics aren’t all that to me.

Internet Money brings in a more polished sound for “Drop Shit” detailing his take off while the barren “Chicago to Memphis” with G Herbo touches down on their gang lives. The song “Too Hot” with Moneybagg Yo sees the 2 spitting generic bars over a misty instrumental while the penultimate track “Lick Me Baby” comes off as a cringey sex ode. “Youngest to Do It” ends the tape on a more heartfelt note talking about his come up over a vocal loop.

Despite not being a fan of his previous work, I did find myself enjoying Me vs. Me a little bit more than I expected to. However, I’d say the high points are all mediocre at best. The production choices have definitely improved & most of the features come correct also, but the whole internal conflict concept of it keeps derailing itself as the tape goes on.

Score: 2/5

Babyface Ray – “Face” review

This is the sophomore album from Detroit rapper Babyface Ray. Coming up as a member of the Team Eastside collective, he’s gone on to drop 5 mixtapes & 5 EPs within the last 6-7 years before turning heads worldwide & becoming one of the biggest up-&-comers in the city signing to EMPIRE Distribution roughly 11 months ago making his his debut on the label with Unfuckwitable. But with his born day approaching in a few weeks, he’s celebrating a little bit early by releasing Face.

The album starts off with Sosshouse Records’ very own Kura sampling the 1Republic cut “Apologize” for the conclusion of the “My Thoughts” trilogy whereas “6 Mile Show” finds him & Icewear Vezzo tossing braggadocious rhymes back & forth on top of a ghoulish Southside beat. “Sincerely Face” has a bit a hyphy feel to it with some alluring piano chords spitting nonstop about how everything’s a profit leading into the smoky “Tunnel Vision” proclaiming being locked into such.

Meanwhile on “Overtime”, we have Ray delivering a cloudy love ballad with Yung Lean on the hook & Carlo Anthony behind the boards sounding like he really doesn’t wanna be there just before G Herbo tags along for the extravagant “Blood, Sweat & Tears” talking about how their fame didn’t come overnight. “Go Yard” has a more chilled out vibe with the help of DJ Esco reminding listeners that he’s living better these days, but then “Me, Wife & Kids” talks about blowin’ money fast on top of a woozy Pooh Beatz instrumental.

“Idols” goes into a funkier yet cloudy route detailing him looking up to the thugs while “Same Pain” works in some catchy background vocals talking about everything being different from the day prior. 42 Dugg comes in the picture for the piano/hi-hat laced “Let Me Down” calling out those who disappointed them & the horns throughout “Steak N Lobster” are incredible as he gets back in his flexing bag.

“Needed Some Love” marks a return to a more hyphy-influenced sound talking about the Bonnie to his Clyde while “M.O.B. (Money Over Bitches)” has a bit of a Neptunes influence to the beat & the title of it pretty much says it all as far as subject matter goes. “Dancing with the Devil” with Pusha T was a stellar lead single as OG Parker takes things into a more moodier turn pondering if people would treat them the same if they ain’t had shit whereas the brief piano ballad “Palm Angels, Palms Itching” undeniably wears his heart on his sleeve lyrically.

Sledgren works in some flutes for the drug anthem “Kush & Codeine” with none other than Wiz Khalifa while the song “Seduction” comes off as a hilariously bad country trap cut trying to get romantic. The penultimate track “Richard Flair” named after 2-time WWE Hall of Famer, former 16-time WWE world champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion, 6-time WWE United States Champion, 6-time WWE tag team champion & 9-time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair has a more demonic tone to the beat talking about treating lames like Air 1’s prior to “Motown Music” sending things off with a glossy tune saying he’s gonna get this money & stay humble.

“A1 Since Day 1” gets the deluxe going by reaffirming his legitimacy from the very beginning while “Spending Spree” featuring Veeze produced by DY finds the 2 talking about fucking around & blowing everything they had. “Big Estate” shows y’all some shit that you ain’t ever seen coming really heavy with it while “100s” talks about turning up the city & fucking up the whole summer.

Lucki joins Face on the highlight “Back N Action” with LulRose behind the boards discussing being active once more while “Congratulations” featuring Lil Yachty gives a toast to everyone who made it in the rap game up to this point. “Family > Money” reminds everyone with the help of Pooh Beatz that real ones prioritize their own families more than the paycheck itself & “R.I.P.” rounds out the bonus track run by confessing he feels numb with all the losses in his life personally.

From the moment I heard Unfuckwitable last year, I knew he was continue to go up from there & Face definitely lived up to the expectations I had going into it. I like how he steps out of his comfort zone by experimenting with new sounds even though not all of them stick the landing & letting a wider audience in as to who he is.

Score: 3.5/5

Skribbal – “In Their Blood…& from the Gutter” review

Skribbal is a 30 year old MC from Los Angeles, California who came up in 2016 off the strength of his full-length debut Drug Spun Funk. This would catch the attention of the rising Wisconsin underground label Force 5 Records & they would put out his sophomore effort Skinwalker a couple years later. But once Skribbal dropped his debut EP Quarantine Sessions a month after the pandemic started, he would leave the label to form his own Sony Music imprint Hell Patrol Records & celebrated this newfound independence by dropping his 3rd album Black Eyed Children last spring distancing himself from horrorcore in favor of a more hardcore hip hop style. However in light of his born day coming & going last month though, he’s keeping things rolling with his 2nd EP.

“Holocaust Winds” kicks the whole thing off with a portentous instrumental talking about how no one can hold him back whereas the grimy “Tim Allen Coke” with Lord Goat finds the 2 clapping back at everyone. “Master of the Moon” gets in his wicked shit bag with an occult boom bap beat while the penultimate song “The Black Sleep” goes into trap territory working in an infectious vocal sample talking about living in between 2 worlds. The title track then enlists Praiseone taking a dustier route in terms of sound declaring themselves as soul reapers.

If this dude has something bigger coming down the pipe later on in the year, then I think In Their Blood…& from the Gutter serves as a solid appetizer for the main course. It picks up right where the last album left off continuing to embrace a more traditional hardcore hip hop style except he’s throwing his horrorcore roots back into the mix.

Score: 3.5/5

iann dior – “on to better things” review

iann dior is a 22 year old rapper & singer/songwriter from Corpus Christi, Texas who first emerged in the spring after signing to 10K Projects in 2019 & dropped his debut mixtape Nothing’s Ever Good Enough later that spring. This would wind in a joint deal with Internet Money Records, who helped put out his full-length debut Industry Plant in the fall of that same year & then the debut EP I’m Gone the following summer. Now iann’s music in the past never really wowed me because I felt like 10K Projects was trying to strike gold with him as another Trippie Redd, but I was morbidly curious going into this sophomore album of his given that he had a spot in last year’s XXL Freshman Class.

“is it you?” starts off the whole album with a painfully boring summer ballad bitching & moaning about a girl who had his mind twisted whereas “complicate it” works in a down-tune guitar talking about being sick of being in the same situation as his lover. Lil Uzi Vert tags along for the poppy “V12” produced by Nick Mira & Taz Taylor getting boastful, but then “I might” has a more cloudier tone talking about his late-night habits.

Meanwhile on “heavy”, we have iann on top of a grungy guitar lead admitting that he can’t love leading into “dark angel” revealing how half assed it is both sonically & songwriting wise. “obvious” has some decent radio rock production from none other than Travis Barker even though the subject matter feels like some angsty middle school shit & “heartbreak3r” has to be the most pathetic Juice WRLD knockoff I’ve heard in a minute.

The instrumental that “option” brings to the table is a lot similar to the opener except he’s moping about his girl being the problem with him yet “regret” tries to go back into cloudier territory getting in his breakup bag except it’s just very trite. It’s only right that MGK comes into the picture for “thought it was” talking about losing their minds except Travis’ dreary guitar licks & hi-hats are a lot more tolerable than either vocal performance whereas “sinking” comes through with a psychedelic albeit decent look at depression.

The song “let you” comes through with a pop rock instrumental talking about not looking back at the past while the penultimate track “fallin’” goes into acoustic turf with a shitty Tom Petty interpolation that have him rolling in his grave. “hopeless romantic” then sends the album off on a pop punk note further shoving his inability to love down our throats.

It’s really ironic that this is called on to better things because I happen to look at it as the worst thing that iann has ever done. Internet Money & Travis Barker’s contributions are a lot more detailed & interesting than the rest of the producers that were involved, but it just feels like his own rendition of Neon Shark vs. Pegasus & he manages to fall flatter on his face than Trippie did.

Score: 1.5/5

Che Noir – “Food for Thought” review

Che Noir is a 27 year old MC/producer from Buffalo, New York who caught my attention after 38 Spesh signed her to TCF Music Group & fully produced her first 3 EPs. However, her Apollo Brown-produced full-length debut As God Intended & then her self-produced 4th EP After 12 during the 2nd half of 2020 where her potential began to blossom exponentially. Given all that, I had a very good feeling going into her sophomore album right here.

After the “Eat to Live” intro, the first song “Split the Bread” kicks off the whole album with some rich pianos talking about being mentally dangerous whereas the self-produced “Eat or Starve” with Jynx716 has this killer guitar loop with the pair letting listeners know they never had it easy. After the “Daily Bread” skit, “Bless the Food” has a cheerful sound to it talking about being the voice of the people just before Armani Caesar & 7xvethegenius tag along for the string-laced “Ladies Brunch” reminding themselves that they’re the nicest females in the underground currently.

Meanwhile on “Praises”, we have Che on top of a cinematic boom bap instrumental from Chup talking about going down as a GOAT just before Ransom & 38 Spesh come into the picture for the piano/vocal loop infused “Table for 3” treating necks like footsteps lyrically. The track “Good Cutlery” encourages listeners to make wise decisions over some hi-hats & synths while the JR Swiftz-produced penultimate song “Brains for Dinner” goes straight into battle rap territory. After the “Water to Wine” interlude, “Communion” ends the album with a powerful ballad talking about some pain she’s been through.

Despite the brief delays the album faced prior to it’s release, it was very much worth it. It demonstrates her massive range, styles & techniques from nostalgic reminiscences to crime-driven narratives accompanied by the golden age-inspired production that’s all over her previous works.

Score: 4/5

King Iso – “Get Well Soon” review

This is the 5th full-length album from Omaha, Nebraska emcee/producer King Iso. Coming up as a protege of San Diego chopper Twisted Insane, he would only drop first 2 albums & The Insanity Plea & Autophobia under Brainsick Muzik. Shortly after, they had an unfortunate falling out & it prompted Iso to put out his next album DeMenTia independently in 2018. However, I was thrilled to see him sign with Strange Music the following spring & his debut on the Kansas City powerhouse World War Me has quickly become one of the label’s best albums ever. So given that & the singles that Iso released for Get Well Soon over the fall, my expectations were very high.

The title track opens up the album on top of a somber trap instrumental confessing that he no longer feels the same whereas “0 Dark 34” weaves some hi-hats behind the sound of a phone beeping talking about being too busy to work on himself. “Today” has a more jangly ring to it pondering if people would call him if they didn’t need a favor or wanted to get money leading into “6 AM” has a darker tone sonically talking about getting high before the sunrise.

Meanwhile on “Big Farm A”, we have C-Mob & X-Raided tagging along with Iso over some tropical guitar licks & skittering drums letting the masses know we’re living in a sick market just before “Under My Tongue” takes a more spacious yet bass heavy route talking about how he was getting it in in the mental hospital. Rittz & Twista come into the picture for the rambunctious “Self Destruct” admitting they’re about to implode any moment, but then “Hellthy” talks about smiling while burning away over a downtrodden trap beat.

King Kash joins his brother for the cloudy/trap infused “I’m Okay” lying about their state of mental well being prior to jumping on top of some hi-hats & pianos admitting he’s “Not Well”. Following this, “Window” kinda has the same feel as the previous cut instrumentally except it’s more somber & detailing having so much on his mind while “Made Me Crazy” makes the sounds of Cuckoos into a trap beat with Snake Lucci & Tech N9ne talking about being unhinged.

“Big Facts” with Taebo tha Truth finds the 2 taking shots at those who be talking too much over an atmospheric instrumental whereas the guitar-heavy “My Flowers” is basically The Brazy Bunch demanding their respect. Taebo returns for the aggressive “6 PM” reminding the world that they had to run it on their lonely. The song “Cover the Scars” is an acoustic/trap banger paying tribute to all of those out there who have Iso tattoos while the penultimate track “Hypocrite” has a churchy quality to it talking about how his music has helped others yet he’s not helping himself. “Help Yourself” ends the album with an energized ballad encouraging self care.

I think it’s safe to say that Iso’s output ever since signing to Strange has been the best of his career thus far & Get Well Soon wound up being a fantastic follow-up to World War Me. His production skills continue to progress while continuing to raise awareness of how much mental health matters further & detailing the obstacles he constantly faces.

Score: 4/5