Roddy Ricch – “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial” review

Roddy Ricch is a 21 year old rapper from Compton, California that came onto my radar last November due to the song “Splash Warning” off of Meek Mill’s last album Championships. He made it onto this year’s XXL Freshman Class list & now to keep the buzz going, he’s coming through with his debut album.

The intro finds Roddy celebrating his new life over a gorgeous set of piano chords with a cool switch up near the end while the next song “The Box” talks about how he’ll never sell his soul over a trap beat with some strings. The track “Start wit Me” with Gunna sees the 2 telling their hater to back off over a JetsonMade instrumental with a decent flute passage & rubbery bass while the song “Perfect Time” talks about groupies over a trap beat with some rich keyboards. The track “Moonwalkin'” with Lil Durk sees the 2 talking about sex over a dime a dozen acoustic trap instrumental.

The track “Big Stepper” talks about his success over a Western-inspired trap beat while the song “God’s Eyes” gets reflective over a gorgeous instrumental. The track “PETA” with Meek Mill sees the 2 flexing over an instrumental with this odd sample sticking out while the song “Boom Boom Room” continues to brag over another acoustic trap instrumental. After the “Elyse’s Skit”, the track “High Fashion” speaks for itself lyrically over a soothing DJ Mustard beat while the song “Bacc Seat” with Ty$ is a buttery love tune.

The track “Roll Dice” talks about being a star over a moody beat while the song “Prayers to the Trap God” reflects on his drug dealing days over a settle instrumental. The penultimate track “Tip Toe” with A Boogie wit da Hoodie sees the 2 recalling some personal experiences they’ve had over a bland instrumental & then the album ends with “War Baby”, where Roddy talks about where he came from over a gloomy instrumental.

For his debut album, this was just alright to me personally. Roddy definitely has potential, but he’s not really taking any risks on this one as the instrumental palate is just run of the mill & the features being hit or miss.

Score: 2.5/5

Missy Elliott – “Iconology” review

This is the debut EP from Portsmouth, Virginia trailblazer Missy Elliott. In case you‘ve been living under a rock: Missy came into the game alongside Timbaland in 1997 with her groundbreaking debut Supa Dupa Fly. They maintained an impeccably close relationship since with Da Real World, Miss E…So Addictive, Under Construction & This Is Not a Test! all dropping throughout the late 90s & early 2000s. Timbo would go on to produce only the first 2 tracks on Missy’s LAST full-length album The Cookbook & that was back in 2005. We’ve only gotten a few appetizers for a comeback ever since from a couple loose singles to a halftime performance during Super Bowl XLIX, but it wasn’t until Missy would surprise the world with Iconology literally the day before it even came out.

The EP kicks off with “Throw It Back”, where Missy talks about shows her competition how it’s done over a bouncy trap beat. The next song “Cool Off” is a Miami Bass throwback while the penultimate track “DripDemeanor” gets sensual over a synth-funk beat. The EP then finishes with “Why I Still Love You”, where Missy provides the listener with a mellow R&B tune.

A lot of people including myself were expecting this to be her 7th full-length album, but I’ll take it as a decent EP. Not sure who did the production, but the beats are fine by their standards & Missy still has a captivating prowess. Also, the “This is a Missy Elliott exclusive” tag at the start of pretty much every song is annoying.

Score: 2.5/5

Cordae – “The Lost Boy” review

Cordae is 21 year old MC from Suitland, Maryland that came up as a member of the YBN collective just a few years ago. He first came on my radar last year with “Old N****s”, an immensely well written response to “1985” off of J. Cole’s last album KOD. That single alone earned Cordae a HUGE co-sign from none other than Dr. Dre as well as a deal with Atlantic Records. The kid even made it on this year’s XXL Freshman Class last month, so it’s only right for him to keep the hype for him going with his full-length debut over here.

The album starts off with “Wintertime”, where Cordae gives the listener a proper introduction to himself over a funky Cardiak & Terrace Martin beat. The next song “Have Mercy” talks about the struggles of life referencing WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson over a flute-inflicted trap beat & after the “Sweet Lawd” skit, the next track “Bad Idea” with Chance the Rapper sees the 2 making a modern version of the iconic Scarface cut “My Block”.

The song “Thanksgiving” talks about bringing a girl home for the titular holiday over a mellow trap beat while the track “R.N.P. (Rich N***a Problems)” with Anderson .Paak sees the 2 over a bouncy J. Cole instrumental. The song “Broke as Fuck” angrily recalls his rough past over a piano-inflicted trap beat while the track “1,000 Words” talks about people who cap over a smooth beat. The song “Way Back Home” talks about being yourself over an intoxicating trap beat & after the “Grandma’s House” skit, the song “Been Around” is a tribute to those who’ve stuck by Cordae’s side since Day 1 over a summery instrumental.

The track “Nightmares are Real” with Pusha T sees the 2 talking about how the good guy always wins over a haunting instrumental while the song “Family Matters” is an heartwarming tribute to his loved ones with a relaxing beat. The penultimate track “We Gon’ Make It” with Meek Mill sees the 2 getting motivational over a chilled out instrumental & then the album ends with “Lost & Found”, where Cordae tells his rags to riches story over a blissful trap beat.

I’ve been waiting a minute for this & at the end, the kid really delivered. It’s focused, it’s well produced & I really feel like the listener really gets to know Cordae as a person.

Score: 3.5/5

Gucci Mane – “D.O.G. (Delusions Of Grandeur)” review

Gucci Mane is a legendary rapper from Atlanta, Georgia known for being one of the 3 trap pioneers shaping the subgenre to what it is today. However, it wasn’t until 2016 when he finished serving his last prison sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon that he would improve both musically & personally. The dude is known for dropping a couple projects a year & now just 6 months after Evil Genius (which was his only effort last year shockingly), he’s delivering his 14th full-length album.

The album kicks off with “Bussdown”, where Wop talks about not wanting to squash beef over a generically moody beat. The next song “Backwards” with Meek Mill see the 2 getting braggadocious over a lavish Zaytoven beat while the track “Special” with Anuel AA talks about their glow up over a bassy Murda Beatz instrumental with some twinkling piano keys. The song “ICE” sounds like a leftover from Gunna & Lil Baby’s collab tape Drip Harder while the track “Love Thru the Computer” is a painfully corny romance tune.

The song “Proud of You” is a celebration of his new self over a Kenny Beats instrumental with a prominent violin while the track “Bottom” talks about how fine this chick is over a haunting Tay Keith beat. The song “Hands Off” is another sappy love tune while the track “Blind” with A Boogie wit da Hoodie sees the 2 flexing & I really love how Zaytoven samples the classic Nelly cut “Dilemma”. The song “Superstar” is a horrifically delivered celeb anthem with a mellow beat while the track “Upgrade” is a bouncy tribute to his wife.

The song “Lame” with Rick Ross & Wiz Khalifa dissing the titular types of people over a monstrous Southside] beat while the track “Potential” with Lil Uzi Vert & Young Dolph see the 3 sounds like a bland leftover from 1017 vs. the World. The track “Human Chandelier” gets cocky over a nocturnal beat while the song “Us” continues to flaunt over a bass-heavy instrumental.

The song “Look at Me Now” talks yet again about his new life since 2016 over a flute-inflicted Tay Keith beat while the penultimate track “Making a Murderer” gets bloodthirsty over a druggy Murda Beatz instrumental. The outro is a bit of a surprise as well, especially since Wop reunites with PeeWee Longway over a hard hitting Honorable C.N.O.T.E. instrumental.

Yeah, this is yet another decent album from Gucci. There are some catchy bangers, but the buttery cuts like the ones with Justin Bieber & Jeremih weigh it down. Nothing wrong with romance songs but in Gucci’s case, it sounds forced.

Score: 3/5

Rico Nasty – “Anger Management” review

Rico Nasty is a 21 year old rapper from Palmer, Park, Maryland that I first caught wind of last year with the release of her Nasty mixtape, which showcased a unique personality in Rico as well as her eclecticism. However, she’s now teaming up with Kenny Beats to deliver her debut EP.

The EP kicks off with “Cold”, where Rico talks about being the hottest female spitter in the game right now over an industrial beat. The next track “Cheat Code” talks about biters over an abrasive beat while the song “Hatin’” is an ode to boss bitches & I love how they revamp the same sample that JAY-Z & Timbaland used for “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”. The track “Big Titties” with EARTHGANG sees the 3 talking about their lifestyles over a quirky beat & after the “Nasty World” skit, the song “Relative” talks about how Rico’s fame as affected those around her over some somber piano chords & heavy bass. The track “Mood” feels more like a Splurge joint since he takes up a bulk of it while the song “Sellout” talks about loving yourself over a moody trap beat. The EP then finishes with “Again”, where Rico celebrates her success over a spacey trap beat.

Yeah, this is Rico’s best work yet. Her lyricism is sharper & Kenny just goes to show that he’s one of the hottest producers in the game at this very moment.

Score: 4/5

Kodak Black – “Dying to Live” review

Kodak Black is a 21 year old rapper who blew up with the release of his 4th mixtape Lil B.I.G. Pac in 2016. He then landed a spot in the 2016 XXL Freshman Class a few days after & released his debut album Painting Pictures the following year. But now 10 months after the release of his Valentine’s Day tape Heart Break Kodak as well as a series of legal troubles, he’s delivering his sophomore album before the year is done.

The album kicks off with “Testimony”, where Kodak talks about being God-sent over a somber trap beat. The next song “This Forever” talks about his place in the game over a bouncy London on de Track & Leon Thomas III beat while the track “Identity Thief” is an attempt at going hyphy & it surprisingly works pretty well. The song “Gnarly” with Lil Pump is a party anthem with a spacey beat while the track “ZEZE” with Offset is a catchy tropical banger d.a. got that dope produced.

The song “Take 1″ serves as a diss towards 6ix9ine over a gritty trap beat while the track “Moshpit” with Juice WRLD speaks for itself over a blissful trap beat that doesn’t suit the vibe at all. The song “Transgression” talks about being blessed over some keyboards while the track “Malcolm X.X.X.” is a touching dedication to XXXTENTACION over a synth-heavy instrumental. The track “Calling My Spirit” talks about his 3rd eye over an acoustic trap beat from Southside & Jake One while the song “In the Flesh” talks about resurrection over a cloudy beat.

The track “From the Cradle” gets boastful over a beautiful acoustic beat while the song “If I’m Lyin’, I’m Flyin’” talks about fame over a spacey trap beat. The penultimate track “Needing Something” is a piano ballad about inner peace. The album then finishes with “Could’ve Been Different”, where Kodak talks about a deceiving person he knew over a trap beat with some gloomy keys.

I’ve been curious to hear this given the singles & now with the finished product here, I think it’s his best work yet. However, it’s still average at best. I think he can work on trying to sound more coherent, but the production mostly knocks & a handful of the song topics are some of most mature to date.

Score: 3/5

Gucci Mane – “Evil Genius” review

Gucci Mane is a legendary rapper from Atlanta, Georgia known for being one of the 3 trap pioneers shaping the subgenre to what it is today. However, it wasn’t until 2016 when he released from prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon that he would improve both musically & personally. The dude is known for dropping a couple projects a year & as we approach the final month of 2018, he’s delivering his 13th full-length album.

The album kicks off with “Off the Boat”, where Woo recalls his drug dealing days over a nocturnal beat. The track “By Myself” is essentially trap’s answer to KiD CuDi’s “Solo Dolo” while the song “Bipolar” with Quavo sees the 2 talking about how they act with their paychecks over a spacious trap beat from OG Parker. The track “Just Like It” with 21 Savage sees the 2 talking about the drug game over an ominous beat from Honorable C.N.O.T.E. while the song “Cold Shoulder” with YoungBoy Never Broke Again sees the 2 brushing off their haters over a nondescript instrumental.

The track “On God” gets boastful over an apocalyptic beat from Southside while the song “Father’s Day” pretty much acknowledges his status as a trap pioneer over a dark instrumental from Metro Boomin’. The track “Outta Proportion” references WWE Hall of Famer, former 6-time WWE Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 2-time WWE United States Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion & NWA World Tag Team Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin backed with prominent hi-hats & faint keyboards. The track “Lost Y’all Minds” with Quavo is a needless sequel to “Bipolar” while the song “I’m Not Goin’” with Kevin Gates sees the 2 going at those who pray on their downfall over a bass-heavy trap beat from Murda Beatz.

The track “Wake Up in the Sky” with Kodak Black is a celebratory anthem with a laidback instrumental from 808 Mafia members DY, Tarentino & Tre Pounds while the song “Solitaire” is a solid introduction to the Glacier Boyz with a video-gamey instrumental. The track “This the Night” charismatically boasts about his wife Keyshia Davis over an atmospheric Southside beat while the song “Mad Russian” with Lil Skies sees the 2 getting flirtatious over a moody Murda Beatz instrumental.

The track “Hard Feelings” addresses all of Wop’s exes over a bland beat while the song “Lord” gives thanks to the higher power over a vibrant beat. The penultimate track “Money Callin'” pretty much speaks for itself over a syrupy yet spacey beat & then the closer “Kept Back” with Lil Pump sees the 2 talking about wanting a boss bitch over a trap beat with some classy keys.

It’s been almost a year since Gucci dropped his last album El Gato: The Human Glacier & now that we finally got the finished product after teasing it since then, the end results are slightly mixed. He still sounds great, but almost half of these cuts sound either unfinished or very plain.

Score: 3/5

Meek Mill – “Championships” review

Meek Mill is a 31 year old rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who started out as a battle rapper & then became a Rick Ross protege at the beginning of the decade. He’s had a series of ups & downs throughout his career from his critically acclaimed Dreamchasers mixtapes to his beef with Drake & an unjustful conviction last November (for which he was freed in April of this year). Meek made his official return to the music scene with his 5th EP Legends of the Summer but as the end of November has approached, he’s coming back with his 4th full-length album.

The intro cut on here ferociously claps back at those who prayed on his downfall over a flawless sample of the classic Phil Collins song “In the Air Tonight” while the next track “Trauma” touches down on racial injustice over an ambitious trap beat. The song “Uptown Vibes” with Fabolous & Anuel AA talks about people who try to steal their waves over a latin-infused beat while the track “On Me” with Cardi B gets raunchy over a generic trap beat. The song “What’s Free?” sees Meek alongside Ross & JAY-Z explaining what freedom is to them over some strings & hi-hats while the track “Respect the Game” is essentially about how becoming rich has impacted him personally over a trap beat with a prominent piano sample.

Future, Roddy Ricch & Young Thug appear for nondescript party anthem “Splash Warning” while the title track talks about beating the system over a jazzy beat. The song “Going Bad” with Drake sees the 2 flexing for old times sake over a bass-heavy keyboard instrumental from Wheezy while the track “Almost Slipped” is an awkward ballad about how he almost fell in love with a hoe. The song “Tic Tac Toe” sees Meek charismatically bragging over a triumphant Tay Keith instrumental while the track “24/7” is a smooth sex anthem with a clever sample of Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself & I” throughout.

“Oodles O’ Noodles Babies” recalls his upbringings over a soulful beat while the track “Pay You Back” with 21 Savage sees the 2 talking about how they have shooters referencing WWE Hall of Famer Arnold Schwarzenegger over an apocalyptic Wheezy beat. The song “100 Summers” talks about his mother & his friends over a mellow Hit-Boy instrumental while the track “W.T.S. (With The Shits)” with Melii is a concept joint about this girl frontin’ on him over an instrumental that sounds like it could’ve landed on Lil Pump’s self-titled debut.

The song “Stuck in My Ways” talks about how he’ll always be chasing that paper over a spacious trap beat from Cardo while the penultimate track “Dangerous” with Jeremih originally appeared on Legends of the Summer & it still sounds as corny as it did when I originally heard it back in July. The album then finishes with “Cold Hearted II”, which serves as a fantastic sequel to the closing track off of Meek’s 2015 sophomore album Dreams Worth More Than Money with a sample of “I Was Never There” off of The Weeknd’s latest EP My Dear Melancholy,.

I’ve been a little harsh on Meek’s recent output for the past couple years or so, but I have to be fair & say that Championships has to be the most consistent project I be heard from him in quite a while. Probably his 2nd best album behind Dreams & Nightmares. He’s at his most mature for the good amount of the time on here telling the world about his experiences & issues with social justice, even if there are only a small handful of moments that felt completely unnecessary.

Score: 3.5/5

Young Thug – “On the Rvn” review

Young Thug is a 27 year old trap rapper who started out in 2011, but rose to popularity in 2014 with the release of the track “Stoner”. He has continued to constantly release music since, the most recent project of his being 1st EP “Hear No Evil” back in April & the Slime Language compilation from his 300 Entertainment imprint YSL Records last month. However, he’s dropping his 2nd EP in light of his recent arrest for 8 felonies.

The EP begins with the titular track, where Thugger talks about taking out cops over a moody trap beat from longtime collaborator London on da Track. The next song “Icey” of course boasts about the rich life over a bouncy trap beat with a quirky synth lead while the track “Climax” with 6lack is a decent love tune with a BEAUTIFUL instrumental. The song “Sin” is a club banger that gets constantly ruined by the Jaden Smith feature while the penultimate track “Real in My Veins” is a clap-back at his naysayers over a druggy trap beat. The closer “High” with Elton John of all people is a weed anthem with a piano, chilling background vocals & rattling hi-hats.

Even though it’s only 20 minutes, this is definitely an improvement over Slime Language. The first 2 features could’ve been much better & I wish he added 4 or 5 more tracks, but the production is a lot better as & Thugger’s vocal inflections continue to be one of a kind.

Score: 3.5/5

Bhad Bhabie – “15” review

Danielle Bregoli is a 15 year old internet personality that quickly rose into stardom after an appearance she made on Dr. Phil in September of 2016. She then dropped a random “hip hop” song last year called “These Heaux” under the moniker Bhad Bhabie, which eventually landed her a contract with Atlantic Records. Fast forward to present day, she has decided to release her 1st mixtape.

The tape begins with the title track, where Danielle obnoxiously brags using the titular number over a generically eerie trap beat. The next track “Juice” has a sole YG verse with Danielle only handling the hook before & after. The ominous keyboard-inflicted trap beat as well as YG’s performance about clout are just ok, but that’s really it. The song “Gucci Flip Flops” talks about wealth, the somber trap production from 30 Roc & even the Lil Yachty verse pretty much carry it. The track “Affiliated” gets confrontational over a bouncy beat, but Asian Doll sounds a thousand times more animated than Danielle does. The song “Geek’d” gets braggadocious, but the somber trap beat & the charismatic Lil Baby verse make for it.

The track “No More Love” talks about being backstabbed & I actually find it funny that Danielle starts things off by saying she writes her life in these songs, despite the fact that Brittany B. ghostwrote the singles & I presume the rest of the mixtape too. Ghostwriting in hip hop is nothing new AT ALL, but don’t claim to be the sole writer of your material when you’re actually not. The song “Thot Opps (Clout Drop)” talks about staying in your lane over a spacey beat while the track “Yung & Bhad” is a shit-talking anthem, but Danielle sounds more goofy than in your face on both joints. The City Girls feature on the latter is alright, though. The song “Count It” with Jack $hirak is a run of the mill money making anthem while the song “Famous” reflects on the past 2 years. The beat is pretty decent & I have nothing wrong with it’s subject matter, but Danielle’s storytelling on here doesn’t interest me at all.

The song “Hi Bich” has a killer instrumental from Ronny J, it unfortunately goes to waste because it sounds half-written & the hook is tedious. The track “Shhh” is another boring braggadocious tune with a bass-heavy trap beat & the song “Trust Me” is a VERY uncomfortable love tune that I wanna know who was responsible for approving this, because the Ty$ verse could very well be the most embarrassing moment of his entire career. The penultimate track “Bout That” is basically Danielle assuring us that she lives the life that she’s rapping & honest to God: the instrumental sounds very similar to “Shhh”. The tape then finishes with the “Bhad Bhabie Story”, which is a 6 & a half minute diatribe about how people are jealous of her newfound fame over a piano.

There’s not much for me to say about it beyond that, this is truly one of the worst things I’ve heard all year. Almost all of the features sound more serious & captivating than Danielle does, as her personality is absolutely annoying. There are a couple decent instrumentals too but for the most part, it’s dime a dozen.

Score: 0.5/5