Album Review: Kendrick Lamar-Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

Wow there is a lot to be said about this new album from Kendrick. This is definitely his most introspective album yet. The album is pretty mellow sounding mostly which may put some listeners off. I really like most of these songs on both sides of the album. "N95" is a lyrical assault that we. normally get from him. I really like "Die Hard" too. It's so melodic. I found the addition of Kodak Black to be a little odd but for the most part Kodak actually does well. The song "We Cry Together" is jarring and can make you feel uncomfortable...but if you look past that I think its brilliant in its execution. Kendrick and Taylour Paige go at each other in toxic couples argument. "Purple Hearts" is another highlight with features from Summer Walker and Ghostface Killah.

I found "Crown" to be somewhat boring. The production on the album is good but nothing spectacular. Lyrically Kendrick does well tho, even after five years off he's still got it for the most part. I found Baby Keem's features to be pretty damn good as well...Kendrick really touches on some deep topics here like a trans Uncle etc. Ultimately this is a really good album even if I don't quite think its a classic. Yes DAMN, TPAB, and GKMC are better...but this album is a welcome addition to his catalogue.

Lyrics 24

Beats 22

Depth 25

Tilt 25

Verdict 96

Nas Albums Worst to Best

20) Nastradamus (75)- It really shouldn’t be a surprise to see this one ranked so low. The lyricism isn’t abysmal but everything is pretty average. How does a song like “Big Girl” make it to a Nas album?? It’s just a boring album plain and simple….I don’t really have a lot to say about it. 19) Street’s Disciple (82) -I hate having this one so low. I honestly like a lot of the songs on this double disc. Unfortunately there’s quite a bit of filler here just like with Jay-z’s Blueprint 2. Disc one has hits like “Nazareth Savage”, “American Way”, “ Just a Moment” and “ You Know My Style”. Disc 2 has some heat on it too: “Suicide Bounce”, the title track, “Virgo”, “Bridging the Gap” and “Thiefs Theme”. 18) T he Lost Tapes 2 (86) -This one I admit I haven’t heard that much…but its pretty decent. It gets off to a good start with songs like “Vernon Family” and “Jarreau of Rap (Skatt Attack)”. A lot of these songs are ok….but not muc...

Album Review: Kid Cudi-Insano (regular version)

I gotta admit I didn't like this album that much when I first heard it over half a year ago. I've heard that Kid Cudi doesn't exactly play to his strengths....that's partly true. I do like his rapping here tho. Honestly most songs here kinda blend together....."Keep Bouncin'" is really hype....and it gets the album off to a good start. "At The Party" with Pharrell Williams and Travis Scott may be my favorite song. "Wow" with A$AP Rocky is another highlight. Overall tho I feel this album tries too hard to be trendy. Cudi needed to put more of his pain into it. I mean a happy Cudi album isn't a bad thing but it really seems odd to me. You're not getting alot of singing or hums here know what I mean? However the production I found to be very good. Cudi is one of my favorite rappers like top 20 and I guess this will do for 2024. Lyrics 20 Beats 23 Depth 21 Tilt 21 Verdict 85

Album Review: Lupe Fiasco's Tetsuo & Youth

Lupe has come back, and with a classic album. He seemed to be back on tracks with Food and Liquor II, but F&L2 wasn’t as fun to listen to as his earlier albums. Even LASERS was more fun. This album however, is very complex and fun to listen to. It’s also incredibly well produced. Lupe proves he’s still a top lyricist in the game. Check out his lyrical showcase on Mural, or storytelling on Prisoner 1 & 2. He’s got a really long song called Chopper which features a lot of guests but its all good. The last song might be the weakest which features Ab-Soul. No Scratches feat. Nikki Jean is one of my favorite songs here. The interludes are pretty intersing, but ultimately skippable. This album is already up for album of the year, and honestly it will be hard for anyone to match this effort. The verdict... its 10/10 for me. This is a great album

Chesstown King's Reviews and Thoughts

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