By: Sterling Elias and Brady Brazda
4:44: Over a short 10 soulful beats, Jay-Z’s signature Brooklyn accent returns to the spotlight on June 30, 2017 in his thirteenth studio album, 4:44. While he features the likes of R&B singer Frank Ocean, reggae singer, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, his wife Beyoncé, and even his own mother Gloria Carter, Jay-Z very much dominates this album. HOV touches on various topics including race, family, his feud with former best friend, Kanye West. HOV produced another great album. which receives a 9.5 out of 10.
Top Tracks:
“4:44″
“The Story of OJ”
“Moonlight”
LUV Is Rage 2: After breaking the Billboard Hot 100 charts with popular songs like “You Was Right,” “Money Longer,” and “Ps & Qs,” Lil Uzi Vert dropped “Luv is Rage 2,” his second studio album on Aug. 25. Last March, Uzi released the popular single “XO TOUR Llif3” that created hype for his new album “Luv is Rage 2.” After breaking up with his long time girlfriend, Brittany Byrd, Uzi made a lot of references to his failed relationship throughout the 16-song tracklist. With beats that rely heavily on electronic synths and deep basses by TM88, Don Cannon, and Maaly Raw, Uzi keeps his audience listening intently throughout the album. With catchy songs like “The Way Life Goes,” “Neon Guts ft. Pharrell Williams,” and “Sauce It Up” Uzi demonstrates his rapid rap flow. Arguably Uzi’s best work to date, this album receives a solid 8.5 out of 10.
Top Tracks:
“Neon Guts”
“The Way Life Goes”
“XO TOUR Llif3”
Issa Album: Finally after a year wait, Atlanta rapper 21 Savage dropped his debut studio album Issa Album. With help from notable beat producer Metro Boomin, 21 raps about his journey to the top of the rap game over 14 tracks. The album is named after one of 21’s famous catch phrases “Issa Knife.” 21 has no features on this album. “Bank Account,” the album’s most popular song, found its way on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for 11 weeks. Although “Bank Account” was arguably the song of the summer, fans were left wanting more of 21 Savage. After the anticipated wait, Issa Album, was a bit of a let down. With only one major hit, 21 left fans feeling underwhelmed. The album receives a 5 out of 10.
Top Tracks:
“Bank Account”
“Bad Business”
“Famous”
Project Baby 2: Following his release from jail in June, Florida based rapper Kodak Black immediately returned to his music career and released his mixtape Project Baby 2 which currently sits at number seven on the “Billboard 200.” On this 19 track mixtape, Kodak Black features John Wicks, JackBoy, Offset, and up-and-coming Floridian rapper, XXXTENTACION. Throughout this long-winded mixtape, Kodak returns with his signature, unique nasal voice and slurred words. This mixtape has way too many songs to keep listeners entertained. The mixtape receives a 3 out of 10.
Top Tracks:
“Transportin’”
“Built My Legacy”
“Roll in Peace”
