10/6

Lil Pump – Lil Pump

Lil Pump’s self-titled debut commercial mixtape is about what you would expect. Each track is consistent with loud, distorted bass, infectious beats, repetitive lyrics and the charismatic flow that has brought Pump to the mainstream. While this album is more of the same from the 17-year-old rapper, those who are fans of his previous material should enjoy it. However, if you haven’t enjoyed a Lil Pump track to date, this project definitely will not change your mind. Notable features include Chief Keef, Gucci Mane, Rick Ross and 2 Chainz.   

10/13

Beck – Colors

Beck’s new album Colors is his most pop-centered record yet. With most of his previous albums ranging from alternative rock to alternative pop, Colors sounds like a commercial album designed to be featured on the radio (or at least attempts to). The unique flair only known to Beck is quite lost here, with most of his sounds leaning towards an imitation of the new pop and rap music those darn millennials love so much. He disguises a few of his songs on Colors as rap tracks through a talk/talky flow instead of a sing-songy tempo over some tongue-in-cheek 808s that leave the listener wondering what he was trying to go for, or maybe knowing exactly that he was just trying to hop on a trend to boost album sales. While the album surely is not terrible, it is clear that Beck was focused on making it a happy pop album over a good album. Notable features include Bruno Mars and Elliott Smith.     

dvsn – Morning After

OVO member and arguable Drake prodigy, the R&B duo, consisting of high-note-killing Daniel Daley and seasoned producer Nineteen85, has arrived with a new project for those yearning to hear more after getting a taste of their masterfulness on Drake’s Views or their previous lesser-known projects. Daley comes through with his astounding vocal flexibility that made him known on Views and Nineteen85’s production does a great job of creating a mysterious, shadowy atmosphere. There are no features on this album.   

Gucci Mane – Mr. Davis

Hip-hop’s cool uncle Gucci Mane brings another long-player to his already enormous discography. The album’s break-out single “I Get The Bag”, featuring the Migos, is probably what brought most listeners to the project. Although there are a few stand-out bangers, Mr. Davis falls victim to what I consider to be Guwop’s issue: boringness. Listening to Gucci for too long makes me bored. While the production is always a hit and his lyrics are pretty fun, his flow and tone on each track is the same unexcited drawl throughout. Hearing a bit more enthusiasm and variation from the Trap Lord would definitely make me a bigger fan. Notable features are the Migos, ASAP Rocky, Schoolboy Q (in a surprisingly calm flow unique to him), Nicki Minaj and Big Sean.   

King Krule – The OOZ

King Krule’s iconic, guttural sound continues to rock the indie scene with The OOZ. The album takes the listener places they would never have guessed, beginning with the opening track “Biscuit Town”, a dreamy tune that left me entranced but also wondering what in the world he was talking about, setting the tone for the rest of the project. This confusion can be expected when enjoying Krule’s music, although it only adds to his appeal. For those who want to turn off their lights and lose themselves in some strange, otherworldly music that borders on drunken slam poetry with an electronic orchestra behind it (a niche crowd perhaps), this is a winner. No features on this one.  

10/20

Future & Young Thug – Super Slimey

Future and Young Thug return with a barebones mixtape. Source material that we have all heard before over some beats that definitely are not bad, but disinteresting. A few standout tracks here and there, but Super Slimey is just another missable bangers playlist to throw on in the background of a house party. The project’s only feature is definitely its highlight track, with Offset on “Patek Water”.