Nothing Was The Same is straight to the point, and in just over an hour, Drake closes the book on Take Care, yet opens the chapter to a brighter future. [Nov 2013, p.89]

Hall Of Fame was built to last, and while you’ll hardly be calling for Sean’s induction after the conclusion of his sophomore effort, you’ll sure as hell put him on your ballot.

In comparison to his past two albums, Cudi has grown the furthest from his purest hip-hop roots on Indicud, successfully carving out his own space using fundamental tools of hip-hop. [Jul 2013, p.91]

Unfortunately, the concept-less and energy-deficient album leaves no room for anyone to make any lasting impression on the listener. [Jul 2013, p.89]

Despite everything he did right on this album, there are a few blemishes. [Jul 2013, p.88]

Rather than allowing the first three tracks to help craft a template for the rest of the LP, the other 10 tracks are watered down by concept-less, feature-heavy songs. [Jul 2013, p.87]

With the exception of “Crooked Smile” and “Let Nas Down,” the last five songs hold over the album, but don’t add value to the overall project.

While Watching Movies with the Sound Off lacked that strong single to support the album’s release and the young Mac still has time to fully develop the direction in which he proceeds from at this point in time, the Most Dope spitter crafted a cinematic achievement that is definitely most dope.

In passing, Yeezus may seem like a blind attempt at genre-blending, margin challenging mash-ups, but once experienced, proves to be more of the encompassing, thought provoking, and at times gut-wrenching art Kanye West has consistently fed the culture with.

Production from the likes of Young Chop, Mike Will Made It, and Lex Luger propel Finally Rich since it's evident that Chief Keef cares just as much about precise lyricism as he does about keeping the peace on the Southside of Chicago. [Feb-Mar 2013, p.91]

By combining the deep-bass beats and fast-spitting rhymes of Trap Muzik with mature, more-to-the-story rhymes, Tip finds himself back in the limelight. [Feb-Mar 2013, p.89]

It is a step up for Rocky and the perfect documentation of today's new forefront in hip-hop. [Feb-Mar 2013, p.88]

Jesus Piece is a complete and compelling body of work compiled of consistent MCing and a diverse sonic palette. [Feb-Mar 2013, p.87]

Even witg a few cuts off the mark, Free's latest effort bares plenty of reaffirming examples as to why the Philadelphia rhymeslinger's place amongst rap's elite is written in stone. [Dec 2012/Jan 2013, p.89]

Meek surpasses expectations of his own personal Dreams and Nightmares with a youthful appeal, especially for today's misconstrued generation. [Dec 2012/Jan 2013, p.88]

With his major label debut, Kendrick Lamar has done something that few new MC's are capable of, and that is, live up to the hype. [Dec 2012/Jan 2013, p.87]

Despite offering a variety of hip-hop today, the album lacks an honest feel, coming across like a batch of mediocre singles. [#255, p.99]

Slaughterhouse's debut album has plenty of cuts that should satisfy their old fans and at least a few that should attract new ones. [#255, p.96]

From start to finish, this album is a great look at what G.O.O.D. Music has to offer. [No. 225, p.95]

After 20 years in hip-hop, 8Ball still wins with introspective storytelling skills and his signature Southern drawl, proving why Life's Quest is just that for 8Ball. [#254, p.88]

By bringing in different talents from the indie/underground scene, Aesop keeps his core satisfied while sticking to a formula that he knows works for him. [#254, p.89]

Nas once again reminds us that as long as he's got one mic, lifee--and hip-hop--are beyond good. [#254, p.87]

The LA-bred production wizard creates a kaleidoscope of audio experiences that blend together into one-hour long, unconventional gem. [#253, p.91]

The Stoned Immaculate may not see Curren$y catapulting to new levels of lyricism, but the N'awlins native's wordplay is still high-- grade on the mic. [#253, p.89]

After listening to Live from the Underground in its entirety, you'll notice the album's cohesiveness and Southern harmony. [#253, p.88]

What Waka lacks in depth and purpose, he makes up for with conviction. [#253, p.87]

El-P's production hand never disappoints and is possibly one of the project's strongest selling points. [#252, p.91]

Overall, Odd Future's shock value rap style comes across less intense on this project. [#252, p.89]