Detroit 2 shows when Big Sean opens up and tells his story he’s an artist worthy of being in the conversation of the best of his era. He just needs to come back stronger with more airtight songs and not attempt to attract every audience that’s out there.

By Any Means is a lean 56 minutes, though Gates still finds room to entertain his schizophrenic tendencies.

Attractive Sin, an album that is sure to add to his discography as another solid effort from Sir DZL.

Give the Drummer Some finally officially opens the door for Barker to enter to world of Hip Hop he's always said he wanted to walk through.

Although those untargeted croons and messy arrangements don’t allow ! to be a perfect album nor Trippie’s best work, the album is definitely worth a stream for listeners already sold on today’s genre-bending landscape.

Because of QC’s careful curation of minimal features per track, the 36-song project feels more like Quality Control on shuffle than a compilation — which is a good thing but misses the mark on creating an album in the purest sense.

Azealia Banks has an endearing charm, magnetic glow, and aggressively attitudinal confidence that come together as 1991's short collection is equally catchy and unique rendering her one to continue watching.

36 Seasons may not be Ghostface’s greatest project, but it is another notable addition to his extensive body of work. Rapping alongside Kool G Rap and AZ for the bulk of the album is certainly a treat, and the two have their own moments of glory. Production, on the other hand, simply does not hold on to the lyrical dynamism present between Ghost, Pharoahe Monch, AZ and G.

The songwriting is so intentionally simple and evocative that you’re as much sucked into wondering just what she’s going to say next as much as you just want to hear a high-quality song.

No Mercy takes T.I.'s recent experiences and frustrations, and effectively bottles them up into a potent and complete work.

While her voice may be a point of contention for newcomers and the album's content risks going over heads in its catering to the progressive sect, openminded listeners will find fortune, self-esteem, and inspiration from her constantly growing womanhood.

As much credit as the pair deserve for creating a modern approximation of Ennio Morricone, Rome is more likely to lead to watching one of Sergio Leone's classics than replaying the album itself.

A trio of high-profile tracks near the end of MNIMN offer the best of both worlds in terms of Pusha T catering to the Top 40 crowd and still supplying the uncut raw fans expect.... Sadly these moments are inconsistent and broken up by generally ill-fitting production.

Die-hard Funk Volume supporters get everything they want and more with Knock Madness.... But casual fans and savvier listeners may ultimately find Hop’s latest frustrating.

The album slightly suffers from copycat syndrome with "Initiation" being the latest in Hip Hop's long line of Lex Luger replications (guest starring Lola Monroe, Taylor Gang's Nicki Minaj soundalike) and "Remember You" following the trend of working with drug chic singer The Weeknd, but Wiz Khalifa mostly succeeds at occupying his own comfortable lane.

He’s established a solid, consistent repertoire, one he should be proud of on its own merits if nothing else.

Smoke DZA and Harry Fraud deliver a solid collection of songs that grow more interesting on repeated listen, basking in an evolved sound equally representing vintage and avant-garde New York Hip Hop.

While Sail Out meets expectations of what Jhene fans have come to expect, it’s unlikely to convert doubters.

WZRD's strengths are rooted in Kid Cudi's vocal tone, one that is gripping and melodic despite his quite limited singing ability.

Ultimately, fans of Aesop will love this release, but those who have yet to find a reason to listen to his music won't find one here.

It's serious when necessary, occasionally triumphant, and impressive enough that you have to consider him a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout Free Weezy, Wayne is merely drawing in the spaces on a coloring book rather than in unique hues.

What it lacks in lyrical depth it makes up for by being a catchy, entertaining and completely in the moment snapshot of the current turned up, hybrid of R&B and Rap for clubs and bedrooms.

Oh No's execution is slightly off the mark in sticking to its motif, but that shouldn't detract from the goods he's brought this time around. We can dig it.

Cats & Dogs is a moody, well-produced album that, at times, is brimming with meaning-something not entirely common these days.

Self Made Vol. 2 is a noted improvement from its predecessor.

From mic to plug, Wu Block is a vintage Rap release only lacking in invention.

Overall, In Another Life is an easy, efficient listen, that caters to all facets of Bilal’s musical identity.