HipHopDX's Scores

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For 892 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 64% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.2 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 73
Highest review score: 100 Undun
Lowest review score: 20 Neon Icon
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 724 out of 892
  2. Mixed: 165 out of 892
  3. Negative: 3 out of 892
892 music reviews
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    • 78 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    $oul $old $eparately
    It’s quite good, and a good Freddie Gibbs album is an already high standard to match.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Meet the Woo, Vol. 2 [Mixtape]
    Sounding more like its European/British predecessor (danceable, quasi-electronic) than its more guttural Midwestern/Chicago cousin (as first made famous by Chief Keef), Pop Smoke’s raw growling was jarring and hard against these bouncy beats but surprisingly, it’s also wildly effective. In typical drill fashion, Pop Smoke does best when he’s paired with UK producers.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Imperius Rex
    This is an impressive showcase for his fans.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    SweetSexySavage
    Kehlani’s decision to provide spoonfuls of candor throughout the album is why she’ll reach the apex of R&B sooner than a lot of her contemporaries.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    ZUU
    ZUU is filled with entertaining records, but their relatively short runtimes often leave one yearning for more. This brevity is just minor quibble though when presented with rewind-worthy efforts such as “Ricky,” a creation named after Curry’s father.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Revenge of the Dreamers III
    From out the gate, it comes as no surprise that the strongest material on the 18-track audio excursion is centered around Cole.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    At What Cost
    Where GoldLink hardly breaks new ground thematically waving the flag for tortured souls aiming to survive ghetto violence, he has continually achieved sonic innovation having coined his own sub-genre “future bounce.”
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Garbology
    Every spin is undoubtedly an exercise in active listening; an Aesop Rock album isn’t a casual affair. Close attention is required to grasp the nuances and cleverness of his writing. But for those who appreciate the creative lyricism he consistently slings and Blockhead’s dreamy, layered production, Garbology isn’t likely to end up in the trash.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    King's Disease
    The creative process seems more organized and thought out, allowing Nas to do all the things he’s good at, without embellishing any of them.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    JP3
    With Jp3, Junglepussy has successfully pushed her artistry forward without sacrificing the personality that established her as a dynamic force. Although her crass content isn’t meant for everyone and she has yet to have a proper crossover moment, the sophistication of this project demonstrates her underrated status is just moments from being erased.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Beach House III
    Even with nothing to truly prove, Ty Dolla $ign managed to once again assert dominance in an overcrowded lane of crooners who get likened to rappers.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    X 100PRE
    As a debut album, X 100PRE succeeds at establishing Bunny’s ambition. With its bangers and sonic diversity, this release suggests that the Latin trap artist possesses the potential to shape mainstream music for years to come.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Exodus 1:7
    While the boastful rapitty raps are par for the course for an artist of DMX’s tenure, he shines even brighter on the more broodingly beautiful “Walking In The Rain,” which features another appearance from Nas.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    King's Disease III
    KD3 keeps Nas in the relevancy conversation because his voice is still impactful, calling to action when some might say he doesn’t need to do this anymore. It’s a lesson in purposeful storytelling and aging with grace.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Burden of Proof
    Benny raps with so much confidence and gratitude here that listeners have to tip their hat to the certified Buffalo legend. For those used to the aggressive, violent music of The Butcher will be happy to hear this fresh, refined take on his sound.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Shea Butter Baby
    Overall, for a debut album, Ari Lennox shows a lot of promise as a contemporary musical child of past neo-soul pioneers (whether they claim the title or not). With minimal effort, Ari impressively delivers the kind of R&B that has been missing (and missed), from the genre.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Yes Lawd!
    It’s a restlessly inventive work that adds a uniquely soulful layer to underground Hip Hop 3.0’s resurgent, evolving sound.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    FM!
    Ultimately, Staples has added another colorful chapter to his chameleon-like catalog and reinforced his intention to keep evolving no matter what trends are dictating the current wave.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Ventura
    .Paak’s newest project is less cinematic and epic than its companion piece but it’s just as ambitious, texturely rich, and bustling with pleasant surprises.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
    Despite the lack of range, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music goes down as 2 Chainz’ strongest LP to date and will become a reference point for anyone curious about how the towering rap star can service their turn-up needs.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    New Blue Sun
    Yes, New Blue Sun is receiving a healthy amount of praise because it’s André 3000, but it’s also a truly wonderful piece of music.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Syre
    A lot of the otherworldly iterations might make it difficult for some of his peers to grasp, especially if you don’t have the time to properly digest it. SYRE requires patience, a thorough listen and acute attention to detail otherwise it’s just going to sound like a strange pontification on existentialism that the casual listener simply doesn’t have the time to decipher.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mic Tyson
    It's a matter of execution, and in that regard, fans will have little to complain about.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Top 5 Dead or Alive
    After the first initial play through, this album definitely translates as Jadakiss’ most celebratory to date. The beats are more grandiose, less gutter horror story and more hustler’s celebration. The whole theme plays out like his very own victory lap.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition
    He gives a worthy addition to the series and continues his reign as one of rap's best.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Czarface
    Inspectah Deck, 7L & Esoteric use '90s East Coast Hip Hop as a blueprint to innovate, and ultimately, that’s what made that era so special in the first place.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Wise Up Ghost and Other Songs
    Take it or leave it, Wise Up Ghost is great.
    • 68 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Trigga
    Wild, yet well-delivered songs showcase Songz as a master of a now lyrically unrestrained mainstream R&B standard.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Eternal Atake
    There is no denying Lil Uzi Vert’s unconventional version of rap has been polarizing for the better part of the last five years yet Eternal Atake should be celebrated. He maneuvers within the cockpit of his comfort zone, navigating a galaxy of different genres while keeping the essence of rap at the forefront.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    My Dear Melancholy, [EP]
    Yes, it’s true the mini-album doesn’t break any new ground, and--as he’s done in the past — revisits elements of previous projects. However, without the bloated tracklist of Starboy, and any attempt to please an audience outside of his core, the lack of innovation doesn’t seem take away from the concise, focused, conceptual nature of this well-produced R&B gem (thanks to Frank Dukes, Mike Will Made It and several other notables).
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