There is an earnestness to Blak & Blu, even in its bumpier moments, that holds your attention, even if it's the testosterone fueled bombast that initially grabs it by the throat.

It's a solid DOOM album to add to the catalog of previous releases.

GMB is Pac Div's best and most consistent work to date.

Flaunting a smattering of psych rock, glints of fuzz funk, analog tape hiss, and virtually no FFWD moments in sight, it's hard to not warm up to this record.

This album may not appeal to some (especially those heads looking strictly for lyricism and weighty content). However, fans of both grime and dubstep will undoubtedly enjoy this offering, and most notably: Wiley's evolution.

9th Wonder and Buckshot have delivered a plate of comfort food that fans will enjoy, if not necessarily savor.

The album is a pleasure to listen to, with enough airy energy to fit a summer playlist and angst raw enough to carry it over into the shorter, colder days of winter.

This is perhaps the most danceable "smart" record ever. Or, maybe this is the smartest dance record ever…? ...Whatever it is, it works... beautifully.

Murs and Fashawn have done what few collaborative albums do: create a complete and cohesive album, that actually lives up to lofty expectations.

There are some tracks on this record I don't appreciate much now as a college student in my early 20s, but I can guarantee as I get older and more mature, I will find this album more relatable and more enjoyable.

BlackenedWhite is a refreshingly original album where it counts and it never gets under your skin the way Tyler's albums can.

The whole of First Serve is greater than the sum of its parts, and the album's crisp pace, infectious energy and playful humor make it an easy listen and a simple pleasure

Kiwanuka crafts an opus so insular that it feels like a one-on-one conversation between he and you.

Ultimately, listening to Goblin feels a lot like reading a creative writing assignment by the kid in the army boots and trench coat who sits in the corner. There are moments of clarity that show a unique talent, if only he weren't trying quite so hard to be unique.

This album is a violent frenzy maxed out to the “nth” power, so it may not be for everyone; however, most who embrace hardcore hip-hop will undoubtedly love this album.

Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors has a much more electronic feel to it, with a plethora of synthesizers. The brassy street thump of past Big Boi releases is still present, it's just more centralized.

Something Big, does not have many musical surprises and may not bring aboard any new Mary Mary fans, but it will most definitely bring listening pleasure to the faithful Mary Mary fans.

Overall, the album displays an artist in total command of his style and vision, which only makes sense considering how long and accomplished Dennis Coffey's career has been.

The album certainly works as ambient background noise, but it completely falls apart under close scrutiny.

Crafty lyricism exemplifies this release by the guys from Portland, with the infectious zeal for hip-hop that's as instantly apparent and possessive of endurance as true as that of another famous Oregonian, runner Steve Prefontaine.

NLP is yet another crowning achievement in his long career.

While this EP is a rather nice progression for Dear, and truly shows the diversity of his music, it also will give listeners something to wait for when his project comes out.

A band exploring a new sound is great, but that's what demos and the studio are for. Some of what The Strokes seem to be aiming for with Angles unfortunately isn't realized.

Yet, for all of GaGa's flamboyance, there was a humanity in her most memorable work that inspired a devotion in her legions of fans that went far beyond vigorous dance floor workouts. On Born This Way the quirky vulnerability is often lost behind the massive productions.

Gutter Rainbows may not be promoted heavily due to its independent release, but it should be rotated heavily in our MP3's, it's a definite win for the listener/consumer.

This album doesn't suck... it's just boring.

Here the stylistic plurality advances beyond likable ADHD-antics to the point where it no longer leaves the listening value unscathed.

It's not a bad album, it's actually pretty good. Just not their best.