By Janelle Monae's lofty standards, this is still very good, but not quite as great as her previous offering.

There's enough variation in energy and production to keep the listener engaged throughout, and several times there are sudden drops into another beat entirely in the middle of a song.

Even at its most mundane (like on the painfully repetitive title track), “uknowhatimsayin¿” represents an artist at his most polished and enthusiastic.

The album is soulful, accessible, and devoid of the ignorance and shallowness that are trademarks of mainstream hip-hop.

It’s another solid album from an artist who like his late friend can crossover into a lot of areas (and arenas) given the chance.

Sure, there are a few things that could be improved (that golden scrotum line for one – not even Roc Marciano could pull that one off), but I can’t imagine many Nas fans are upset with more of the same, when both Nas and Hit-Boy are on such a hot streak.

Still all things considered and given the obscurity of the original release it's hard to knock "Ruff Drafts" for what it is, especially given the bonus disc.

There are more nuanced (and enjoyable) approaches to records focused on depression. Elzhi’s “Lead Poison” is still the one I’d recommend first but NF impresses on “The Search”. ... By stripping that away, his barrage of words – married with the booming, cinematic production (credited as NF and Tommee Profitt) – is surprisingly digestible.

What may be the most shocking about "Shock Value" is how Timbaland continually manages to stay one step ahead of the competition.

He's an unusual flavor, but one that should still be considered a delicacy--even if it just might be bad for you.

Lil Nas X set out to make a crossover pop album with “MONTERO” and succeeded.

She sells her message with having mad skills and swagger to spare.

Fish Outta Water is a bright, colorful album that does an excellent job of incorporating different styles into a cohesive whole.

Open Mike Eagle does one better and shows a path forward for hip-hop.

Made is not Scarface's best album, that honor would go to "The Fix" or any of his earlier solos depending on where you stand. Yet, saying this isn't Face's best is no insult. Scarface on his worst day or even in unofficial form (see "My Balls and My Word") is still better than most other rappers on their best day

A mature performance over sleek, fresh production makes Life's Quest a pleasure.

At times the production teeters back and forth between cohesive and monotonous, but after repeated listens, the tracks stand out apart from each other more as you unravel the heavily layered production.

While it's not better than 50's national debut or G-Unit's album, it's certainly no worse.

The production throughout Aquarius is on point, whether it's the infectious, yet odd sound of "Wildfire", or the crashing bongos backing a pseudo-rap switch in to some long notes on "Far Side of the Moon."

Antibalas' latest preserves the musical history of Fela Kuti, and is a hell of a good time.

The Exxecution is twelve songs of slamming, grimey, take-no-prisoners NY hip hop. Ruste Juxx and Marco Polo show lames how it's done, and leave a trail of dead in their wake.

Lyrically, Sway is on fire (take that as read for the whole album) and his tongue-twisting raps will dazzle any unfamiliar ears.

Mozzy’s greatest strength as a writer is clear intimacy. Every time he spits a verse, I feel like he’s talking to me one-on-one with a cigar in hand and his posse surrounding him. There’s wisdom attached to his words because he’s been through it all. ... Mozzy still carries demons, but there are indeed shimmers of happiness percolating throughout some of these passages.

Konnichiwa is proof of not only Skepta's skill on the mic, but also of his ability to put together a strong, solid album. As Grime continues to rise, its leaders are well worth watching.

There are also some genuine standout tracks, and all in all, A$AP Rocky and his team deserved the critical and commercial acclaim that will inevitably flood their way.

Vibes is a very fun, laidback album.

Individual songs can be seductive but his singing can lull you into a peaceful state over such a long stretch. Yeah it’s not much of a complaint at all is it? Don’t buy this album if you don’t want to chill out too much.

Tech has done everything in his power to reach out to the broadest fan base on All 6's and 7's by keeping it real and giving you something you can feel at the same time.