XXL's Scores

  • Music
For 380 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 68% higher than the average critic
  • 6% same as the average critic
  • 26% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 0.7 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
Lowest review score: 40 Hotel California
Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 0 out of 380
380 music reviews
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A concept album with an equally heavy focus on musicianship and rhymes, undun fantastically transports into the tragic narrative.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Once they digest this one, fans will be eager for seconds.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The album is a standout effort that introduces the full-range of his talents as an MC with crafty songwriting abilities and deft ear for a sonic palette.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The result is tailored toward the stereotypical collegiate definition of "fun," sounding like the soundtrack to a keg party, rather than the "grown and sexy" interpretation of a good time.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Taken on the whole, Camp is full of top-tier lyricism, honesty, uncertainty and triumph.
    • 58 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    There was opportunity on Blue Slide Park to genuinely capture some real elements of youth, and the album doesn't capitalize on the opportunity.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Overall, Take Care's sum is greater than its parts.
    • 59 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With Violence Begets Violence, JMT are as vicious and energetic as ever, reminding why they've been able to enjoy such longevity.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Although some of its strongest cuts already appeared on its predecessor ("My God," "Alone In Vegas," "I Still Wanna"), Pusha ultimately leaves anticipation for his official solo introduction.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The sonic mood of Ambition reflects its title and author and proves, on the whole, far warmer than his debut.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Wonder Years will be remembered with great fondness.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Despite a few redundant tracks and a lack of cohesion, Honkey Kong paints a good picture of the impressive output Apathy is capable of in 2011.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Undeniably, Charity Starts At Home reminds why the rapper has been a darling of the underground for years.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Though it runs a little long, Cats & Dogs is a banging, consistent platter that ought to satisfy backpackers and hard-rocks alike.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A very strong debut album from J. Cole.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    With his gruff tone and no-nonsense flow, Rob holds down 14 tracks with only one guest appearance without any problems.
    • 60 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even with some lack of vulnerability and risk, Tha Carter IV displays the nonsensical approach that fans have grown to love. Future and previous aside, Weezy's present is bright.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Collectively, the project is incredibly ambitious, yet dexterous; West and his band of producers skillfully lay down a musical foundation that makes it easy to dance to and not be worn down by the, at times, didactic messages.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Maybe influenced by Marshall himself, Royce has learned to channel his loquacious voracity into a controlled rage, and the end result is perhaps his most complete body of work.
    • 57 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Spanning 16 tracks, 1017 Bricksquad Presents: Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame – Ferrari Boyz gets redundant at times, but it features more studs ("PacMan,") than duds ("Mud Musik").
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Reflecting the Top Dawg Ent. rapper's lyrics and tone, the album is unapologetic and rugged, but sounds anything but rough.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The majority of Sorry 4 The Wait reinforces that he's still capable of doing this [dismantling aggressive beats with purpose and flair], even if it doesn't exactly live up to classic mixtapes in his catalog.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Section.80 proves is that its author's brain is neither lost nor useless, as he weaves together carefully constructed thoughts before spewing raps on each of the project's 16 tracks, ensuring nothing is disposable or without purpose.
    • tbd Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    While the tape may not win Gucci many new listeners, it should satisfy his already established fanbase.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Even without being a completely authentic offering from the Killa Beez, Legendary Weapons is a solid listen that can hold fans over and shows the Wu's weapons remain razor sharp, leaving hope for an official LP.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Though the content of We The Best Forever is what we've come to expect from a DJ Khaled offering-grandiose odes to the grind and getting yours-that he understands how to create those better than most is what makes a DJ Khaled track, and album, worthwhile.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    When Fish Ride Bicycles is an energetic and fun summer album with lots of warm-weather references and car talk.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Lil B die-hards may accuse I'm Gay of pandering to hip-hop purists; in reality, though, the project's production is high quality and inventive.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The project feels unified, and the three artists mesh well with one another throughout.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This prolific rhymer has added yet another project to a continuously growing catalog, and it's one sure to please anyone who flies those Jets.