“Hype kills art.” It’s a statement that has become increasingly apparent in the age of online entertainment discourse. In the music world, even more so. An artist receives a slew of praise from press or fans, whether from a viral…
“Nobody is Listening” review: ZAYN disappoints with uneven return
Zayn strives for a late-night bedroom R&B experience on his latest album Nobody is Listening. Each song is a slow jam meant to inspire lovemaking, but the result is monotone and repetitive. While Zayn can hit and hold long high…
‘Medicine at Midnight’ review: Foo Fighters’ failures continue but at least they’re not dull
For as legendary as the Foo Fighters are, outside of a few singled-out LPs, the group’s album-based consistency has been a disappointing affair—especially since 2011’s solid Wasting Light. Both Sonic Highways (2014) and Concrete and Gold (2017) are muddled-down attempts…
‘Nightmare Vacation’ review: Rico Nasty shows off all she knows on her LP debut
After a six-year musical career with zero full-length LP’s, Rico Nasty encapsulates the breadth of her experiences on her debut, Nightmare Vacation (2020), while reminding everyone of the patented, chaotic bad bitch she truly is. In a project that utilizes…
‘evermore’ review: Taylor Swift expands her emblematic songwriting
To me, Taylor Swift hasn’t improved as a songwriter. She’s merely evolved. Her pivot to folk and piano-laden ballads doesn’t signal some attempt at “high-brow art.” The recent change-of-pace is simply another chapter for one of the biggest singer-songwriters in…
Some Rap Songs: Packy Marciano, Mo Money, Young Slo-Be, and more
Project of the week: Packy Marciano – Catalina Wine Mixer The Catalina Wine Mixer became stuff of legend after Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly gave the performance of a lifetime at the end of Step Brothers, a film that…
Interview: Master Kato on his bright solo future
Master Kato’s music is genetically different from Shoreline Mafia’s. The former member of the legendary west coast group is paving the way for his own solo career. Born and partially raised on the south side of Chicago, Kato moved to…