The Game
"The Documentary 2.5" - Oct. 16
The Game raised the bar for rap albums in 2015 with "The Documentary 2." The second part of The Game’s double-album "The Documentary 2.5" was released Friday. "The Documentary 2.5" is 17 songs long — 18 if you count the iTunes bonus song "El Chapo" with Skrillex. The album comes with 30 featured artists including Anderson Paak, Lil Wayne, Nas, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and more. This second half of "The Documentary 2" has more of a ‘90s gangster-rap feel to it from the multiple skits, radio cuts, storytelling and songs detailing the struggle of gang life and making it out. The Game has been hyping "The Documentary 2" for a while now, and he definitely delivered. Absolute must-listen.
Raury
"All We Need" - Oct. 16
Nineteen-year-old Atlanta-based rapper Raury released his debut album "All We Need" on Friday. Raury delivers with a very strong debut just nine months after being voted as part of the 2015 XXL Freshmen class. Raury defines what it means to be an artist. His sound is super dope as he bridges the gap between hip-hop, soul, folk, electronic and indie rock. Raury shows the direction new-school hip-hop is heading toward. In a time when new rappers are trying to sound like others already established in the game, Raury switches it up successfully. You probably won’t hear Raury on the radio or in the club but that shouldn’t stop you from listening; it’s a refreshing break from the pure hip-hop scene.
Machine Gun Kelly
"General Admission" - Oct. 16
MGK’s second studio album "General Admission" was released Friday. The Bad Boy artist’s sophomore album comes three years after his debut album "Lace Up." "General Admission" comes with 16 songs and only four features — most notably, Kid Rock. MGK’s hit singles "Til I Die" and "A Little More" are on the album as well. Machine Gun Kelly won’t appeal to everyone, but I think most people would appreciate this album. "General Admission" is chill for the most part but has its turn-up moments. "General Admission" is a solid album that mixes both rap and rock music but leans more to the live-music sound. I’ve been looking forward to this album since MGK came to Gainesville to perform at The Venue in late August and it didn’t disappoint. Take a listen.
Joe Budden
All Love Lost - Oct. 16
Joe Budden, the New Jersey rapper who is also part of the rap group Slaughterhouse, released his third major-label album "All Love Lost" Friday. "All Love Lost" comes two years after his previous album, "No Love Lost," but has fewer features and fewer songs. Although Joe Budden is constantly releasing music — whether it be albums, mixtapes or extended plays — this album is the first project he’s released since his "Some Love Lost" EP released nearly a year ago. Joe Budden has had a rough past few years, and it shows on this album. Full of emotion, "All Love Lost" will leave you feeling something — good or bad. "All Love Lost" is a pretty good album. If you’re looking for new music, take a listen, but you aren’t missing out on anything huge if you don’t.
