Justin Bieber
"Purpose" - Nov. 13
Justin Bieber’s long-awaited album "Purpose" was finally released Friday. It’s been three years since his last album, and on "Purpose," you can see how much the Biebs has matured. Bieber gained a lot of attention outside his normal demographic when he was featured with Jack Ü, a duo formed by Skrillex and Diplo, on their single "Where Are Ü Now" in April. In late August, "What Do You Mean" was released and became Bieber’s first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 Single.
"Purpose" has a lot of different sounds ranging from electronic dance music to acoustic, pop and hip-hop. The album has 18 songs and features Ed Sheeran, Halsey, Big Sean, Nas and Travi$ Scott, who also collaborated with Bieber on "Maria I’m Drunk," a song from Scott’s newest album. Personally, I never understood all the hate Justin Bieber received, but it has played out.
Don’t write off "Purpose" just because it’s a Justin Bieber album. You’ll like it no matter your preferred genre — and that’s coming from a huge hip-hop fan.
Jeezy
"Church in These Streets" — Nov. 13
Jeezy dropped his eighth studio album, "Church in These Streets," on Friday. Jeezy has thrived in the game for more than 14 years, and he continues to kill it. "Church in These Streets" goes pretty hard and will have you ready to drop out of school and start a trap house. The Snowman made a quality album with only two other features. "Church in These Streets" didn’t completely blow me away, but Jeezy is one of the all-time greatest, so this album is definitely worth listening to.
Ty Dolla $ign
"Free TC" — Nov. 13
After announcing this album back in February 2014 and experiencing numerous pushbacks, Ty Dolla $ign’s debut album, "Free TC," was released Friday. It feels like Ty Dolla $ign has been in the game for a minute despite being named an XXL Freshman in 2014. He’s released a few mixtapes and an extended play in the last year or so, but it’s about time we got a full project from the Taylor Gang rapper. "Free TC" comes with 16 songs and features from a ton of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, E-40, Trey Songz, Kanye West, Future, Rae Sremmurd, YG, R. Kelly and more. "Free TC" has some chill songs as well as some bangers. Check it out.
Logic
"The Incredible True Story" — Nov. 13
"The Incredible True Story" is Logic’s sophomore album. The 25-year-old rapper was definitely creative on this project. The album is written as a story with skits after the songs that open your imagination as you listen. The story takes place in the year 2115 and follows two guys listening to some "classic" rap music, "The Incredible True Story," as they travel throughout space searching for life and a new planet to inhabit. Besides the story, the actual album is dope and the production is on point. Logic has bars, and his music is diverse. I didn’t listen to Logic before this album, but I could vibe to it and recommend a listen.
Underground Spotlight: Trizz
"Pull Up, Vol. 2" — Nov. 13
I came across Trizz several months ago, and I’ve been a fan of his music since then. Trizz is a rapper from Southern California who has great wordplay and makes some good music. "Pull Up, Vol. 2" has some laid back beats as well as some more up-tempo tracks. If you’re a fan of underground rap and "true" hip-hop then you’ll like Trizz and this album.
Rich Homie Quan
"ABTA: Still Goin In" — Nov. 14
Rich Homie Quan dropped a surprise mixtape on Saturday titled "ABTA (Album Before The Album): Still Goin In." This tape is RHQ’s fifth solo mixtape, and he seems to have switched up his style a little bit. RHQ has been successful on both slower songs and bangers, but "ABTA" is mostly slower and relaxed. This mixtape isn’t the "Flex" RHQ — I got bored while listening. You can listen if you’re a fan of him, but I’d suggest listening to the other albums I listed above before I would suggest listening to this mixtape.
