It’s been a little over a month since my last hip-hop roundup, so there’s some catching up to do. With albums from Schoolboy Q, Gucci Mane, Lil Uzi Vert and others, the last month has given us some quality music that continues to prove 2016 has been one of the best years ever for hip-hop. Catch up with these latest releases:
Schoolboy Q: “Blank Face LP” — July 20
A couple of years after Schoolboy Q’s last album, he returned in a strong way with “Blank Face LP.” The album is a little more mellow than Schoolboy’s “Oxymoron,” but it is still pretty good. I wasn’t exactly blown away by the album and didn’t feel a strong urge to listen to it multiple times, but it’s still worth checking out. The Top Dawg Entertainment rapper linked up with Kanye West, Vince Staples, Anderson .Paak, Miguel, the latest Top Dawg Entertainment artist Lance Skiiiwalker and more on “Blank Face LP.” Schoolboy Q has been in the game for a minute, so take some time and listen to this album.
Lil Yachty: “Summer Songs 2” — July 20
The 18-year-old rapper from Atlanta made a lot of noise when he dropped his mixtape “Lil Boat” back in March, and he’s returned with his latest project. Yachty released his mixtape “Summer Songs 2” a few weeks ago and solidified his spot in the rap game with this tape. He features Byou, G Herbo, Offset and frequent collaborator Burberry Perry on “Summer Songs 2.” The XXL Freshman released this album exclusively through Apple Music, but it can now be listened to on any streaming service. Lil Yachty definitely isn’t for everyone, but I promise if you give him a few listens, you’ll become a fan.
Jeremih: “Late Nights: Europe” — July 20
Jeremih has been killing it with his music over the last two years and with his latest mixtape, “Late Nights: Europe,” it seems like he can’t miss. The mixtape features K Camp, Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, The Game and more. Definitely check this mixtape out and download it for free at datpiff.com.
Gucci Mane: “Everybody Looking” — July 22
Gucci Mane has released more than 100 mixtapes and albums in his career, and “Everybody Looking” is the newest addition to his lengthy discography. While Gucci Mane is credited with making trap music popular, this album sounds a lot different than his other works. Any fan of hip-hop can vibe to “Everybody Looking.” With only a few features coming from Drake, Kanye West and Young Thug, Gucci Mane’s bars are more than enough to carry this album. Take a listen and get your trap house started.
DJ Khaled: “Major Key” — July 29
DJ Khaled’s ninth studio album, “Major Key,” was released this past Friday after much anticipation. Leading up to the release of “Major Key,” the tracklist showed that Future, Big Sean, Nas, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne and a lot more would be featured, which made this album Khaled’s most talked about one to date. With two of DJ Khaled’s singles, “For Free” and “I Got The Keys” on the album, Khaled may have dropped his best yet. “Major Key” is currently only available on Apple Music but should be available everywhere in the next couple weeks.
Lil Uzi Vert: “The Perfect Luv Tape” — July 31
Lil Uzi Vert is one of the leaders of the new school with a unique sound and style. Uzi has now released three albums in nine months and continually improves with each project. “The Perfect Luv Tape” is a dope album and will definitely be in heavy rotation. Take a listen and download it for free online.
