Category: Reviews

  • Rihanna – Unapologetic | Album Review

    Rihanna became an aggressively focused triple threat this year. Leading lanes in both music and fashion, she also took a step in to the realm of film. And there’s no doubt that the mischievous Barbadian has definitely upped her celebrity stock with the help of a camera or two over the last 12 months. Aside…

  • Saigon – The Greatest Story Never Told 2: Bread and Circuses | Album Review

    With the year 2012 rapidly coming to an end, releases between now and December 31st will find it tough to break into the ranks of the best releases of the last 365 days. Having said that the artist in question’s latest offering will be welcomed by all, most notably down to the lengthy delay of…

  • Ne-Yo – R.E.D. | Album Review

    Consistency is definitely key when it comes to Shaffer Smith, aka Ne-Yo. Whether it’s his thought-provoking songwriting capabilities, comfortable harmonies, or his effortless ability to make hit record after hit record, his success rate is one that not too many in the music industry can contend with. Switching labels, the Arkansas-born singer/songwriter has finally jumped…

  • Kaleem Taylor – 'Alone' EP | Review

    Kaleem Taylor is a man on a mission. Having already supported the likes of Miguel and Boyz II Men, as well as racking up close to 160,000 video views for his Frank Ocean “Thinking About You” cover as part of a live session at the legendary Maida Vale studios for Trevor Nelson, the West London…

  • Meek Mill – Dreams And Nightmares | Album Review

    The hierarchy within a crew is not often formerly advertised, especially within hip-hop, but based upon viewer and listener assumptions, bosses, underbosses, and capos are identified. Some are recognised based upon their musical impact – NWA had Eazy E (boss), Dr. Dre (underboss), Ice Cube (capo); some are identified upon their street stature – G-Unit…

  • Jesse Boykins III x MeLo-X – Zulu Guru | Album Review

    Jesse Boykins III and MeLo-X are about forward movement; the singer/songwriter and rapper/producer make every song a journey. Collaborating together previously on solo projects, the two have joined forces to present Zulu Guru, a rumbling, floating, passionate trip inside the mind of a man, the space-age blues of romance and the complication of life’s issues.

  • 'Skyfall' reinstates Bond dominance (Dir. Sam Mendes) | Film Review

    As far as the on-screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s James Bond saga goes, it’s had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. From questionable Bond actors (Pierce Brosnan anyone?) to production pauses, due to movie studio debt, the much loved spy series regardless still manages to draw audiences from far and wide.…

  • Ryan Leslie – Les Is More | Album Review

    A titan on the boards, Ryan Leslie once again returns to wow listeners with his signature production style and lavish tales of exclusivity. No longer in his contract at Universal Motown, the Washington D.C. singer/songwriter is now free of restraints and living the independent life under his own NextSelection Lifestyle imprint. A distinctly visual album,…

  • Danny! – Payback | Album Review

    Relaunching after some years in the abyss, the acclaimed Okayplayer Records, home to some of the most revered acts in Hip Hop history makes its long awaited return to business. Much like the label’s own rise from the ashes, South Carolina rapper Danny Swain – or Danny! – embarks on his comeback of sorts, with…

  • Submotion Orchestra live at Koko, London | Review

    Submotion Orchestra have steadily been building themselves a buzz since the release of last years Finest Hour album won themselves a loyal following with their distinctive blend of Jazz, Trip-hop, Electro and Dubstep. On October 12, the three quarters full converted theatre of KoKo played host to the 7-piece group as they performed tracks from…