Soul in Stereo’s 102 album reviews that count toward Breakdowns, going back to 2008, each next to the album’s Breakdown.
What it reviews
- Hip-Hop & Rap 51%
- R&B & Soul 37%
- Pop 8%
- Electronic 3%
- Folk, Country & Americana 1%
Find Soul in Stereo
By the numbers
70average score it gives, on the 0 to 100 scale (102 reviews)
74%of its reviews score an album 70 or higher
12points: how far a typical review lands from its own average score
2A-Sides reviewed, the albums the critics rate highest
61%of its scores landed within 10 points of the other critics’ average for the same album (102 albums)
9points, on average, between its release-week reviews and where the other critics ended up (85 reviews)
How its scores spread
- 0–496
- 50s1
- 60s20
- 70s39
- 80s33
- 90+3
Its top scores
Every review
| Critic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 KehlaniKehlani“Kehlani Kehlani (released April 24, 2026) Ever since we hit 2010, and R&B hit a creative wall, every few years when a new artist gets a little buzz and significant…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 79 | Apr 24, 2026 |
 Kanye WestBully“Kanye West Bully (released March 28, 2026) If you don’t believe that Kanye West is the most polarizing rapper on the planet, just look at my DMs. While I was…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 52 | Mar 28, 2026 |
 Bruno MarsThe Romantic“Bruno Mars The Romantic (released February 27, 2026) Gotta admit, I always chucklewhen Bruno Mars’ critics claim that he’s predictable and formulaic. “Every song sounds the same,” they tell me.…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 63 | Feb 27, 2026 |
 Mariah CareyHere for It All“Mariah Carey Here for It All (released September 26, 2025) I have a love/hate relationship with the modern legacy of Mariah Carey. On one hand, I love that she’s one…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 70 | Sep 26, 2025 |
 Cardi BAm I the Drama?“Cardi B Am I The Drama? (released September 19, 2025) Don’t call this a comeback because Cardi has been here for years. Literally. I mean, almost daily. True, it’s been…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | Sep 19, 2025 |
 ClipseLet God Sort Em Out“Clipse Let God Sort Em Out (released July 11, 2025) More than two decades in, and I think some of y’all are still missing the true meaning of Clipse. Yeah,…” | not named Read the review | 90 4.5/5 | 80 | Jul 11, 2025 |
 DrakeSome Sexy Songs 4 U“Drake & PartyNextDoor $ome $exy $ongs 4 U (released February 14, 2024) We’re a week removed most viewed Super Bowl halftime show in history, where the world watched a bell-bottomed…” | not named Read the review | 40 2/5 | 48 | 2025 |
 NormaniDopamine“Normani Dopamine (released June 14, 2024) **Normani, come on downnnnnnn! You’re the next contestant on America’s Next Black Pop Superstar!** Yeah, we’ve been playing this game for…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2024 |
 BeyoncéCowboy Carter“Beyonce Cowboy Carter (released March 29, 2024) “Sometimes you don’t know what you like until someone you know turns you on to some real good s***”Willie Nelson, talking about Bey…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 86 | 2024 |
 Justin TimberlakeEverything I Thought It Was“Justin Timberlake Everything I Thought It Was (released March 15, 2024) There are three things the Internet loves these days: 1. Beyonce in a cowboy hat 2. That weird Kurt…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 52 | 2024 |
 Kanye WestVultures 1“Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign Vultures 1 (released February 9, 2024) Twenty years ago on this very day, Kanye West unleashed The College Dropout, a seminal moment in rap…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 51 | 2024 |
 SZASOS“SZA SOS (released December 9, 2022) Patience has to be a virtue for music fans. Dr. Dre made us wait nearly a decade and a half for Detox … only…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 87 | 2022 |
 Chris BrownBreezy“Chris Brown Breezy (released June 24, 2022) You know society has gone completely left when my Cousin Chris Brown becomes the voice of reason. Recent conversations across Twitter – mostly…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 55 | 2022 |
 Lupe FiascoDrill Music in Zion“Lupe Fiasco Drill Music in Zion (released June 24, 2022) Sometimes I think we rap pundits get too caught up in debates about “untapped potential” and don’t slow down to…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2022 |
 DrakeHonestly, Nevermind“Drake Honestly, Nevermind (released June 17, 2022) My day was going just fine. I’ve been under the weather for over a week but finally started feeling a little like the…” | not named Read the review | 40 2/5 | 65 | 2022 |
 Mary J. BligeGood Morning Gorgeous“Mary J Blige Good Morning Gorgeous (released February 11, 2022) Shout out to my 80s babies. There’s a good chance that you can trace your love of R&B back to…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 76 | 2022 |
 The WeekndDawn FM“The Weeknd Dawn FM (released January 7, 2022) It’s no secret that I’ve had a long-running love-hate relationship with the good homie Abel. When he debuted with 2011’s House of…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 82 | 2022 |
 Silk SonicAn Evening with Silk Sonic“Silk Sonic An Evening with Silk Sonic (released November 12, 2021) A couple of weeks ago, when Twitter was back on its annual “RnB iZ dEd NoW” rants – a…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2021 |
 DrakeCertified Lover Boy“Drake Certified Lover Boy (released September 3, 2021) In the world of R&B, I’ve been pretty critical about modern day album rollouts – many which have essentially boiled down to…” | not named Read the review | 40 2/5 | 52 | 2021 |
 Kanye WestDonda“Kanye West Donda (released August 29, 2021) Kanye West HAS to be the most polarizing artist of our generation, right? As usual, I come bearing receipts: Weeks ago, after it…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 56 | 2021 |
 Doja CatPlanet Her“Doja Cat Planet Her (released June 25, 2021) Well, I told y’all so. Two years ago, when Doja Cat first dropped her sophomore set, Hot Pink, most of the Soul…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 73 | 2021 |
 DMXExodus“DMX Exodus (released May 28, 2021) It’s no secret that Earl Simmons was a man of faith. Visibly tattooed on his neck is Exodus 1:7, which breaks down thusly: And…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 69 | 2021 |
 J. ColeThe Off-Season“J. Cole The Off Season (released May 14, 2021) Riddle a playa this: What do Ludacris, Jadakiss and J. Cole have in common? Well, despite being top-tier MCs with incredible…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2021 |
 Trey SongzBack Home“Trey Songz Back Home (released October 9, 2020) Thank God for Troy Taylor. Trey is finally Ready again. Back in 2009, when R&B was experiencing a changing of the guard,…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 67 | 2020 |
 Chloe x HalleUngodly Hour“Chloe X Halle Ungodly Hour (released June 12, 2020) Mere hours before sitting down to work on this review, I posted the 25 best albums of 2020 so far. Unless…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2020 |
 Megan Thee StallionSuga“Megan Thee Stallion Suga (released March 6, 2020) Poor Megan. It was all good just a week ago. One minute, Megan thee Stallion – arguably the hottest female rapper in…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 71 | 2020 |
 K. MichelleAll Monsters Are Human“K. Michelle All Monsters are Human (released January 31, 2020) Like it or not, K. Michelle keeps it real when the truth hurts. On “Just Like Jay,” the opener to…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 63 | 2020 |
 EminemMusic to Be Murdered By“Eminem Music to Be Murdered By (released January 18, 2020) It’s hard out here for these middle-aged hip-hop legends. Just look at the turbulent career of Marshall Mathers – an…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 63 | 2020 |
 TinasheSongs for You“Tinashe Songs for You (released November 21, 2019) *Biggie voice:* “Apologies in order, to Tinashe my daughter/if it was up to me, you be killing R&B….” Well, she’s not …” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2019 |
 Doja CatHot Pink“Doja Cat Hot Pink (released November 7, 2019) I feel for talented artists looking to break through in 2019. It has to be incredibly tough to catch the eyes and…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 69 | 2019 |
 DaBabyKirk“DaBaby KIRK (released September 27, 2019) Today – well, actually, the day I’m banging my fingers on this keyboard, not necessarily the day you’re reading this review – hip-hop fans…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 69 | 2019 |
 Rick RossPort of Miami 2“Rick Ross Port of Miami 2 (released August 9, 2019) It’s been almost 13 years to the day since rap’s ultimate hustler Rick Ross introduced fans to the Port of…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 69 | 2019 |
 BeyoncéThe Lion King: The Gift“Beyonce The Lion King: The Gift (released July 19, 2019) Welcome to 2019, where everything you loved about the 90s is back in weird, strange ways. Yet y’all STILL won’t…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 69 | 2019 |
 MadlibBandana“Freddie Gibbs and Madlib Bandana (released June 28, 2019) Check out this tweet from Gangsta Gibbs: ?BANDANA ? Album of the Year Out Now #BANDANA pic.twitter.com/q24Bkm7P77 —…” | not named Read the review | 90 4.5/5 | 87 | 2019 |
 Chris BrownIndigo“Chris Brown Indigo (released June 28, 2019) Let’s begin by talking about what makes a great album because I think many of your favorite artists have lost the recipe. Great…” | not named Read the review | 40 2/5 | 45 | 2019 |
 Tyler, the CreatorIgor“Tyler, The Creator Igor (released May 17, 2019) Ask 10 different people their opinions on Tyler, the Creator and I’ll guarantee you’ll get 10 totally different answers. Few artists have…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 82 | 2019 |
 LogicConfessions of a Dangerous Mind“Logic Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (released May 10, 2019) When you think about it, Logic’s rise to rap prominence feels straight out of a big-budget film. A kid from…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2019 |
 LizzoCuz I Love You“Lizzo Cuz I Love You (released April 19, 2019) Here’s today’s advice for my couples out there. Listen. To. Your. Spouse. For year now, my wife has been a massive…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 81 | 2019 |
 Anderson .PaakVentura“Anderson .Paak Ventura (released April 13, 2019) Y’all can never question Anderson .Paak’s work ethic. Less than six months ago, Paak dropped his highly touted third album Oxnard, his f…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 79 | 2019 |
 CzarfaceCzarface“Czarface & Ghostface Killah Czarface Meets Ghostface (released February 15, 2019) Just a couple of months before the titans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe punch themselves in the face for…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 75 | 2019 |
 Mariah CareyCaution“Mariah Carey Caution (released November 16, 2018) It shouldn’t be possible to underestimate an artist the caliber of Mariah Carey. A record-breaking resume, vocal abilities that are absolutely unea…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2018 |
 EminemKamikaze“Eminem Kamikaze (released August 30, 2018) When Damita Jo asked the world “what have you done for me lately,” she might as well have been speaking for hip-hop fans. In…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 63 | 2018 |
 DrakeScorpion“Drake Scorpion (released June 29, 2017) It was all good just a month ago. You have to wonder what the rollout of Scorpion, Drake’s fifth solo album, would have looked…” | not named Read the review | 50 2.5/5 | 62 | 2018 |
 J. ColeKOD“J. Cole KOD (released April 20, 2018) Man it can be frustrating to be a J. Cole fan sometimes. I’ll fight anyone who disagrees because it’s facts – Cole is…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2018 |
 Justin TimberlakeMan of the Woods“The Internet is a funny place. For the past two months, it seems like everyone has a hot take on the career of Justin Timberlake and his fifth solo album,…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 55 | 2018 |
 Tyler, the CreatorFlower Boy“Tyler, the Creator Scum F*ck Flower Boy (to be released July 21, 2017) In an era where writers and readers can’t wait to sink their teeth into the next hot…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | 2017 |
 LogicEverybody“Logic Everybody (released May 5, 2017) Logic’s third album has been the talk of rap circles for the past few weeks now. In fact, I’ve had more requests to review…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 62 | 2017 |
 Kendrick LamarDAMN.“It’s really, really difficult to review a Kendrick Lamar album. A great album is like a great meal – each course adds a different flavor to your palate to provide…” | not named Read the review | 90 4.5/5 | 90 | 2017 |
 Bell Biv DeVoeThree Stripes“Bell Biv DeVoe Three Stripes (released January 27, 2017) It’s been quite a week for New Edition, huh? The group started the week by receiving a star on the Hollywood…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 55 | 2017 |
 J. Cole4 Your Eyez Only“J. Cole 4 Your Eyez Only (released December 9, 2016) Man, the Internet can be a fickle place. Barely a week ago, J. Cole announced the release of his fourth…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 67 | 2016 |
 The WeekndStarboy“The Weeknd Starboy (released November 25, 2016) Despite massive success and tons of acclaim, it seems as if The Weeknd is at a career crossroads. Long gone is the moody…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 65 | 2016 |
 BanksThe Altar“Banks The Altar (to be released September 30, 2016) Banks is back. And good news, she’s as miserable as ever. I knew very little about Jillian Banks before her debut…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 73 | 2016 |
 Frank OceanBlonde“Frank Ocean Blonde (released August 20, 2016) 2016 has become the year of the improbable comeback. Back in the spring, I was ecstatic to see Tweet return to form after…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 85 | 2016 |
 DJ KhaledMajor Key“DJ Khaled Major Key (released July 29, 2016) I don’t know about you in your corner of the world, but where I’m livin’, the summer temperatures feel like some of…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 62 | 2016 |
 Anderson .PaakMalibu“Anderson Paak Malibu (released January 15, 2016) I’ve said it before and it bears repeating again — you can tell a lot about an album simply by gazing at the…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 80 | 2016 |
 R. KellyThe Buffet“R. Kelly The Buffet (released December 11, 2015) Robert Kelly’s career is really a tale of two crooners. There’s the 20th century R. Kelly, the man who delivered sweaty bedroom…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2015 |
 Rick RossBlack Market“Rick Ross Black Market (released December 4, 2015) Rick Ross really has this rap thing figured out. I came to that realization last weekend while talking hip-hop with one of…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 63 | 2015 |
 RedmanMudface“Redman Mudface (released Nov. 13, 2015) This is the part of the album review where I talk about how underrated Reggie Noble is as a hip-hop pioneer. You know, it’s…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 65 | 2015 |
 The GameThe Documentary 2.5“The Game The Documentary 2.5 (disc two) (to be released Oct. 16, 2015) The Game dropped a really dope album! Seriously! After spending the last few years Twitter-beefing with D-list…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 80 | 2015 |
 Jay Rock90059“Jay Rock 90059 (released September 11, 2015) Of the four members of TDE’s Black Hippy collective, my man Jay Rock always seems to be the most overlooked. Sometimes, I think…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 75 | 2015 |
 The WeekndBeauty Behind the Madness“The Weeknd Beauty Behind the Madness (released August 28, 2015) It’s gotta be nearly impossible to please us fickle fans. Think about it: We discover a new artist, blast mixtapes…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2015 |
 Lil WayneFree Weezy Album“Lil Wayne Free Weezy Album (released July 4, 2015) “That’s a one hot album every 10 year average and that’s so LAAAAAME” Jay Z on Nas’ post Illmatic career Me…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 61 | 2015 |
 Snoop DoggBush“Snoop Dogg Bush (to be released May 12, 2015) Dr. Dre told us long ago that “things just ain’t the same for gangstas.” Sometimes that’s hard for crusty rap aficionados…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 71 | 2015 |
 CiaraJackie“Ciara Jackie (to be released May 4, 2015) I’ve said it a million times — the best music is born from life’s experiences. I guarantee Ciara would second that assessment.…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2015 |
 RaekwonFly International Luxurious Art“Raekwon Fly International Luxurious Art (F.I.L.A.) (to be released April 27, 2015) By the time “Worst Enemy,” the final track on Raekwon’s latest release, stopped spinning, just o…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 62 | 2015 |
 YelawolfLove Story“Yelawolf Love Story (to be released April 21, 2015) Y’all know how hard it is for me to hide my love for my home state of Va. With its musical…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 61 | 2015 |
 LudacrisLudaversal“Ludacris Ludaversal (to be released March 31, 2015) Did Ludacris really fall off? I mean, I’ve see a lot of you Facebook philosophers waxing nostalgic about the glory days of…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 63 | 2015 |
 Ne-YoNon-Fiction“Ne-Yo Non-Fiction (to be released January 27, 2015) In just 10 years, Ne-Yo has become one of R&B’s biggest names and, lately, one of its most polarizing figures. His early…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 62 | 2015 |
 Joey Bada$$B4.Da.$$“Joey Bada$$ B4.da.$$ (to be released January 20, 2015) Y’all know my patience is paper thin when it comes to today’s generation of young rap fans. You know the type…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2015 |
 Lupe FiascoTetsuo & Youth“Lupe Fiasco Tetsuo & Youth (to be released January 20, 2015) Many hip-hop heads — myself included — have had a love/hate relationship with Lupe Fiasco over the past decade.…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2015 |
 Nicki MinajThe Pinkprint“Nicki Minaj The Pinkprint (released Dec. 15, 2014) Let’s be honest — what I write in this review isn’t gonna matter. Chances are you’ve already made up your mind about…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2014 |
 D’AngeloBlack Messiah“D’Angelo and The Vanguard Black Messiah (released Dec. 15, 2014) Man, y’all never let a brother get a break. Last year this time, it was the Beyhive rioting in my…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 90 | 2014 |
 K. MichelleAnybody Wanna Buy a Heart?“K. Michelle Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? (to be released Dec. 9, 2014) On “Hard to Do,” the sixth track on K. Michelle’s sophomore release AWBAH, she flat-out saying “lately…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 72 | 2014 |
 J. Cole2014 Forest Hills Drive“J. Cole 2014 Forest Hills Drive (to be released Dec. 9, 2014) We’re three albums in and we’re still anxiously waiting that definite classic from J. Cole. We hunger for…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 68 | 2014 |
 Ghostface Killah36 Seasons“Ghostface Killah 36 Seasons (to be released Dec. 9, 2014) I had an interesting convo with my brother-in-law over Thanksgiving. The Wu-Tang Clan’s latest album, A Better Tomorrow, had just…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 70 | 2014 |
 Wu-Tang ClanA Better Tomorrow“Wu-Tang Clan A Better Tomorrow (to be released Dec. 2, 2014) These days you hear a lot of similak-breathed rappers bragging about how they’re going to change the game. Twenty-one…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 63 | 2014 |
 Rick RossHood Billionaire“Rick Ross Hood Billionaire (to be released Nov. 24, 2014) Two Rick Rawse albums in one calendar year? It’s truly a Christmas miracle. I guess. I remember stopping in Walgreens…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 54 | 2014 |
 TinasheAquarius“Tinashe Aquarius (to be released Oct. 7, 2014) The trippy fusion of soul and pop is probably the hottest sound in R&B right now. Just ask Jhene Aiko, The Weeknd…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 75 | 2014 |
 Jennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson“Jennifer Hudson JHUD (to be released September 23, 2014) The whole world is riding a wave of nostalgia right now. Transformers and Ninja Turtles are blowing up bad guys in…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 57 | 2014 |
 Trey SongzTrigga“Trey SongzTrigga (to be released July 1, 2014)We all know sex sells, and that’s good news for R&B lothario Trey Songz. He won’t have a shortage of funds for his…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 66 | 2014 |
 Rick RossMastermind“Rick RossMastermind (to be released March 4, 2014)A man’s gotta know his limits. Rick Ross has never been a lyrical titan and he’d probably be the first to admit that. But…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 64 | 2014 |
 Schoolboy QOxymoron“ScHoolboy QOxymoron (to be released February 25, 2014)All eyes are on ScHoolboy Q and the homie doesn’t lack confidence. Q’s third album Oxymoron, his first major-label release, als…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 70 | 2014 |
 R. KellyBlack Panties“R. KellyBlack Panties (to be released December 10, 2013)You can tell a lot about an album by looking at its cover. Go look at the deluxe edition cover of R. Kelly’s…” | not named Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 56 | 2013 |
 Ariana GrandeYours Truly“Ariana GrandeYours Truly (to be released September 3, 2013)If you watched the preshow for MTV’s Video Music Awards, bless your heart. As I said in my recap, our TV screens were…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2013 |
 Robin ThickeBlurred Lines“Robin ThickeBlurred Lines (to be released July 30, 2013)When Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” single hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, I was very worried. Don’t get me wrong, …” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 60 | 2013 |
 Jay-ZMagna Carta Holy Grail“Jay-ZMagna Carta Holy Grail (to be released nationwide July 9, 2013)It’s been a weird few weeks in the world of hip hop. A couple of weeks ago, seemingly out of nowhere,…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 61 | 2013 |
 WaleThe Gifted“WaleThe Gifted (to be released June 25, 2013)Wale needs to mail all royalty checks from this album to Mint Condition’s Stokley Williams. Well, that might be a slight overstatement. Still, Will…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 66 | 2013 |
 J. ColeBorn Sinner“J. ColeBorn Sinner (to be released June 18, 2013)I love J. Cole. And sometimes, I hate J.Cole. I love Cole because, since dropping his first mixtape in 2009, he’s ushered in…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 68 | 2013 |
 Ghostface KillahTwelve Reasons to Die“Ghostface Killah and Adrian YoungeTwelve Reasons to Die (to be released April 16, 2013)I’ve been preaching on this very blog for years that a truly good album should tell a…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 78 | 2013 |
 Christina AguileraLotus“Christina AguileraLotus (to be released November 13, 2012)Don’t front. You used to love Christina Aguilera. Back in 2000 she had grown men in the hood singing about genies and stuff…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 59 | 2012 |
 Nicki MinajPink Friday: Roman Reloaded“Nicki Minaj Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (to be released April 3, 2012) Sunday, February 12, 2012. That was the night the curtain was pulled back on Nicki Minaj, hip hop’s…” | not named Read the review | 30 1.5/5 | 57 | 2012 |
 J. ColeCole World: The Sideline Story“J. ColeCole World: The Sideline Story (released September 27, 2011)When I was a kid the debate (about best rapper) was LL versus Run DMC, or later, Kane versus Rakim. Next…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 71 | 2011 |
 Ne-YoLibra Scale“Ne-YoLibra Scale (released Nov. 22, 2010)Who was the marketing genius that decided to release Ne-Yo’s new album the same day as Kanye West and Nicki Minaj? No wonder Libra Scale…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 69 | 2010 |
 Kid CudiMan on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager“Kid CudiMan on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager (released Nov. 9, 2010)The answer is: Wiz Khalifa, B.o. B., and Jae Millz. Alex, what are “Overhyped rappers I could care…” | not named Read the review | 60 3/5 | 70 | 2010 |
 NasDistant Relatives“Nas & Damian MarleyDistant Relatives (released May 18, 2010)One of my favorite things about music is the feeling you get when an album completely takes you by surprise – those…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 74 | 2010 |
 MonicaStill Standing“Monica Still Standing (released March 23, 2010)So, did y’all watch Monica’s reality show “Still Standing” on BET? The only reality TV I submit to these days is the Bad Girls…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 67 | 2010 |
 Corinne Bailey RaeThe Sea“Corinne Bailey RaeThe Sea (released January 26, 2010)A couple of years ago, I remember reading an interview with Mary J. Blige in which she gushed over then-rising star Amy Winehouse.…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 77 | 2010 |
 Alicia KeysThe Element of Freedom“Alicia KeysThe Element of Freedom (released December 2009)After listening to Alicia’s newest album, I came to a very sound conclusion – she must have had some crappy boyfriends since we…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 64 | 2009 |
 EminemRelapse“EminemRelapse (released May 19, 2009)For a few minutes, let me play the role of therapist. This might be surprising to some, but I just acquired Eminem’s sophomore album, 2000’s The Mars…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 56 | 2009 |
 Keyshia ColeA Different Me“Keyshia ColeA Different Me (released December 16, 2008)I’ll go ahead and say this now – I’m not a fan of Keyshia Cole’s oddly popular reality show “The Way It Is.̶…” | not named Read the review | 70 3.5/5 | 68 | 2008 |
 John LegendEvolver“John LegendEvolver (released October 28, 2008)Have you ever encountered a musician who you know you’re supposed to like, but something just doesn’t do it for you? You recognize the pers…” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 67 | 2008 |
 Jazmine SullivanFearless“Jazmine SullivanFearless (released September 23, 2008) Jazmine, why are you so mad? After finally dropping your highly anticipated debut, you’d think it would be a cause for celebration. But …” | not named Read the review | 80 4/5 | 77 | 2008 |