Imogen Lawlor

Craving strong, politically-oriented hip-hop that reflects the times we are living in with a respectful nod to the past? Public Enemy delivers this and then some on latest album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? Returning to Def Jam with Chuck D at the helm, political messages and contemporary reflection are embedded into the fabric of the entire album. With a … [Read more...] about Public Enemy: What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? – Review

After a fast rise to critical acclaim, YoungBoy Never Broke Again releases his latest studio album Top; a testament to his strong work ethic and ability to produce large quantities of high-quality music. Joining an impressively large discography of albums, Top spans 21 tracks and is consistently engaging, whilst outlining YoungBoy’s humble roots and reflecting on his … [Read more...] about YoungBoy Never Broke Again: Top – Review

Excessive style is outlined throughout, but the substance never arrives for the new album TattleTales by 6ix9ine. Despite controversy after controversy, Tekashi 6ix9ine is back, seemingly unfazed, with his second studio album. While a lot of effort has gone into the visual marketing of this release, there is remarkably little concrete material on TattleTales to critique. The … [Read more...] about 6ix9ine: TattleTales – Album Review

It’s been a busy time for Katy Perry, with her fifth studio album, Smile, dropping and her daughter being born just one day apart. While Perry is known for her extroverted fashion sense and high charting hits, new album Smile falls a little flat in comparison. Although some tracks are poignant and vulnerable, many rely on bombastic EDM production, cliché lyrics and Perry’s … [Read more...] about Katy Perry: Smile – Album Review

“As we go through life, one of the big questions about things we purchase… is what the value of it is. Is it really worth it?” Nas’s thirteenth studio album King’s Disease provides fresh but thoughtful perspectives on his career and contemporary social issues, as well as collaborations with a range of artists. The combination of Hit-Boy’s production and Nas’s rich lyricism … [Read more...] about Nas: King’s Disease – Album Review

SWARVY releases his first solo EP SUNNY DAYS BLUE, presenting a unique mixture of genres and ideas that are mostly fascinating, but occasionally overcomplex and puzzling. The EP beautifully enhances the lo-fi hip hop sound through rich instrumentation and timbral effects, but it is nevertheless a hit and miss experience. Although SWARVY is the primary vocalist on the … [Read more...] about SWARVY: SUNNY DAYS BLUE – Review