Avery Griffin
Lupe Fiasco – Tetsuo and Youth
After several delays, suicidal thoughts, and record label disputes, Lupe Fiasco, the Che Guevara of the hip-hop world, has finally unleashed Tetsuo and Youth. His two previous albums, LASERS and Food and Liquor II, were panned by fans and critics alike, making a comeback from which seemed impossible. However, the album is an explosive mix of the beloved rhyme schemes of dictionary and conscious rap cross bred with banger style beats and features. Every song differs from the last but shares an overall theme, divided by four very unique interludes. Best songs on the album include; ‘Chopper’, a 9min hood-influenced ballad, ‘Madonna’, a single for the album, presented as a metaphorical movie, and ‘Mural’, another 9 min flow-fest giving no hooks, just raw wordplay. Lupe Fiasco is back, and Tetsuo and Youth can stand up alongside The Cool and the first Food and Liquor as one of the best albums hip hop has to offer.
Death Grips – Jenny Death (The Powers That B Part 2)
There is indie music. There is far left indie music. And then there is the industrial, hip hop, techno, rock, experimental, and avant-garde music of Death Grips, whose pulse-pounding, adrenaline-pumping music has always been popular among those who live in the dark corners of the internet; those looking for a darker tone in music, or just those looking to be ahead in the indie scene. In 2014 the group announced they would disband but still release the 2nd part of their final album The Powers that B. After much speculation, and several side projects, Jenny Death was finally released with the band “reunited” and on tour. Is it the final album? Maybe, but if this is the way the world ends for Death Grips, they have definitely gone out as strong as they came in. Part Two of The Powers that B is the album for the avant-garde to finally make some impact on the mainstream scene. Best Tracks include; the single ‘Inanimate Sensation’ a 6 min deafening track, ready to show that Death Grips still sticks to its roots; ‘On GP’, an almost bittersweet goodbye, complete with a power rock ballad backing and MC Ride’s signature lyricism and flow; ‘The Powers That B,’ almost like the track we have been all waiting for. The perfect melding of multiple genres and sounds like nothing else out.
My Morning Jacket – The Waterfall
It’s been four years since the last time we were graced with a ‘Slow Slow Tune’ and an album from the neo-alternative rock group, My Morning Jacket. Finally, after rumors of splits, the group has reunited for the soulful, rock, and psychedelia of new album The Waterfall. The LP covers various subject matters from love to loss, with an overall message of rebirth and renewal. I can only describe this as a tranquil walk being lead by Jim James’s alluring, deity like vocals and lyrics. As tranquil as it is, it still possesses a powerful presence with various sounds and instruments in the fray. The pivotal tracks include; the peaceful ‘Like a River’, the title track, ‘In Its Infancy (the Waterfall)’, with its multi genre influences, and my personal favorite, ‘Thin Line’, with its roaring guitar accompanying Jim James’ signature voice. This is definitely the album for many summer nights to come.
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