REVIEWS
Chance the Rapper
Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper 2016
Regardless of what you think of Chance the Rapper’s music, the opportunities he’s afforded
for other artists is unmatched in any genre. On his third free project, Chance continues to
question and cripple the pop machine. The tape was foreshadowed by Chance’s earthshattering verse on The Life of Pablo opener “Ultra Lightbeam.” Coloring Book starts
where he leaves off, utilizing vibrant Gospel textures to paint beautiful images of freedom &
joy. He shows a lot versatility here; from “Summer Friends,” to “Mixtape,” to “Blessings,”
Chance can be a lot of things, but he is always Chance.
Young Thug
Jeffery
Atlantic Records 2016
Surely we’re living in a time where popular hip-hop music is the most diverse
it has ever been. While some dismiss the so-called “mumble rap” movement,
one particular individual transcends this notion. The innovative delivery and
prolific work ethic of Young Thug has captured the intrigue of even the most
steadfast naysayers. Thug’s latest, Jeffery, is gender-less and genre-less; his
experimentation results in his most consistent project since the Barter.
Named for his idols, Thug’s talents are highlighted on the reggae-tinged
“Wyclef Jean,” the zany “RiRi,” and the hyperactive “Harambe.”
Kaytranada
99.9%
XL Recordings 2016
Montreal super-producer Kaytranada arrives with his first full-length solo
album, 99.9%. His signature spongy bass and bloated synths bubble beneath
each collaboration on the 15-track project. Some of Kaytranada’s finest work
to-date appears here, like the blurting Anderson .Paak collab “GLOWED UP,”
or the sample-lead dance jam “LITE SPOTS” (which has one of the year’s best
videos). Throughout 99.9%, Kaytranada sprinkles little testimonial soundbytes
about himself, from Sway to Pharrell, discussing his influence on modern
music. At this point, he doesn’t even have to say it because everyone else is:
Kaytranada is one of the best doing it.
Images: billboard.com, trillerthanmost.com, redbull.com