"The way that they ad-lib over each other’s verses and are always in the background makes their music reminiscent of rapping with your best friends in a basement or on the street over a homemade beat, a style which I think no one else in rap captures quite like the Atlanta trio."
"On 22, A Million, Bon Iver seems to be able to incorporate a small, style-bending detail into every track...It’s so intricate—each detail makes me want to go back and listen again."
"In his debut album, singer and rapper D.R.A.M. reveals his ability to write thoughtful raps and sing soulfully, and shows that he can do more than his silly, laidback persona may imply."
"The two are polar opposites, ends of the same spectrum; where Thugger is bold, creative, interesting, J Cole is typical, safe, and boring.”
Oft-Overlooked: Culdesac
by Charlie Vogel
"Culdesac is filled to the brim with tons of nerdy references, braggadocios, over-the-top bars, clever innuendos, and wacky and complex wordplay that can take several listens to fully understand."
In her "Wonderful Covert Art" column, Emma Farrell discusses culturally signifcant album covers. This is installment #2, on Ol' Dirty Bastard's 1995 album, Return to the 36 Chambers.
In her "Wonderful Covert Art" column, Emma Farrell discusses culturally signifcant album covers. This is installment #1, on De La Soul's 1989 debut, 3 Feet High and Rising.