Calvin Durag

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap Label: 10K Projects / Capitol Records Released: July 26, 2024 “Y2K! is a straightforward yet bold body of work that doesn’t aim to be anything more than what it is—a minimalist and experimental album from an artist who finds power in simplicity while adding hints of flair and sophisticated style.” Ice Spice creates music that transports you to another universe—perhaps her own. Following the success of her 2023 debut EP Like..? , she returns with her first full-length album, Y2K! , which occasionally feels like a GTA soundtrack. With a concise 23-minute runtime, the album boasts an addictive replay value. The number of times I’ve revisited these tracks is staggering, as her persona and swagger elevate the listening experience. The album title, Y2K, nods both to the early 2000s and her birth year—January 1, 2000. Ice Spice reimagines the popular sounds of that era, blending them seamlessly with current trends, resulting in a fusion of dancehall and drill, exemplified b...

Genre: R&B/Soul L abel: RCA Released: August 2, 2024 “Sincere is an emotional journey, striving to reconnect with long-time fans while attracting new listeners.” Amid the ever-evolving trends and fierce competition in the music industry, Khalid makes an underwhelming return after 2019's Free Spirit . The question arises: where has he been over the past five years? During this time, Khalid has remained largely low-key, stepping back from the spotlight. However, with the release of his third LP , there's an opportunity for him to reconnect with his loyal fans. A lot has changed since his 2017 debut, American Teen. Sincere arrives at a time when the industry is saturated, with countless artists dropping albums and embarking on tours. Though Khalid's return demands attention, one can't help but ask—who’s truly listening? Known for his smooth, vulnerable sound and rebellious persona, Khalid, once the beloved voice behind hits like "Location" and "Better,...

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap Label: YZY Released: August 3, 2024 Format: LP “Ty makes a commendable effort to realize the album's vision, but Ye detracts from it with uninspired lyrics and a l ack of shared direction.” At this stage, Kanye West now known as Ye has accomplished everything, leaving nothing left to prove . Known for his groundbreaking and inventive work, he stands as one of the most critically acclaimed and successful artists of the 21st century. His achievements in the last decade have been among the most influential and inspiring in pop culture. From 2010's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to 2013's Yeezus , Kanye West was an unstoppable force, inspiring a generation. In the 2020s, as he attempts to reaffirm his talent, he often overextend, resulting in controversial outcomes that lead people to question him and his artistry. Despite this, his legacy will undoubtedly endure. Kanye West previewing TLOP at The Yeezy Season 3 collection in 2016 Approaching VULTURES 2 ,...