Calvin Durag

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap Label: ALC Released: September 20, 2024 Format: LP "This is the kind of music you dive into when you want to escape the world's problems, offering a therapeutic effect, particularly on tracks like "Everybody's Favorite Uncle."" Have you ever wondered what it takes to remain consistent and relevant for decades in the music industry? The Alchemist embodies a producer truly devoted to his craft, not for the rewards or accolades that may come with it, but for the lasting impact he creates. I've been a fan of The Alchemist for as long as I can remember, though I can't quite pinpoint when I began actively following his work. His collaborations with renowned rappers like Freddie Gibbs, Larry June, Earl Sweatshirt, and Curren$y, among others, drew me into his projects. After countless mixtapes and full-length studio albums, The Alchemist has made a significant contribution to Hip-Hop, earning respect as both a creative force and one of the...

Genre: R&B/Soul Label: IIIXL  Released: September 6, 2024  Format: LP " Gap Year! is packed with introspective moments, which at times flirt with monotony, but Laila!'s irresistible charm consistently elevates the album above those potential pitfalls. " Laila! has been receiving immense praise, leading her to finally drop her debut album Gap Year!—a release that has sparked a frenzy of speculation across social media. Thanks to her viral hit song "Like That!," which took TikTok by storm with users incorporating the sound in various trends and content, the timing of this debut feels perfect. As an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and self-taught producer, Laila! seizes the moment, overcoming setbacks to forge her own path to success. Gap Year! feels like a long-awaited arrival from an artist who’s been eager to be seen and heard. The album is a blend of R&B and soul, offering a variety of options for listeners—much like a carefully curated playlist, with songs...

Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap  Label: Top Dawg, Capitol Records  Released: August 30, 2024  Format: Mixtape  "Alligator Bites Never Heal is a breath of fresh air that firmly distinguishes Doechii from her contemporaries." The 26-year-old rapper and singer from Top Dawg Entertainment, in partnership with Capitol Records, has finally released one of the most anticipated projects of the year. Doechii first gained recognition in 2021 when her song " Yucky Blucky Fruitcake " went viral on TikTok, propelling her career and leading to her signing with TDE. She is now one of the most celebrated underground female MCs of her generation. With her new mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal , which often feels like a polished studio album, Doechii makes a bold statement that demands attention. The project is meticulously crafted, leaving one to question why she labeled it a mixtape. Through this work, Doechii sets a new benchmark for female rappers, showing she’s not focused on merely making...