I’m doing things differently in 2020, instead of doing a weekly music review I’m reviewing the entire month. I will give a brief description of all the projects that came out during this time and then highlight an up and cocming artist and their rise in the industry. This is a different format and style so bare with me while I attempt to create more great content for music lovers out there.
Firstly, Happy New Year to everyone and hope it’s been great so far. Musically Hip- Hop has been off to a great start with a mix of dope music and artists dropping. We’ve received albums from those who we loved and lost recently, and even a surprise album from a veteran rapper who have been in the game for over 2 decades. This is the start of a new decade and the end of another one so it will be great to see who else will come with music this year. Kendrick, Cole, Rihanna and more are slated to release music as it stands ccurrently. With that being said, let’s delve into those who dropped music in the month of January.
RELEASES
JANUARY 10th
Mick Jenkins — “Circus” EP
Mick jenkins is a Chicago artist that came onto the scene with his mixtape “The Waters” in 2015 and he has been in the lyrical converstion ever since. The P’s and Q’s rapper gives us his fourth EP which was a surprise but always welcome.
Uncle Murda — “Don’t Come Outside Vol.2”
Uncle Murda may be a controversial figure when it comes to rap, however no one makes music like he does. He raps in a conversational flow which I love and this project was the same. It was long overdue but thank God It’s here!
Moneybagg Yo — “Time served”
This is the third studio album fromt he Memphis rapper. He has been on a role with dropping music lately and the quality has not suffered. Although his name has been in the public a lot lately let us not forget all the amazing tracks he has given us.
JANUARY 16th
Dreamville — “Revenge (Director’s Cut)”
Dreamville has proven to be one of the freatest roups in rap. They successfully produced the biggest posse cut in Hip-Hop history and did it in a little over a week. 10 days is all it took to make amazin music. They released the original album in July of 2019 and made noise. Then they decided to drop the tracks that weren’t on the project on January 16th. Another showcase of their ability they did their thing once again.
JANUARY 17th
Stunna 4 Vegas — “Rich Youngin”
Stunna 4 Vegas has come onto his own over the past year or two. Many might look and see an artist that Dababy signed but he’s way more than that. Once he finds his style he will be a problem in the game.
Eminem — “Music to be Murdered by”
Eminem surprised the world by relasing this album with no mention of it whatsoever. In a time where rappers are having their music leaked over and over again it’s crazy how Em was able to keep it a secret. Nevertheless, it’s even crazier to imagine how long the MC has been rapping and is till putting out projects.
Mac Miller — “Circles”
Mac Miller was a figure that everyone loved and had immense respect for. In the late 2000’s and early 2010’s the world first got a glimpse of what he was capable of and he simply fit right in. Mac was special and different in his own riht. Versatile on the mic, he could switch flows and rap with anybody and that includes Rocye da 5'9". This album was put toether by his family and is the first music relaesed posthumously. Mac will always be missed by everyone not only in the Hip-Hop community but worldwide.
JANUARY 31st
Key Glock — “Yellow Tape”
This is only the second album for the rapper from Memphis and it seems long overdue. Although it’s been a minute since the last release it was well recieved. Instead of just jumoing to the next project he waited took his time and is now ready to continue his run.
Russ — “SHAKE THE SNOW GLOBE”
I was a little confused on this one when I was searching it. But it seemed to be that Russ is releasing his 14th project in total since 2011. From 2011 to 2014 he averaged 3 projects a year. Russ has amassed a huge following and is one of the highest paid rappers. He is not in the headlines as much as others but he is making his paper. One may say he is a controversial artist but nonetheless we can never take from his accomplishments.
Yo Gotti — “Untrapped”
Memphis are all over this month with a legendary Memphis artist releasing the 31st as well. Since Cocain muzik series Gotti has established himself in the rap game and has been influential to his city. he has taken many arrtists under his wing and has helped with the popularity and emergence of trap music. So the title of this new project is very fitting.
K. Michelle — “All Monsters are Human”
Not only are Memphis rappers dropping but Memphis singers are dropping as well. I will start by saying K. Michelle is one of my favorite singers so I am biased, but her vocal range to me has been underrated. I understand antics have gotten in the way but her music is still great to me. This is Kim’s fifth studio album and although I’m not a fan of the cover I hop she does her thing on this project and has amazing music.
Lil Wayne — “Funeral”
The legend, the icon the one and only Lil Wayne is dropping an album ladies an gentleman. Now I must admit this is a weird title but it is great to have Wayne continuing to make music in 2020. To understand just how much of a legend he is Wayne is on his 14th album and the first one dropped in 1999. It’s amazing how he has been able to stay relevant for 20 plus years and I’m excited for the new release.
