Shawn Carter’s elder statesman role in hip-hop is long since secured, but ‘4:44’ doesn’t particularly add to his legacy, failing to make its desired social commentary stick in the mind.
As we enter the second half of 2017, our staff reveal their personal musical highlights of the year so far – and what we’re still looking forward to!
With ‘Big Fish Theory’, Vince Staples explores hip-hop’s historic love affair with dance and electronica on a polished, highly enjoyable album.
SZA’s much-anticipated debut album ‘Ctrl’ delivers handsomely, full of insightful and on-message slow jams and genre-mashing fun.
Dua Lipa’s long-awaited debut album is extremely accessible and competent but misses the chance to be truly cutting-edge.
Girlpool’s second album ‘Powerplant’ both expands and refines their playful lo-fi sound.
Jay Kay and Jamiroquai have been away for seven years, but absolutely nothing has changed on their eighth album.
After two acclaimed mixtapes, GoldLink makes his major label debut with the solidly enjoyable ‘At What Cost’.
Thundercat harnesses the sonic excesses of his previous production work and ideas to make a coherent, fun album that makes even more sense when intoxicated.
Jesca Hoop’s fifth studio album ‘Memories Are Now’ features yet more strange and evocative lyrics.
