![“Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head” by T.I. [KR Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/TroubleMan.png&w=170&zc=1)
King back…is the South’s throne still his? T.I. returns after a two year hiatus with Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head. Backed by consistent production and strong guest features, Tip gives his fans what they been missing and stakes a strong claim to snatching his crown back. Guided in spirit (and sample) from Marvin [...]
Category: "Album Appraisals"
“good kid, m.A.A.d city” by Kendrick Lamar [KR Album Appraisal]
![“good kid, m.A.A.d city” by Kendrick Lamar [KR Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/TroubleMan1.png&w=170&zc=1)
A few times in a lifetime, an album that generates emotion, shifts opinions, and challenges the status quo is unleashed. This is one of those albums. Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city is quite possibly the greatest narrative hip hop album in history (all due respect to Prince Paul’s A Prince Among Thieves). In sum, [...]
“Cruel Summer” by G.O.O.D. Music [KR Album Appraisal]
![“Cruel Summer” by G.O.O.D. Music [KR Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/CruelSummercover.jpg&w=170&zc=1)
Just barely squeezing into a loaded summer season of album releases, Kanye West showcases his G.O.O.D. Music roster of artists on Cruel Summer. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt already heard the monstrous summer jams “Mercy” and “Clique”. These two tracks set the stage (and expectations) extremely high, which has become [...]
“God Forgives, I Don’t” by Rick Ross [KickRocs Album Appraisal]
![“God Forgives, I Don’t” by Rick Ross [KickRocs Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/god-forgives-i-dont-deluxe.jpeg&w=170&zc=1)
After the well received Rich Forever mixtape, and recent MMG compilation release of Self Made Vol. II (peep our review here), Rick Ross comes back on his solo game with God Forgives, I Don’t. As he has proven with his previous releases. Ross is equally adept at offering something for everybody. The first seven tracks [...]
“channel ORANGE” by Frank Ocean [KickRocs Album Appraisal]
![“channel ORANGE” by Frank Ocean [KickRocs Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ceWP5.jpeg&w=170&zc=1)
Since the revelation of his sexuality, Odd Future member, Frank Ocean, has definitely been the topic of conversation since his open letter was posted to his Tumblr. He has since come out to explain his decision to open up about his sexuality saying it was “about my own sanity and my ability to feel like [...]
“Life is Good” by Nas [KickRocs Album Appraisal]
![“Life is Good” by Nas [KickRocs Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/nas-life-is-good-album-cover1.jpg&w=170&zc=1)
Nasty. Esco. Nastradamus. Nasir Bin Olu Dara Jones. Hip-Hop historians and critics meticulously look back, laud, and loathe Nas’ catalog moreso than any other artist in history. Wherever you stand, there can be no argument that Life is Good adds another certified classic to Nas’ resume. Peel the post back to read our review of Nas’ latest offering and see what our album appraisal panel rates it!
“Self Made Vol. 2” by Maybach Music Group [KickRocs Album Appraisal]
![“Self Made Vol. 2” by Maybach Music Group [KickRocs Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Self_Made_2.jpg&w=170&zc=1)
Respect due-Rick Ross has amassed arguably the hottest and most talented roster of artists in the last few years. Representing a diverse number of locales across the country, Maybach Music Group succeeds by having something for everybody: Philly’s street’s disciple Meek Mill, D.C. couture backpacker Wale, and Ohio’s bearded wordsmith Stalley have all smoothly integrated [...]
“Live from the Underground” by Big K.R.I.T. [KickRocs Album Appraisal]
![“Live from the Underground” by Big K.R.I.T. [KickRocs Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/krit_lftu_1500x1500.jpeg&w=170&zc=1)
“Live from the Underground” is an amazing introduction and formal crowning to one of the champions of the Southern underground. First things first-Big K.R.I.T. wrote and produced this entire album, save for guest features. Read that sentence again…aight, let’s go. Big K.R.I.T. is a BRILLIANT producer; the strength of the album lies in how effortlessly [...]
“The Odyssey” by Des Letemps [KR Album Appraisal]
![“The Odyssey” by Des Letemps [KR Album Appraisal]](http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://kickrocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/the-odyssey-cover.jpg&w=170&zc=1)
“The Odyssey” is a succinct, energetic, and concise introduction to Queens, NY native Des Letemps. The first track (“Everything Imperial”, produced by Silent Noize) smacks you with the fact that DAMN-this n*gga can spit! What’s more satisfying is the variety of flows Des displays throughout the album. Over Telling Beatz’s wicked keys on “The Ritual”, [...]
Introducing: KickRocs Album Appraisal ratings system
The KickRocs Album Appraisal system is inspired by the rating system of what is known to us all as “girl’s best friend”, the diamond. Diamonds are rated based on their clarity; the fewer imperfections in the stone, the more desirable it is. A top rated diamond is rated “flawless (FL)”, while a bottom rated diamond [...]