Kodak Black, “Back For Everything.” Kodak Black has had quite a lot go down the last few years—between serving time in prison for weapons charges, getting pardoned by the former president, taking a plea deal on his sexual assault case, and most recently getting shot. One might expect someone…

Fade Em All, courtesy. This week we feature the U.K.’s finest with Kojey Radical, Genesis Owusu’s anguished outburst, the punk and hip-hop fusion of Fade Em All, Garrett Kato, Boslen and Lucky Daye. Garrett Kato, “Drugstore Houses” — Sometimes it’s best to take a step back and look at…

“All that glitters isn’t always gold,” so the saying goes. Expensive Pain, the fifth studio album from Meek Mill, rides largely on the idea that money can’t buy happiness. While the album still indulges in the luxurious lifestyle someone of Meek’s status can enjoy, the curtain is often drawn back…

Lil Baby performs at the Oakland Arena in Oakland on Sept. 25, 2021. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Coming off the hype of being featured on two of the biggest hip-hop records of the year in Kanye’s Donda and Drake’s Certified Lover Boy, as well as one of the most moving performances…

Hall of Fame, the third album from Chicago drill rapper Polo G, presents a veneer of glamour and success, from the artwork and title suggesting prestige to the robust number of notable features—DaBaby, Young Thug, Pop Smoke, Nicki Minaj, Roddy Ricch and more—all evoking the sense of an induction into a titular…

Beyond winning Chance the Rapper the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, Coloring Book also distinguished him as a unique force in Chicago hip-hop. The career-defining release’s gospel overtones, pop hooks and diverse flow saw Chancelor Jonathan Bennett come into his own as a suave, God-fearing punchline purveyor. He…

Meek Mill performs at The Masonic in San Francisco on March 1, 2019. Photos: Gary Chancer. SAN FRANCISCO — Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill performed brilliantly for a packed house of thousands at the Masonic Auditorium. He commanded the stage without sharing the load with a backing band, keeping a rapturous…