Latest Hip Hop, RnB & Dancehall Reviews

• Kaleidoscope Kelis

  
  Striking debut from one of the most vital RnB forces of the 00s.

  reviewed by Daryl Easlea

  • Trevor Nelson's Album of the Week

• Blue Slide Park Mac Miller

  
  While it’s evident how he’s won hearts, Miller’s not the complete package yet.

  reviewed by Adam Kennedy

  • Zane Lowe
  • Westwood

• R.A.P. Music Killer Mike

  
  Georgia rapper offers stark examination of societal ills on his sixth LP.

  reviewed by Marcus J. Moore

  • Rob da Bank

• This is UK Rap, Volume 1 Various Artists

  
  The freshest artists of the UK's contemporary rap generation demand to be heard.

  reviewed by Noel Gardner

  • Charlie Sloth

• Cancer4Cure El-P

  
  A phenomenal third solo album from the forever-pushing-things-forward New Yorker.

  reviewed by Mike Diver

  • Rob da Bank

• Strange Clouds B.o.B

  
  The rapper and famous friends reflect on the game’s ups and downs.

  reviewed by Fraser McAlpine

  • DJ Target

• From All Angles Profisee

  
  A game and worthy attempt to push the envelope of British rap a little.

  reviewed by Noel Gardner

  • BBC Introducing in Scotland

• Master of My Make-Believe Santigold

  
  On her sophomore LP, the singer proves she can still churn a pop groove.

  reviewed by Marcus J. Moore

  • 6 Music Album of the Day
  • Zane Lowe
  • Chris Hawkins

• The Biz Never Sleeps Biz Markie

  
  Markie’s mostly good-humoured second studio set has stood up to the test of time.

  reviewed by Adam Kennedy

  • Huey Morgan

• The Money Store Death Grips

  
  An incredible, precedent-resetting manifesto from the Californian extreme rap crew.

  reviewed by Paul Lester

  • Zane Lowe
  • BBC Introducing in Wales

• Chimera EP Homeboy Sandman

  
  The Queens MC avoids cliché or close comparison on this Stones Throw six-tracker.

  reviewed by Louis Pattison

  • Gilles Peterson

• First Serve De La Soul’s Plug One & Plug Two Present... First Serve

  
  A somewhat flawed but nonetheless enjoyable concept piece from a pair of De La souls.

  reviewed by Paul Lester

  • 6 Music Album of the Day

• Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded Nicki Minaj

  
  This second studio album cements Minaj’s reputation as a truly unique entity.

  reviewed by Al Fox

  • Westwood
  • Nick Grimshaw

• awE naturalE THEESatisfaction

  
  Bruised jazz, Boho hip hop and soulful poetics from singular Seattlites.

  reviewed by Stevie Chick

  • Gilles Peterson
  • Lauren Laverne
  • 6 Music Album of the Day

• Quakers Quakers

  
  Cult vocalists and complete unknowns trade the mic on this Earth-shaking hip hop set.

  reviewed by Adam Kennedy

  • Zane Lowe
  • Gilles Peterson

• Father Creeper Spoek Mathambo

  
  The South African covers a hodgepodge of styles – but move with him and it’s worth it.

  reviewed by David Stubbs

  • The Late Show with Stuart Bailie

• The OF Tape Vol. 2 Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All

  
  ‘Post-fame’ follow-up to notorious rap crew’s 2008 online-only debut.

  reviewed by Paul Lester

  • Semtex
  • Benji B

• Crying to the Nation I-Octane

  
  A thoroughly decent debut set from a clearly talented dancehall artist.

  reviewed by David Katz

  • Young Lion
  • Robbo Ranx

• The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill

  
  Hill’s multi-award-winning debut became part of the mainstream on its own terms.

  reviewed by Lloyd Bradley

  • Trevor Nelson

• Rich Forever Rick Ross

  
  Ross continues to count the cash on this high-profile mixtape release.

  reviewed by Adam Kennedy

  • Westwood
  • DJ Target
  • Charlie Sloth