2021 The Albums: Top 10

via GIPHY

2021's League of Their Own Pick
 

It is that time of the year again, our favorite time actually, as we look back on the year in music and select the 10 best albums of the year.

10) Black Midi - Cavalcade

9) One Trick Phony - V

8) BLK JKS - Abantu / Before Humans

7) Tyler, The Creator - Call Me If You Get Lost

6) Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg

5) Halsey - If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power

4) Shame - Drunk Tank Pink

3) Viagra Boys - Welfare Jazz

2) J. Cole - The Off-Season

1) Deafheaven - Infinite Granite

 See 2021's Honorable Album Mentions

10) Black Midi - Cavalcade

After shocking audiences around the world with their 2019 debut, the four English young men return with a much tighter, intricate and often times mature album of mind bending speeds, sounds, and brutality. It is a record will have indie fans looking into metal and metal fans looking into indie music. 

9) One Trick Phony - V

One Trick Phony is the best band you have not heard. Starting in 2020, One Trick Phony mastermind Dave Blanchard created five albums since the start of quarantine. All of those records were different from one another but all led up to the culmination of V, his best and most insightful work. The album is a film score set to the soundtrack of your current life. Each song is an escape to a montage of various times in your life as you try and push for a better tomorrow. 

8) BLK JKS - Abantu / Before Humans

 One of the most exciting bands to ever emerge from South Africa returns for the first time in over a decade with the long awaited Abantu / Before Humans. Their sophomore record picks up where their fantastic debut, After Robots, left off but ushers us into a new era of their musical world that combines rock, funk, jazz, traditional South African styles and even at points metal. This is more than just a record but a universal offering leaving us in hopes that it doesn't take over another decade for new music. 

7) Tyler, The Creator - Call Me If You Get Lost

Tyler comes of age in his best album since his emphatic debut a decade ago. Call Me If You Get Lost is the most candid, most open, and most powerful look inside the mind of one of the biggest creative forces in music today. With production contributions from Jamie xx, and lyrical collaborations with Pharrell, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Wayne and Domo Genesis, this album packs a serious punch and makes us look forward to what is in store next. 

 

 

6) Dry Cleaning - New Long Leg

The British quartet had one of the best videos of the decade thanks to "Scratch Card Lanyard," but their debut proved they were much more than just innovative video creators with a catchy tune. New Long Leg is a very cool, very slick talk rock record that feels like you are in the coolest London or Manchester pub listening to a band that is about to do some really interesting things. 

 

5) Halsey - If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power

Halsey is mainly known for pop hooks and chart topping tunes so when a collaboration album with Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross turned up this year, it was unexpected for everyone. The record is not only Halsey's finest hour but is a force of power that makes you wonder if this is what Trent was trying to do with How to Destroy Angels or is this where he wants to shift the focus of NIN, with powerful vocals and storylines that are not from him. What an absolute tour de force that was easily the most exciting and unexpected record of the year. 

 

4) Shame - Drunk Tank Pink

Punk in 2021 was a different thing but Shame brought out the best in it and had us bouncing in apartments, homes, and our own spaces waiting for live music to return. Drunk Tank Pink is an in your face, unforgiving, unapologetic smack in the head we all need. 

3) Viagra Boys - Welfare Jazz

The Swedish punks returned with their finest album which contained a mix of raw power, country music, and even folk mixed together to show the world that being left of center is much more than just tattoos and attitude, it is a way of life. One hell of a record that only left us exhausted but hitting the replay button again and again. 

2) J. Cole - The Off-Season

One of this generations greatest emcees returned with a powerful record that is rumored to be his last and if it is, J. Cole goes out on a high note. The Off-Season is the rare record that features other folks on tracks but also is him going full court press to the doubters that he is and was the real deal. An aggressive rap record with a lot of heart, if Rocky was an emcee, this would be the result. 

1) Deafheaven - Infinite Granite 

Deafheaven are known for their brutal screaming, black metal influence and sounds, pulse pounding drums, breakneck rhythms but what happens when they put most of that away? The result is a record that lives in the ethos of great bands like Depeche Mode, Deftones, Nine Inch Nails, Nitzer Ebb, among others. It is a cross between goth and new wave as well as industrial while giving fans a mature outlook as to what this band can do when they expand their minds, chops, and creativity. The most surprisingly and powerful record of 2021 might also be the most polarizing but that is what also makes it so damn intriguing and leaves you wanting to hear it again.

The Internet Detail New Album

The Internet will release their new album, Hive Mind, in July.

Take a look at the cover, above, and the tracklisting, below, and hear the new single, "Come Over."

01 Come Together
02 Roll (Burbank Funk)
03 Come Over
04 La Di Da
05 Stay the Night
06 Bravo
07 Mood
08 Next Time / Humble Pie
09 It Gets Better (With Time)
10 Look What U Started
11 Wanna Be
12 Beat Goes On
13 Hold On

Playlist

Our 27-song December playlist is here. Take a listen to our random musical musings for the month on Spotify.

Playlist

Take a listen to our November playlist and hear our random collection of 27-musical musings that span Lana Del Rey to Skeletonwitch.

Tyler, The Creator & Guests on 'Fallon'

Watch Tyler, The Creator bring out Kali Uchis and get backed by The Roots as they play "See You Again" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Playlist

Here is a playlist of our 27-song random musical musings for the month on Spotify! Enjoy!

QUICK SPINS

Brand New – Science Fiction

There are a select batch of artists that turn the release of a record into an event – Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye West, and Long Island emo survivors Brand New. The quartet have been cryptic with fans about the release of what is said to be their final record for years and earlier this month, they surprised everyone with Science Fiction. The record, peppered in personal and powerful undertones of surviving a scene, getting old, figuring out your life and wanting to leave a legacy behind has been rolled up into Science Fiction. Eight years after they released Daisy, Brand New have once again reinvented their sound with a less aggressive and more mature style that shows how full circle their progress has come since their 2001 debut, the essential pop-punk listening of Your Favorite Weapon. Science Fiction is a band trying to destroy the identity of the band they once were by becoming something they always wanted – an art rock band.

FINAL GRADE: A

Listen to Our Essential Brand New Playlist on Spotify 

Queens of the Stone Age  - Villains

The world’s favorite stoner rockers return with record chock-full-of groovy rhythms, slick rock and roll, and catchy tunes. With Mark Ronson behind the decks as the sole producer of Villains, the British DJ and artist helps bring the uptown funk to the California dessert as he and Queens keep their fingerprint on a whole new sound. While it isn’t a total 180, they remain true to themselves while daring to take a bold new step that works perfectly.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Nine Inch Nails – Add Violence EP

The second of three planned EPs for 2017, Trent Renzor releases what might be the more aggressive of the three and throws back a punch that has not been heard since With Teeth-era NIN.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Listen To Our Essential Nine Inch Nails Playlist on Spotify

Tyler, The Creator – Flower Boy

The former Odd Future ringleader returns with his most personal, private, and autobiographical record to date. Since the release of his outstanding Goblin, in 2011, Tyler, has been slowly revealing who he is to the world, now, with Flower Boy, it fully blossoms. He confronts himself about his sexuality, who he is as an artist, and how it is time to grow up.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins

The low-fi indie rock favorites with a record that has more of a pulse than some of their previous efforts and that is thanks to part to some actual upbeat songs and not just an album filled with moody harmonies and dark undertones.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Gogol Bordello – Seekers and Finders

In the age of Donald Trump and Theresa May, where anyone who was not born in their respective countries needs to get out – here comes Gogol Bordello to once again remind us the importance of immigrants, other cultures, and creeds. The gypsy punks have just put out what could be their most important record and a weapon in the fight against ugly nationalism while still sounding as if they are having the time of their lives. Like other releases from the band, it is a party and learning experience.

FINAL GRADE: B+

EMA – Exile in the Outer Ring

On her third record, EMA, pushes herself and the sounds she has crafted on her own to find herself going into a deep, mysterious, unknown rabbit hole of creativity and curiosity.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Ghostpoet – Dark Days and Canapés

The tender and timid British electro singer releases what we like to call an “end of the night” record for the summer. After coming home from a night out, this is one that you want to put on and unwind to while having a nightcap. The soulful and blip-filled disc continues to make Ghostpoet one of the more interesting and underrated artists out there today.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Unkle – The Road

After seven years away, the mysterious and intense electronic group are back with help from Primal Scream’s Andrew Innes, Queen of the Stone Age’s Troy Van Leeuwan, Dhani Harrison, Mark Lanegan, ESKA, Keaton Henson, and the Duke Spirit’s Liela Moss. The Road is a journey through space and time and our captains are Unkle.

FINAL GRADE: B

Dead Cross

The self-titled debut album from the supergroup containing Mike Patton, Dave Lombardo, and Retox’s Justin Pearson, Michael Crain, is a as straight forward as it gets for someone like the Faith No More front man. However, adding the other monsters to the mix makes the record worth listening to.

FINAL GRADE: B

Iron and Wine – Beast Epic

The singer / songwriter is back with a new collection of songs that just extends his vast and solid catalogue.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Rainer Maria

The self-titled reunion record from the indie heroes is a safe return to form and will certainly make old fans happy to hear new tracks.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Guided By Voices – How Do You Spell Heaven

The second release of 2017 from the indie rock titans at first came out as a surprise since earlier this year they put out the very good and very long double album, August by Cake. Now, the quick follow-up is How Do You Spell Heaven, which continues the legacy of this band that does not want to stop but it might just be too much music for one year.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Washed Out- Mister Mellow

The shoegaze artist is back with a record that is perfect for the last days of summer. As anxiety about school, work, and the fall, heats up, this is an album that will help you mellow out.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Big Boi – Boomiverse

The Outkast rapper returns with a new solo record that is a solid effort and a bit middle of the road. Boomiverse has decent beats and rhymes from the hip-hop icon as well as special guests Killer Mike, Gucci Maine, Adam Levine and production from Organized Noise and Scott Storch, it falls flat in the age of young guns like Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, and Vince Staples.

FINAL GRADE: C

TLC

The long-awaited new album from the R&B group has finally arrived and it is not very memorable. It contains the spirit of the band but lacks the unity without the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez and it might have been too long away from the scene for T-Boz and Chili to fully pull out their potential.

FINAL GRADE: C

Action Bronson – Blue Chips 7000

The Blue Chips series for Action Bronson has been some of his best material after Well Done and Bon Appetite.. Bitch, yet, since the Queens rapper has gone mainstream with his various Vice shows, hanging with Mario Batalli, and inking a major label deal, rap has been his backup plan. On his second record for Atlantic Records, following the abysmal Mr. Wonderful, Blue Chips 7000 doesn’t even deserve to be named after the stellar series it comes from. The record lacks focus and creativity. If Bronson wasn’t too busy with everything else in his life, including a new cook book arriving next month, and focused on his music, what he should be turning into Atlantic are classics not middle of the road and uninspiring records.

FINAL GRADE: D

Listen to Our Essential Action Bronson Playlist on Spotify

Coldplay – Kaleidoscope EP

In the past, it was always easy to take aim at Coldplay for their sensitive and tender sound but they took it on the chin and released great records like Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Viva La Vida, and even X&Y. They were creative artists that were paving their own way, they 2011 happened and since the unlistenable Mylo Xyloto, they are just a pop band that tries really hard, a little too hard at making radio friendly pop songs. With the exception of the somber Ghost Stories, nearly everything the British band has put out in six years has been manufactured crap and their latest EP is another victim of that. Why bother at this point releasing anything? Why bother trying to please anyone if all you want to do is be on the radio and not fulfill a creative hole? If that is what the band wants, fine, do it, just don’t expect it to be good.

FINAL GRADE: D

Quick News

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Prince's sister, Tyka, has said that she plans on releasing the music from her late brother's vault which has been the subject of much mystery even when he was alive. The vault inside his Paisley Park compound has been guarded under lock and key for decades and now it will see the light of day. "I want what Prince wants. We have to preserve everything," she told The Sun recently. "As soon as we can release it, don’t worry — we sure will."

Morrissey will release a new album, Low in High School, later this year.

After years of speculating, King Krule has confirmed that he and Frank Ocean have worked together, including one time in 2013, but the man whose real name is Archy Marshall, told Pitchfork that he believes the Blond singer didn't like what he offered. "His work rate’s crazy; he creates album after album. I don’t know what goes through his head. He’s a different kind of cat. He came down and he wanted me to do something for his record, but I don’t think he liked it," Krule said. He also added that he worked with Earl Sweatshirt and did the beat to "Death Whistles," saying: "It was probably like 5 in the morning. And we made this beat, [which] basically came out of the fact that he was like, ‘This beat’s trash.’ And he slowed it down, super. And he was like, ‘This is some good shit.’ [laughs] I was like, ‘Aight.’”

Billy Corgan, now going under his full name, William Patrick Corgan, will release his solo debut, Oligaga, in October. The record was produced by Rick Rubin. In a press release, Corgan said: "For as long as I can remember the delineation point between songs I wrote for myself and songs I’d pen for whatever band was something I couldn’t explain. And it remains so, for they all feel quite personal to me, no matter their time orera. The lone difference on songs for Ogilala is that they seemed to want little in the way of adornment. Having written the songs for voice and guitar, I put myself in Rick’s hands to take the music wherever he’d like. Normally I would have done more, and tinkered more on production, but rather Rick put the onus on me to deliver at a molecular level via live takes. The rest was simply a reaction." He also released the tracklisting, below:
01 Zowie
02 Processional
03 The Spaniards
04 Aeronaut
05 The Long Goodbye
06 Half-Life of an Autodidact
07 Amarinthe
08 Antietam
09 Mandaryne
10 Shiloh
11 Archer

Tyler, The Creator on 'Colbert'

Watch Tyler, The Creator perform "911" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Quick News

This September, The Rolling Stones will release a new album called Rolling Stones: On Air in the Sixties - TV and Radio History as it Happened. The book will chronicle their rise as pop rock darlings on British and American TV in the 60s. The book will also be accompanied by an album, however, it is not said if the record will be songs of the era or new material.

LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and David Bowie almost recorded an album together. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, Murphy said that he and the Thin White Duke became friends after working together on Arcade Fire's Reflektor and had a relationship over email. Murphy, who worked with Bowie on his album, The Next Day, said: "I reached out to David and said, ‘I’d love to do a record just me and you.' He said, ‘It’s funny you mention that, please look me up when you get back to New York'."  They did meet and Murphy says Bowie had already started working on his final record, Blackstar.

The Verve will rerelease their seminal album, Urban Hymns, this September as a massive expanded set to celebrate the record's 20th anniversary. Take a look at the promo video, below:

Singer Tony Hadley has left Spandau Ballet, again. The group, which reformed in 2014, and have been touring since, say they will continue without their frontman. “Much to our frustration, Tony had made it clear in September 2016 that he didn’t want to work with the band any more. This has not changed and 2015 was the last time we were able to perform or work with him. So we have now made the decision to move on as a band,” the "Gold" band said in a statement on their website. Hadley announced the news via his Twitter page:

A statement from Tony Hadley :- I am no longer a member of the band Spandau Ballet & will not be performing with the band in the future. pic.twitter.com/KcuNGTtSFn

— Tony Hadley (@TheTonyHadley) July 3, 2017

It has been 12 years since System of a Down has released a new album and now bassist Shavo Odadjian said during a recent Instagram Q&A that the record may not happen. When asked about a new record, he said: "I know, I’m waiting for a new album too. It’s not happening, I don’t know. I don’t know when it’s gonna be. Not right now.”

Tyler, The Creator, took to Twitter Thursday to announce he will release a new album at the end of the month called, Scum Fuck Flower Boy.

SCUM FUCK FLOWER BOY: 7/21 pic.twitter.com/b6gonFc3o1

— Tyler, The Creator (@tylerthecreator) July 6, 2017

Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Dave Grohl has said that Boyz II Men singer Shawn Stockton appears on the "heaviest" song on the Foo Fighters' upcoming record, Concrete and Gold. He said that he bumped into the R&B singer in a parking lot and asked if he wanted to sing on the record. After he said yes, Stockton also arranged an orchestra for the single.

Quick News

Raekwon took to social media on Thursday to announce that he has finished his new album, The Wild, and it will be out later this year. Take a look at the fantastic cover, above.

The Internet and former Odd Future member Syd the Kyd will release her new album, Fin, next month. Take a look at the tracklisting, below:
01 Shake ’Em Off
02 Know
03 Nothin to Somethin
04 No Complaints
05 All About Me
06 Smile More
07 Got Her Own
08 Drown in It
09 Body
10 Dollar Bills
11 Over
12 Insecurities

Flying Lotus took to Instagram to share the poster for his debut film, Kuso, which will have its grand premier at the Sundance Film Festival. Take a look! 

K U S O Jan21 Sundance midnight! poster by @winstonhacking and Adam stover

A photo posted by flyinglotus (@flyinglotus) on Jan 12, 2017 at 11:03am PST

Beach Slang will release the second volume in their covers EP series called Here I Made This For You. Take a look at the cover and tracklisting, below:

Quick News

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Speaking to Guitar World, St. Vincent said that her new album will arrive in the spring and will be "a real sea change." She said: "I’ve been able to step back and reflect and not just be in the tour, record, tour, record cycle that I’ve been in for about 10 years. I think it’ll be the deepest, boldest work I’ve ever done. I feel the playing field is really open for creative people to do whatever you want, and that risk will be rewarded—especially now that we have such high stakes from a political and geo-political standpoint. The personal is political and therefore the political can’t help but influence the art. And only music that has something pretty real to say is gonna cut the mustard.”

Haim spoke to Entertainment Weekly and said that their sophomore album should arrive in the summer. "We decided we were going to do what we’ve always done,” said guitarist Danielle Haim. “We wanted to get back to our so-called roots. We needed just it be the three of us in the beginning. We just wanted to get back in the zone.”

Kendrick Lamar praised President Obama in the latest issue of XXL and said: "We would probably never get inside that house ever again. Think about it like that. Rick Ross, Cole, Nicki Minaj, he really went for us to come experience it." He also added: "You look at him as such a high figure in the world, but for him to embrace you and have a connection with you further than just being the President and make you feel like an actual friend,” was “one of his best characteristics.”

The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees have been announced. The new class will feature Pearl Jam, Yes, Journey, Joan Baez, Tupac, and ELO. The ceremony will take place in April at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

Former Odd Future member Syd, took to Twitter to announce that her solo debut is finished. No word as to when it will arrive.

Solo album done

— syd (@internetsyd) December 20, 2016

Hodgy Beats Releases New Mixtape, Stream It

Hodgy Beats has released an Mixtape called Dukkha. The former Odd Future member posted it on Soundcloud, take a listen. Hodgy is expected to release a new album later this year.

The Internet on Kimmel

Watch The Internet perform "Get Away" on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Internet on Colbert

Watch The Internet perform on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Quick News

Odd Future, who allegedly split-up earlier this summer, are reuniting already at Tyler The Creator's Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in November.

Adele, who shares the same record label and boss as Damon Albarm, Richard XL of XL Recordings, asked the Blur frontman to work with the songstress on her upcoming album. Albarn spilled the beans to The Mirror and said:  "Adele asked me to work with her and I took the time out for her. And I’m not a producer, so… I don’t know what is happening really. Will she use any of the stuff? I don’t think so. Let’s wait and see. The thing is, she’s very insecure. And she doesn’t need to be, she’s still so young." He also said he heard some of her latest recordings and called them "middle of the road."Adele's latest is reportedly arriving in November.

New Order's Gillian Gilbert spoke to BrooklynVegan about rejoining the band and their upcoming LP. She told the site: "Compared to the end of New Order, certainly when I left, this is quite refreshing. Everybody seems to be adult about this new lineup. We're doing everything in sort of small chunks. When we started up again we didn't know how how people would respond to it. We did those benefit gigs in 2011, we just wanted to see how we'd gel. With Hooky leaving, it left a big hole, really. But it's been really exciting and quite liberating. When we toured in 2013 we didn't have a new album, we didn't have anything to promote. It was a bit like starting again. Now we've got a new record label..things have changed. It wasn't like going back to the old New Order. I think it was time to come back. I certainly did miss it. I've been doing a lot of other things, but not sort-of band stuff. It's been fun going back to concentrating on music and the band." The band are releasing their first album in a decade later this month.

QUICK SPINS

 

Frank Turner – Positive Songs for Negative People

The modern Bill Bragg aka punk poet Frank Turner returns with his latest offering and while musically it is no different from what he has given us already, what Turner showcases is that is not about the sounds in the back but his lyrics up front. This master storyteller gives the listener stories about himself that also relates to those hearing them. He has unintentionally given us the soundtrack of our lives.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Dr. Dre – Compton: The Soundtrack

It has been 16 long years since fans got to hear new music from Dr. Dre. In the time that he was supposed to promise the world his long awaited, Detox, the sequel to his 1999 classic, 2001, he has gone on to help mold and shape the careers of Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, became a billionaire and created a series of headphones that have everyone still going crazy for them. Needless to say, the beat doctor has not really need to put out new music. However, since his story was told in Straight Outta Compton, Dre brought the old and new school together on Compton: The Soundtrack. While the record is allegedly his final solo album, is has it’s moments but they don’t come from Dre himself, they come from his disciples – Em and Kendrick. Compton may be his swan song, but still leaves listeners wondering what Detox would have been like.

FINAL GRADE B+

Leon Bridges – Coming Home

Mixing gospel, soul, R&B and roots rock, Leon Bridges sounds and looks like he should have come from a bygone era of music, however, he gives a new generation a chance to hear what the past sounded like.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Wavves / Cloud Nothings – No Life For Me

Two garage rock meets post-hardcore outfits team up for a banging and slaughtering duet record.

FINAL GRADE: B+

The Weeknd – Beauty Behind the Madness

The Weeknd has been on a steady rise since releasing his Trilogy in 2011 and now returns with his fifth album and gives the world his most complete record to date. With the massive singles “Earned It,” and “I Can’t Feel My Face” this is the record that will make The Weeknd’s steady rise explode into the stratosphere.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Felix Da Housecat – Narrative of Thee Blast Illusion

The superstar DJ returns with his latest album of beats from another planet and brings forth an instant party for fans to toss on and dance to.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Albert Hammond Jr. – Momentary Masters

The Strokes guitarist has had a respective solo career for nearly a decade but now, he has finally found his own voice and able to break out of the mold of what his main band has made him famous for. The guitarist brings a new wave meets Elvis Costello attitude on his latest album and finds his own voice, creativity, and himself on this record.

FINAL GRADE: B+

Wilco – Star Wars

Jeff Tweedy and co. surprised fans with this release and while it came as a gift to fans, it is a typical Wilco record.

FINAL GRADE: B

Elbow – Lost Worker Bee

Much like Wilco, England’s Elbow released a surprise EP that sounds much like leftover songs from last year’s beautiful The Take Off and Landing of Everything.

FINAL GRADE: B

Warren G – Regulate… G Funk Era Part II

The OG Warren G returns with an EP to showcase that he has still got it and with all the hype (and believe the hype) surrounding Straight Outta Compton, G gives the kids a reason to learn their West Coast roots.

FINAL GRADE: B

The Maccabees – Marks to Prove It

The English rockers return with their fourth and most mature album to date. Marks to Prove It may be the title of the record but it is also the theme of how they are showcasing why they are a force to be recognized.

FINAL GRADE: B

Jill Scott – Woman

The beautiful and prolific voice of Jill Scott soars on her fifth album but the album falls flat on differentiating themes and songs throughout the record.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Iron & Win & Ben Bridwell – Sing Into My Mouth

Iron & Wine teams up with Band of Horses vocalist Ben Bridwell for a series of covers. While the album is perfect to unwind to, the record may have two singers but only one star – Bridwell.

FINAL GRADE: B-

MS MR – How Does It Feel

The New York duo’s second album stands out on it’s own and showcases that they can do anything from pop, rock, to dance and still keep the flow going.

FINAL GRADE: B-

The Internet – Ego Death

While Odd Future may be no more, offshoot – The Internet is still challenging the minds and ideas of listeners with their trippy and acid rap sounds that culminate into their third album.

FINAL GRADE: B-

Method Man – The Meth Lab

It has been five years since Method Man has delievered a solo record and while The Meth Lab is a clever title, the record falls flat in many areas including originality.

FINAL GRADE: C-

Major Lazer – Peace is the Mission

…and on their third album, Major Lazer made the same songs they did on their first two records.

FINAL GRADE: D

Tyler, The Creator on Kimmel

Tyler, the Creator performed "Cherry Bomb" and "Smuckers" on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Take a look!

Marvel Reissuing Classic Comics with Famous Hip-Hop Covers

Earlier this year, Marvel released a Run The Jewels inspired Deadpool cover and did it again with Howard the Duck. Now, the comic company is going to reissue some of its classics but with a twist -- this go around they will feature iconic hip-hop album-inspired covers with the characters. 

The album covers they pay homage to are Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the 36 Chambers, De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising, Tyler, The Creator's Wolf,  Biggie's Ready to Die, Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders (Nerd Alert - Came out the same day as 36 Chambers), and Erik B. & Rakim's Paid in Full.

No exact date has been set, but take a look at the badass covers below: