Category: reviews

audio review : Based On A True Story [ Season 1 ] ( album ) … Will Smith

audio review : Based On A True Story [ Season 1 ] ( album ) ... Will Smith

Will Smith had what one might call a squeaky-clean image for a long time. It wasn’t until the slap heard around the world that he became somewhat infamous. Instead of ignoring the scandal, he addresses it at the very start of this album; his first in twenty years; which is a bold move. That he handles it with comedy, in the style he became popular for in the first place, makes it a smart one.

He should’ve stuck with humor for the rest of the set. It’s his most admirable trait. When he’s just rapping or trying to be a positive role model; he actually takes on the role of a church Reverend here, oddly enough; things aren’t as interesting. He’s not “wack”; never was; but some of these songs come close. The best include Work Of Art with Jaden Smith and Tantrum with Joyner Lucas.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

Bang : Rainbow Unicorn

Bang : Rainbow Unicorn

The Rainbow Unicorn concept seems to have nothing to do with the taste. This Bang supposedly has “a spectacular collection of fruity flavors”, but it goes down like another standard energy drink to me. That isn’t a bad thing; it’s sweet despite having “zero sugar”; but there’s nothing magical about it neither.

my rating : 3 of 5

Bang : Wyldin Watermelon

Bang : Wyldin Watermelon

The Wyldin stylization is silly. “Wild” would’ve sufficed. Not that there’s anything crazy about this energy/sports drink, which offers 300 milligrams of caffeine. “Enjoy summer all year long with the refreshing taste of watermelon!”, the promo reads, and the taste, though carbonated, is akin to the fruit.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : Wet ( song ) … YFN Lucci ( featuring Latto )

YFN Lucci’s hook is slick enough over this bedroom beat, but it’s Latto who steals the scene, à la Roxy Reynolds on Gorilla Zoe’s Talk Back, with a raunchy verse about her “leaking” Wet pussy. “After I’m done, he gon need a mop,” she says, “Treat me like a lady; fuck me like a thot.” She goes on to compare the sound to someone stirring a pot of macaroni and cheese.

my rating : 4 of 5

2020

audio review : Mayhem ( album ) … Lady Gaga

audio review : Mayhem ( album ) ... Lady Gaga

There are hints of Mayhem; some of these (gay) club beats get quite tumultuous; but this album is mostly a controlled affair. That is to say it sounds just like another Lady Gaga album, whatever that’s worth these days. It’s about on par with Chromatica; more interesting than Joanne but not as fun as Artpop. Garden Of Eden sounds like an outtake from the latter. The Swiftesque How Bad Do U Want Me is another highlight.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

365 Creamy Peanut Butter

365 Creamy Peanut Butter

The Crunchy one tastes better, at least when eaten alone. This Creamy version would be better in, say, a sandwich with jelly. Neither are quite good. The lack of a sweetener basically assures as much, but with just two ingredients; dry roasted peanuts and salt; you’ll have a hard time finding a healthier alternative.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : Digital Dreams ( song ) … Bass 305

I don’t know what these Dreams entail, but I’m imagining a futuristic and post-apocalyptic world à la Mad Max or the Virtual Bass album cover itself. That’s what this music; “mid tempo digital bass” music with a grungy techno twist; reminds me of. It’s a new sound for Bass 305 and easily one of their best songs.

my rating : 5 of 5

1994

audio review : Virtual Bass ( album ) ... Bass 305

Froot Loops : Sweethearts

Froot Loops : Sweethearts

The front of the box promotes this Valentine’s Day Sweethearts version as having the “classic Froot Loops flavor”, but that’s not exactly the case. The cereal, which is heart-shaped with a slightly softer bite, seems to taste a little less fruity to my buds. I’m not in love with it, but it’s likable enough with cold milk.

my rating : 4 of 5

3D Energy Drink : Frost

3D Energy Drink : Frost

The name of this 3D Energy Drink doesn’t make sense given its flavor. Frost means cold enough to form ice crystals, but it has a strong; the promo describes it as “light”; hint of citrus, the fruits of which would quickly go bad under such conditions. “Citrus Frost” would at least acknowledge the discrepancy.

my rating : 3 of 5

audio review : Life Is Beautiful ( album ) … Larry June + 2 Chainz

audio review : Life Is Beautiful ( album ) ... Larry June + 2 Chainz

What’s Beautiful, or at least quite nice, is “Alchemist’s production”. Larry June and 2 Chainz’s laid-back monotonous raps; they may as well be relaxing in the sun; sound decent enough over it. The lazy hooks, speaking of Bad Choices, are what rock the boat. Potential gems get flawed at the breaks. The best songs include I Been, Munyon Canyon, Jean Prouvé and the blazed-up title cut.

my rating : 3 of 5

2025

C4 Performance Energy : Popsicle Grape

C4 Performance Energy : Popsicle Grape

Grape is one of the best Popsicle flavors. This C4 Performance Energy drink, even with “zero sugar”, tastes like one. That provides, along with “explosive energy you can feel”; it actually makes your body tingle, so they’re not lying; a boost of summer nostalgia.

my rating : 4 of 5