audio review : Bay West ( album ) … Suga-T

audio review : Bay West ( album ) ... Suga-T

The cover, once you realize it’s not a birthday party promo, makes this seem like some kind of compilation, but it’s the new Suga-T album and it sounds better than you might expect. One advantage the rapper has over her brother (E-40) is that she can also sing, which does wonders for some of these hooks. Standout songs include Day Ones, JOB and We Made It Out.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026

audio review : Before The World Blows ( album ) … Erykah Badu + The Alchemist

audio review : Before The World Blows ( album ) ... Erykah Badu + The Alchemist

Fans have been waiting for a new Erykah Badu album for over a decade. It’s a shame how long this took and it’s not even a solo project. Instead she follows the trend of sharing artistic credit with the main producer; a decision I can’t make sense of. That’s not to say The Alchemist doesn’t belong. His psychedelic soul beats are a fitting soundscape for the singer’s melodic ramblings.

That melody is what sets Erykah Badu apart from most of her diva peers. She is a true talent not just when it comes to singing but making songs. This is probably her best set yet. It’s effortlessly good. When she stops singing and starts talking is when her personality starts to annoy. Her ultimate sin is inviting Westside Gunn to degrade the experience with retarded gun noises.

my rating : 4 of 5

2026

audio review : Criminal Migraine ( album ) … Ice-T

audio review : Criminal Migraine ( album ) ... Ice-T

Aside from novelty acts like Lyrically Lively, I think this album; Ice-T’s first in 20 years; makes him the oldest rapper to drop a new album. The fact that it sounds better than a lot of what’s out now says less about the 68-year-old’s skills than the current state of the genre.

“You wanna age niggas out in hip-hop?” he asks on No Competition, “Most you bitch niggas so garbage, why the fuck should I stop?” I don’t think he should; at least not until his teeth fall out or dementia begins to set in. Even then the OG title would’ve never rang truer.

Not that Criminal Migraine compares to Original Gangster. That was his magnum opus. This could very well be his last hurrah; he’s old, rich and not nearly as innovative; but he’s spitting more game (wisdom) than ever. The best songs include Keep It Gangster and No Regrets.

my rating : 3 of 5

2026