As usual with K-Rino, this isn’t an album you can just throw on in the background. He writes with intent, always pushing a perspective or probing an idea. On 'Heaven and Hell' he questions whether those places exist, while 'Written in Blood' digs into some of the darker corners of US history. Psix lays down a solid backdrop, providing beats that hold the verses up without getting in the way. K-Rino sits in that Canibus or Lupe A-tier as a writer and rapper lane, but if you’re not here for pure lyricism, this won’t be for everyone. Every track is essentially K-Rino rapping nonstop, and the appeal hinges entirely on how much you enjoy hearing someone go all in on bars. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★ Hooks: ☆ Best Tracks: Heaven and Hell, Written in Blood

I’ve been saying the same thing in so many of Apollo Brown's album reviews that at this point, unless he works with a rapper I love, I’ll probably stop checking out his new albums. I haven't counted, but it seems like half the hooks differentiate themselves here by having a choir type VST which isn't new for Brown. He frequently works with these underground/conscious rappers who come with a similar style. The "Chess not checkers"/"Third-eye" type of spitters which is what Ty brings here. He uses those lines and then on the next song, 'Authentic', tells us how different he is. You can't say "Chess not checkers" anymore on a record. It's been done to death. Be it voice, flows, creativity, and so on, Ty has nothing as a rapper to elevate Apollo's rehashed productions. I always name the best tracks at the bottom of my reviews, but after threes listens it's hard to choose as nothing stands out. Maybe 'Traffic' with it's likeable melody if I had to name one. Apollo always makes adequate music you can press play on and let ride, but for a long-time listener, it hasn't gone beyond that for a while to make anything that I want to replay. Everything is similar. It's all safe. Nothing takes risks. Nothing stands out. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★☆ Hooks: ★★★ Best Tracks: Traffic

A solid and consistently enjoyable R&B album. It’s Q Parker’s second album, coming 13 years after his debut. That earlier project had several tracks that easily top anything here - though, to be fair, a few of those are A+ songs for me, which is why I kept looking out for new music from him. ‘fff’ was the first to catch my ear thanks to its instantly grabbing hook but there are lots of good moments. Best Tracks: Beg, fff, Put It On, Lightwork, 3Some

This is not as consistent as Lemar's previous album, 'The Truth About Love', but there are still some excellent R&B/Soul ballads here. On his first five albums, he put A-tier songs on all of them. The title track is amazing and a few aren't far behind. Best Tracks: The Reason, Weight of the World, If She Knew, Over You, Mayday, Wait Forever 1. The Reason 100 2. Weight of the World 96 3. Little Miss 'Heartbreaker' 60 4. If She Knew 84 5. Trust Me 64 6. Over You 80 7. Mayday 90 8. Wait Forever 86 9. Not What You Say 64 10. Black Tide 70

My old review of Mario's EP, 'Closer to Mars', can basically be used for this album. Not much is catchy and there is a lack of build-up or variance in the songs. Too many songs don't develop and also don't allow Mario to really show his immense vocal talent. Best Tracks: Home, Still in Love