Reviews: CLASH Magazine

Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews

S-X - A Repeat Wouldn't Go A Miss

Veteran producer S-X allows his artistry to take centre stage on new release ‘A Repeat Wouldn’t Go A Miss’. The musical production and mix quality on this whole project are immaculate, showing how involved S-X is in the technical side of music; alongside this, though, he shows that he is able to present more than just exquisite production and mixing, allowing his delivery to emphatically shine through. His versatility is evident through, as his vocal range in ‘Same Old Story’ and ‘Pick Up The P
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Youngn Lipz - Area Baby

Youngn Lipz – Australia’s young, upcoming rapper and singer – has just released his debut album 'Area Baby', with a collection of beautiful melodies and hooks to keep you listening for hours. 'Area Baby' has 15 tracks, including his breakout singles, 'Spaceship' and 'Misunderstood', presenting a wide variety of options, to enjoy YL’s artistry. Youngn Lipz ability to present a constant rhythmic and melodic delivery showcases the depths of his understanding when it comes to musical intricacies. A

Unknown T - Adolescence

Unknown T has released his new mixtape ‘Adolescence’, a re-introduction to the rapper’s realm of music, and his own personal touches on the drill side of music. The 15 song tape consists primarily of drill anthems and pleasantries for his targeted audience; he focuses on making his name known, becoming ever-cemented as one of the smoothest drill artists to ever grace the microphone. Five key highlights contain notable features from some of the veterans in the UK scene including: Nafe Smallz, M

Sneakbo - Jestski Wave 3

‘Jetski Wave 3’ is the newest entry into the versatile space of UK music, delivered by non-other than the seasoned Brixton MC Sneakbo. fConsisting of 16 tracks, and notable features from upcoming stars such as BackRoad Gee and Pa Salieu, to established craftsmen M24 and Ard Adz, there is a broad range of selection for fans. Encompassing the culture or “wave” the mixtape gives a taste of Sneakbo’s ability in a range of different palettes of music such as drill, grime and dancehall just to name a

GoldLink - HARAM!

‘HARAM!’ is the latest LP from DMV-rapper GoldLink, a 15-track album that blends notable features from hard-hitters such as Rich The Kid andNLE Choppa alongside a roster of upcoming artists. Distortion in the mix of GoldLink’s vocal track is a key feature throughout the whole album, which serves to deteriorate from his delivery, and undoubted punchy vocal presence. Not only is it in the vocal mix, however; indeed, it is a theme prevalent throughout the entirety of the album. GoldLink is no stra

Wretch 32 - Little BIG MAN

‘Little BIG Man’ is the latest project released by the seasoned, Tottenham based UK poet known as Wretch 32. The project’s focus hinges on tackling the concept of life after being incarcerated, and the difficulties faced being involved in a lifestyle presented through such unconventional circumstances. The project was released alongside a visual short film – which can be found on Youtube – and they go hand in hand, as the story that unfolds through music begins to unravel before your very eyes

Cadet - The Rated Legend

With ‘The Rated Legend’ Cadet seals his legendary status in UK rap, showcasing natural storytelling ability through gritty lyrics and deep understanding of an authentic sound. Taking the limelight on tracks such as ‘Support me’, ‘Trust em’ and ‘Speechless’, it’s worth noting that collaborations were always a key part of Cadet’s work, too. Boasting a great ear for sonic chemistry, this album utilises features from the likes of Krept, Wretch 32, Chip, and Deno – who steps up on ‘Advice’, a 2018 U

The Weeknd - After Hours

'After Hours’ has finally dropped after a long year of being in the works. The Weeknd’s fourth studio album is a mixture of the usual dark material we are accustomed to, whilst paying homage to the ‘80s, with synths being thrown at us left and right. With no features on the album, The Weeknd is truly able to deliver the most vulnerable and open project he has released to date, exploring themes of acceptance, emotional distraction, and the stages of a heartbreak. Opening track ‘Alone Again’ set

J Balvin - Colores

'Colores' is the seventh studio album by the Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, ten tracks long. With his vibrant energy, unique take on the reggaeton genre and raw talent, anticipation was high for this record. Each track on 'Colores' is based on the colour that J Balvin and his team envisioned whilst listening to the final version of said tracks. J Balvin sets the pace by jumping straight into 'Colores' with a dynamic track 'Amarillo'. Yellow is the colour that is given to the intro track, d

Jadakiss - Ignatius

Jadakiss's five year hiatus from recording a studio album has ended with the 13-track ‘Ignatius’, and with it the Yonkers rapper proves he still has the creative vision to create a full-fledged project. The definition of “Ignatius” is “the fiery one”, and this is apt for the listening experience of this record - akin to being on fire. With multiple noticeable features – 2 Chainz, John Legend, Rick Ross, Emanny, Pusha T, Ty Dolla $ign, Dej Loaf, Nino Man, Millyz – the varied roster means no two

M Huncho - Huncholini The 1st

M Huncho’s slick second mixtape ‘Huncholini The 1st’ confirms the UK rapper’s consistency in both delivery and creative vision. It’s a project with minimal collaborations, but those that make it on are well chosen, with chemistry and sound that’s well-matched. Two of the biggest UK artists in the rap scene - D-Block Europe and Headie One - are very well chosen candidates for this project, both having created their own sound in the rap stratosphere. Headie One, for example, has carved out a nich

Denzel Curry And Kenny Beats - Unlocked

Denzel Curry - Florida rapper best known for his gritty, dark and raw rap style, has dropped a short but memorable project - with arguably one of the best producers in the music industry: Kenny Beats. ‘Unlocked’ is the record’s title, and it’s also the best way to describe this listening experience, as each track delves into different dimensions of hip-hop. It’s also an impressive platform demonstrating the creative dexterity of both the artists and their respective arts. Denzel Curry, who bui

Birds Of Prey - OST

The highly anticipated all-female supervillain movie ‘Birds of Prey’ released on Friday, making headlines across the internet for being a great instalment in the DC Comics heroes franchise. In an ideal world, such an incredible production will be matched by an even better soundtrack, reflecting the explosive, unhinged storyline. Luckily that’s exactly what we got with ‘Birds Of Prey: The Album’. Having an all-female cast for a movie is an incredible feat as it is. However, to have an all-female

Mac Miller - Circles

The posthumous studio album ‘Circles’ by the late Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller, produced and completed by Jon Brion, is a beautiful symphony with which to bid farewell to one hip-hop ‘s sweetest voices. It plays hand in hand with the late artist’s 2018 studio album ‘Swimming’, and can be seen as a ‘Part Two’ in a sense, each album showing Miller’s full, true self. Through these final projects, his true talent shines along with an impressive vocal range, creative dexterity and emotional highs an

Eminem - 'Music To Be Murdered By'

‘Music To Be Murdered By’ is the best way to describe Eminem’s surprise album. The themes portrayed here are very controversial, but what else could you expect from the Detroit rapper? He has always been criticised by the mass media for his controversial music, and been labelled homophobic, misogynistic and insensitive to various man-made disasters. However this is what sets him apart from artists in the hip-hop industry: he is not afraid to speak his mind and rap about topics most would shy awa

V/A - JACKBOYS

After Travis Scott teased the release of the compilation album back in October, ‘JACKBOYS’ has come upon us by surprise, with an adventure into the collective thoughts of the Cactus Jack label, one that includes Don Toliver, Travis Scott, Sheck Wes, Octavian, and Chase B. ‘JACKBOYS’ is a short but extremely repeatable musical journey, the record stripped down to a mere seven songs. A few artists outside of the record label make an appearance, finding room for includes ROSALÍA, Lil Baby, Quavo,