"The Archandroid" is eclectic funk from the future. Janelle Monae, in her first major release, presents herself as a dynamic talent who wears many hats, musically speaking. Most of the album's tracks are set to electronica style beats that are kind of heavy. The whole thing is somewhat complex, in fact, both musically and lyrically. It's complex to the point that it will be polarizing for many listeners. You're likely to either love it or hate it. This record is for someone whose love of music transcends genre, because this album has a little bit of everything, but not enough of one thing to sustain. There are pretty impressive guest contributions by Big Boi and Of Montreal. There are so many influences channeled on this record. I've picked up on elements of Bjork, Etta James, and Diana Ross, just to name a few. Do not let the fact that this album is produced by Bad Boy, which of course is P.Diddy's label, deter you. In comparison to most of the music produced by Bad Boy, this is much more well rounded from an artistic standpoint.

RedletterDaydream

Previous Works:
Metropolis: Suite I (EP)

Track:
Tightrope (Ft. Big Boi)

Chris Webby has yet to release a major label album. He remains unsigned producing independent mixtapes. Just like how college sports are sometimes more competitive than professional sports, the same can be said for mixtape rappers versus major label rappers. Webby's flow is ridiculous on this and his last three mixtapes. He drops the sharpest metaphors I've heard from any hip hop artist this year, signed or not. On the track "Raising The Bar" Webby writes, "Ramblin'. Answerin' the hatin', spittin gorgeously. Can't handle him, I'm Anakin, and yes I got the force with me". On most rap albums, you hear the better tracks and the artist might drop a verse or even a single line that catches your ear. On this record, the poignant bars just persist throughout. The whole mixtape is just amusing. Webby is not a millionaire, his content is relatable. The lyrics are raw. There is an element of comedy or parody in his style. Coming straight out of a Connecticut private school, Christian Webster had a tough time gaining any "street cred" until facing drug and weapons charges in 2009 for which he remains on probation. There are themes of drugs and violence in his work, but there is more than that. He's definitely someone to watch for.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Optimus Rhyme
Teenage Ninja Rapper
The White Noise LP

Track:
Stranger

With his fourth successful album, Rick Ross has positioned himself as one of the most popular acts under the DefJam umbrella. Unfortunately, it's the same shit on a different record. The theme of "Teflon Don" is about the same as the theme of his last three releases; Cocaine, cash, cars, and violence. In Ross's defense, these are prevailing themes throughout most of the hip-hop genre. Last year's "Deeper Than Rap" was much more compelling lyrically. It was raw. This new album seems forced, like he needed to put out something this year so this is what was thrown together. Rick Ross is the type of bloated brand name rapper that perpetuates the cycle. All the guest appearances that seem to grow exponentially with each album are either by other brand name rappers that serve to validate eachother's fame, or by underground rappers looking to sell out and become brand names themselves. I can't argue with the fact that it sells. I even found his last three albums to be entertaining, but Ross's latest work is not that good.

RedletterDaydream

Past Works:
Port of Miami
Trilla
Deeper Than Rap

Track:
I'm Not a Star