On Wax: Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion + More

Vote Igor

Every odd year, Tyler, The Creator blesses us with an album, and 2019 was no different. Igor is a must listen, and Tyler’s growth as an artist has come a long way. The artist obsessed with chord changes and pop melodies, drops a marvel of a project. Tyler opts to rap less with pitched vocals, which often blurred the lines of who’s performing. Most people wouldn’t even know Lil Uzi Vert or Solange was on this project unless they were told so. Other features come from legends, like Kanye West, Pharrell and Charlie Wilson, and talented acts, like Playboi Carti, Santigold, slowthai, and others.

While Tyler stays on the subject of love the entire project, he works with familiar sonics and morphs them into a unique blend of pop, hip-hop, R&B, and soul. “EARFQUAKE” is a pop song on the surface, while tracks, “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS” and “A BOY IS A GUN,” are extremely soulful. Aggressive bass and unique percussion instrumentals also round out tracks, “NEW MAGIC WAND” and “WHAT’S GOOD.”

There’s no denying Tyler’s talent and consistency in releasing cohesive works of art. As he continues to challenge himself, he will change the course of what a hip-hop album can be— further advancing the genre. Igor is a great way for Tyler to end a decade he dominated.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Debut is Here

Houston’s up-and-coming artist, Megan Thee Stallion, dropped her debut album titled Fever. What can be said about the tape? Megan delivers with a hard-hitting flow style, however, where the project might lack is lyrical versatility. Although, she has the energy and the vibe, so she is capable of what most of the album fails to do at times. All in all, it’s an impressive debut, but she’s got strides before she is able to catch Nicki or Cardi B.

DJ Khaled’s Newest Jam-Packed Album

DJ Khaled pulls out all of the stops on his newest album, Father Of Asahd. Hip-hop and R&B titans are all over this project, like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Post Malone, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, SZA, Big Sean, Meek Mill, John Legend, and even more. There’s definitely a track or two for any rap fan on this album. Highlights include Big Sean’s solo cut, “Thank You” and “Higher,” which features the late and great Nipsey Hussle.

Chance The Rapper Preps for Debut

It’s strange to think that we haven’t gotten an official album yet from Chicago’s biggest young star, Chance The Rapper. After dropping three mixtapes, Chance is finally giving us an album in July. The first single from that album arrived— “GRoCERIES” is a trap record produced by Murda Beatz and features TisaKorean. If you’re a Chance fan, you’ll enjoy the track, although, it is very in tune with the current trap trend. Nonetheless, a Chance album is something to be excited about.

Reminisce with Aminé

Aminé has gotten really good at dropping bittersweet songs. “Places + Faces” is another track from the rapper that can make you cry. While Aminé appreciates his blessings, he sees that it still affects the ones he loves back home. Aminé continues to occupy the alternative hip-hop space, as one of the best to do it and most successful.

Injury Reserve are Wild

Arizona hip-hop has been a quite one until Injury Reserve came through and fucked shit up. After touring and dropping several mixtapes/EPs, Injury Reserve released their self-titled debut album. Injury Reserve is as an experimental, comical stroke of a genius album. They captivate a great debut by blending some unique noisy production that is accompanied with excellent rapping. While some songs, like “Jailbreak the Tesla,” will make you mosh, “Gravy n’ Biscuits” will get you head-bopping. Injury Reserve is definitely worth a listen.

Nothing Great About Britain According to slowthai

Northampton’s slowthai has released his debut album. Nothing Great About Britain is a politically charged album from a unique artist in the UK hip-hop scene. The project mixes hip-hop, trap, grime, and even some punk attitudes. Also experimental at times, slowthai keeps things interesting. While the standard edition of the album is a little over 30 minutes, a second disc of tracks extends the project over 50 minutes. If you’re interested to see what the UK is doing, check out Nothing Great About Britain.

New DaBaby Video

Dropping his music video for “Pony,” one thing have been justified—the fact that DaBaby is one of the hottest young artists out right now. The energy he brings is reminiscent of Offset from Migos, with how consistent he delivers his verse no matter where it is.

Look Out for NLE Choppa

Uniting with Clever for a track that wraps up under a minute, NLE Choppa has undoubtably been on a roll as of lately. Without a proper introduction, you can say that this was definitely a hit for the two. For NLE, it shows that “Shotta Flow” wasn’t a fluke, and if given the platform, he’d deliver more than expected.

Until next time, it’s On Wax.

– Dyllan E. & Hiram