Travis Scott - Owl Pharaoh

Despite the plethora of hype building under this Texas MC and producer, Travis Scott's Owl Pharaoh doesn't sound like much more than a rap demo that bites its influences a little too hard.

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Quick Reviews: Earl Sweatshirt / Ghost / A$AP Rocky / Starkey / Yo La Tengo / T.I. / Wiz Khalifa

Quick reviews of some of the latest releases and singles from the likes of Swedish metal outfit Ghost and Southern Rap icon T.I..

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T.I.- "Sorry" ft. Andre 3000

Georgia rapper T.I. has one of those album releases that are gonna land in the middle of December, making it difficult for critics to consider it for their year-end lists; however, he doesn't seem to put much into what people say on the internet. He makes it pretty obvious with a lyrical shot about caring what opinions bloggers are posting these days. Outkast's Andre 3000 actually follows through with similar sentiments, addressing negative comments his guest verses have received on the internet as of late: too fast, boring.

The tracks got a pretty smooth beat matched with a very prevalent Southern feel. The female vocal cut on the hook is pretty nice as well. Look for T.I.'s Trouble Man on December 18th via Atlantic.

Killer Mike- "Big Beast" ft. T.I. and Bun B

An extremely gore-filled, NSFW, and ambitious music video coming from Killer Mike on the single "Big Beast," featuring T.I., Bun B, and El-P as the getaway driver. Look out for a convenience store holdup, a straight razor going through a robbers tongue, zombie strippers, and a pretty aggressive car chase.

Killer Mike- "Big Beast" ft. Bun B., T.I., Trouble (Prod. EL-P) (Loved)

MP3

A track from the forthcoming Killer Mike, EL-P collaboration, R.A.P. Music, which will be out via Williams Street Records May 15th.

Though rapping about drugs, violence, and strippers has become an undeniable rap cliche, Mike's lyrics and veteran status serve as a reminder of how gritty this stuff used to be.

Of course, none of this magic could happen if it weren't for EL-P's production. The heavy, hard-nosed beat sounds ready to punch a hole in any stereo system looking to blast it. The relentless hi-hats in the beat make the instrumental sound a little like a trap beat, but the cartoony synths kinda lighten the mood.

I know it's a bit of a stretch, but it actually reminds me of how badass Ice Cube's early stuff used to sound. ANgry, angry, angry. I like it!