Edgar Sanchez

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J. Cole’s 'KOD' contains quick-witted commentary on grounded themes

Mere days after announcing its inception, J. Cole dropped the unexpected album, KOD (an initialism for Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed and Kill Our Demons). After his hotly anticipated — though largely disappointing — 4 Your Eyez Only record dropped last year, many have been critical of both the rapper’s fanbase and his legitimacy as “one of the greats.”

Flatbush Zombies' 'Vacation In Hell' is an inconsistent, yet irresistibly catchy record

Rap trio Flatbush Zombies have been carving their way through the soundwaves with trippy personas and outgoing personalities since 2010. Thanks to a flurry of hard-hitting mixtapes that capitalized on the group’s acid-laced rhymes with ear-grabbing instrumentals, the trio added a breath of fresh air to the rap game.

Judas Priest’s latest release is perhaps their best album yet

Being in a band that steadily produces good music for a decade is an accomplishment of epic proportions.

JPEGMAFIA’s ‘Veteran’ has bold experimentation, but becomes excessive

JPEGMAFIA will be performing a free show April 21 at The Sett in Union South.

Barcelona filmmaker discusses upcoming movie 'Ojos Negros'

Ivet Castelo Torres, Catalan indie film co-director and co-producer of the upcoming film, “Ojos Negros,” sat down with me last month for an interview. Over some classic paella and a glass of wine, she discussed the movie’s plot and intricacies of shooting in Spain, as well as some of the unique properties of pursuing an education in filmography.

Logic does not impress on new mixtape; albums remain superior works

Fans of “Rick and Morty,” myself included, may not have expected the duo to return Logic’s favor of a brief cameo, as he did last season on the popular show. The grandfather-grandson duo announced last week that Logic was dropping a sequel to his well-received Bobby Tarantino mixtape that would be “Good ol’ Atlanta-style club rap.”

New Tory Lanez album is the generic, dollar store equivalent of dancehall music

Tory Lanez, an outspoken rapper and singer hailing from Toronto, released his second full-length album earlier this month with MEMORIES DON’T DIE.

SOB X RBE's 'GANGIN' is great for parties, but not much else

Listeners of 'Black Panther: The Album' may recall “Paramedic!” as one of the record’s highlights. It starred a vibrant and enthusiastic rap group out of Vallejo, California who made a noticeable buzz for all the right reasons.

Rich Brian swaps out fanny packs for throwaway bars with new name, album

Indonesian rapper Rich Brian (formerly Rich Chigga) makes a well-produced attempt at proving he is an emcee capable of being more than just a singles artist. With his first album Amen, Brian presents a mediocre package of 14 tracks and a 44-minute run time.

Lane 8’s new album is a distinguished deep house record that rewards in-depth listening

Daniel Goldstein — better known by his stage name, Lane 8 — has delivered a hallmark of infectious beats and entrancing harmonies with the neatly packaged album, Little by Little.

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Tory Lenaz

Grieves

Seattle-based rapper Grieves, with opening acts K.Flay and Sol, played a packed show at the High Noon Saloon.