Collection of vinyl records on a wooden shelf, with one record removed from its sleeve, dark warm tones, nostalgic mood
Reviews

Album & Mixtape Reviews

Straight-up breakdowns of new rap albums, mixtapes, EPs, and singles — from buzzing newcomers to names you already know.

What Gets Reviewed

Albums

Full-length rap and hip hop releases, broken down track by track and judged on sound, flow, and staying power.

Mixtapes & EPs

Shorter drops from artists building momentum, covered with the same attention as major releases.

Singles & Tracks

Standout songs and one-off releases that deserve a closer listen, including R&B-leaning crossover cuts.

Close-up of black headphones resting on a surface, lit with green light, moody atmosphere

Reviews here have ranged from independent projects like JusKolMeAl's The Al Taylor Project, Brettathew's S P A C E Y, and Don Logan's Table for One, to standalone tracks such as Ahmad McCown's "What's Best for Me." Coverage spans established names and emerging artists alike, with an ear for both established and emerging artists.

Close-up of a spinning dark vinyl record with reflective concentric grooves, monochrome mood

Insider Ears

Reviews come from a team that includes Editor-in-Chief Filthy Riché, a former A&R for Epic Records, alongside TWB Staff contributors who follow rap releases closely across regions and styles.

At The Weekly Beat, our reviews section is built on a simple belief: every release deserves a fair listen. Whether it's a full-length album from an established name or a debut project from an artist just finding their voice, we approach each record with the same level of care and attention. Our writers break down tracks methodically, considering production choices, lyrical delivery, and how the project holds up from start to finish. The goal is never to tear something down for sport, but to offer honest, useful perspective that helps listeners decide what deserves their time.

Mixtapes and EPs occupy a special place in our coverage. These shorter drops often capture artists at their most experimental, testing new sounds and pushing creative boundaries without the pressure of a major label cycle. We treat these projects with the same seriousness as full-length albums, because so much of today's most exciting hip hop and rap music arrives in this format. Reviews in this space have highlighted rising talents and underground favorites alike, giving readers a window into the artists building momentum and shaping what comes next.

Singles and standout tracks get their own dedicated treatment here. Sometimes a single song says more than an entire project, whether it's a crossover R&B cut, a hard-hitting rap banger, or something that defies easy categorization. Our coverage has included vocal showcases and melodic experiments that deserve more than a casual pass. We dig into what makes each track work, examining hooks, beat selection, and the emotional weight behind the lyrics. These reviews help readers discover individual songs worth adding to their rotation immediately.

The reviews section anchors the broader mission of The Weekly Beat, which has always been about spotlighting artists, celebrating culture, and offering thoughtful commentary on the music that moves us. From hip hop and rap to alternative sounds and occasional forays into other genres, our coverage stays rooted in genuine enthusiasm for the craft. We believe music journalism should serve both the listener and the artist, which is why every review aims to be constructive, informed, and written with the kind of care that matches the work being discussed.

Keep Exploring

Artist Spotlight

Profiles and features on the artists behind the records being reviewed. See spotlights.

News

Trending hip hop stories and culture updates alongside the review coverage. Read the news.

Home

Head back to the front page for the latest across the whole blog. Back to Home.