Wale ‘The Gifted’ Album Review
July 6, 2013
As is the case with many rappers who ascend in reputation, Wale takes a giant step toward maturity on The Gifted, his third album. It’s his most stylistically virtuous yet, even if it becomes sporadically over-dependent on superfluous cameos from everyone ranging from Nicki
Hip-Hop’s Biggest Feuds
June 28, 2013
Hip-hop’s glamorisation of gangs and violence has always been one of its most troubling attributes. But it’s fair to say that the genre might not have become the major worldwide musical force it is today without the headline-grabbing conflicts between its biggest players. Here’s
Top Ten European Music Festivals
June 28, 2013
Way Out West – Sweden Way Out West is one of Sweden’s premiere music festivals, despite only being around since 2007. Swedes are renowned for their efforts to be environmentally friendly, and this festival is no exception, even offering the controversial all-vegetarian food option.
Stevie Wonder Rumored to be Fueling Up for New Albums, 2014 Tour
June 26, 2013
Stevie Wonder is gearing up for a big year in 2014, with the possibility of three new albums and a tour. Rolling Stone spoke to Wonder backstage at the Hollywood Bowl this past Saturday. The legendary singer was on hand to induct John Legend
Kanye West ‘Yeezus’ Album Review
June 25, 2013
Kanye West’s Yeezus is a blast of sexually charged distortion that continues West’s trend of consistently entertaining idiosyncrasy. His over-indulgent tendencies act like a blinking light between pure brilliance and irritating exhibitionism, an aspect present more than ever on the thrilling, raucous, and occasionally
The Mowgli’s ‘Waiting for the Dawn’ Album Review
June 25, 2013
LA-based eight-piece The Mowgli’s pack a crisply reverberating rock punch ideal for a beach day. Their Californian sound is joyously upbeat, with effervescent choruses that soar with a predictable nonchalance. The beachside setting shown on the cover of their new album, Waiting for the

Top Ten Artists Who Need to be Playing Las Vegas Residencies
June 23, 2013
It takes a special type of artist to headline a residency show anywhere, much less the epicenter of all residency events: Las Vegas. There’s no specific criteria for an artist to reach the status to receive an invitation to lead a residency event in
Bilal ‘A Love Surreal’ Album Review
June 23, 2013
It’s a bit funky and often psychedelic. The opener sounds like the score to a disjointed, but beautiful dream. It’s a little old school, but deeply layered and informed by modern music and technique. At times it can be very, very subtle. A Love
Best Opening Bands of Summer’s Mega Tours
June 22, 2013
A summer mega tour isn’t worth its namesake if it doesn’t feature a proper pre-game. Although the main act is the ever-important draw to ticket sales, an opener can be equally important. In addition to attracting a larger fan base, their music sets the
The Knife ‘Shaking the Habitual’ Album Review
June 22, 2013
It’s been seven years since the last proper release from The Knife, during which the brother-sister duo of Olof Deijer and Karin Dreijer Andersson have stayed busy and kept their fans interested with various side-projects. Like their collaborative opera with Mt. Sims and Planningtorock,