Nicki Minaj: “Queen” (Review)

— 16 Aug 2018 —

Written by Mia Rodriguez

Despite feeling like she is fucking everywhere, it’s been four years since we’ve received an actual album from Nicki Minaj. It’s crazy to write this… but in that time she’s sat and watched former reality star/stripper Cardi B become the biggest female rapper in the world. In response, she brings all the artillery on Queen. It’s a monster of an album, showcasing Minaj’s well-known versatility as a rapper and singer. And that’s largely a good thing, because most of what she tries on this project comes naturally to her. But will it take the throne back from fellow New Yorkian Cardi B? Probably not.

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Travi$ Scott: “Astroworld” (Review)

It’s not hard to see why Travi$ Scott has very quickly become a big deal in hip-hop. Much like his sonic father, Kid Cudi, his songs hover like glowing magnets – you don’t quite know how they work but you can’t look away. It’s why, ten years after Cudi’s debut mixtape, the Lonely Stoner still has a fervent following.

But just like Cudi, Scott isn’t as good as everyone wants him to be. Astroworld is nothing if not fascinating. Its title is actually remarkably accurate; this project sounds like it could soundtrack a stroll through a half-abandoned carnival at midnight on LSD. Scott gives it everything he’s got, stacking a truly gobsmacking amount of talent together across 17 tracks. When it’s great, it’s really fucking impressive. But a lot of the time it just feels like a tease.

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