Better late then never as it has been a while since my last article. However what this means is that there is ton of content for me to post, hopefully to your pleasure. First off is part one of three (over the next two weeks) of the Rapid Fire Reviews. Expect more full reviews, as well as one off articles concerning the world of Hip Hop/Rap and RnB.

Welcome, to another instalment of the Rapid Fire Reviews page. With a large number of albums being released these days I thought my readers would appreciate a quick overview of the latest Hip Hop/Rap and RnB releases. Everything on this page gets the same listening time as in the full reviews, so the scores reflect my thoughts of the general album.

Lupe Fiasco ~ The Cool
“Chicago’s second favourite son after Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco is one of the few current generation of rappers that mainstream world genuinely likes. The Cool, his second album after his critically acclaimed Food & Liquor builds on the foundations of the original in many ways. Lyrically Lupe is intelligent and creative as always with his delivery while his choice of music is in the realm of mainstream friendliness meaning his music should feel accessible to all. The Cool is an album for the open minded hip hop fan who understands there is a world beyond materialism”
4/5

Raheem DeVaughn ~ Love Behind The Melody
“Raheem DeVaughn is probably not well known outside the US. However with a recent Grammy nomination surely his music will be appreciated worldwide. Love Behind The Melody is actually his second album but serves as a great introduction to his brand of RnB. You get a distinct feeling the Raheem DeVaughn wants to prove how well rounded an artist he is, as songs vary from neo-soul to traditional RnB to mainstream RnB. This may have given the album a disjointed feel, however the quality of the music shines through”
3/5

Scarface ~ Made
“A well respected veteran of Southern rap and rap in general, Scarface returns with his eleventh album Made. In the current state of ringtone rap music Scarface stays true to who he is and what he represents with a solid album. Never one to exaggerate each song feels like it was lived like the chilling track “Suicide”. In short Scarface remains vivid as always over suitably strong production”
3.5/5

Chingy ~ Hate Or Love It
“Now back with Ludacris and the DTP camp Chingy returns with the album Love It Or Hate It. From the start it’s evident that he wants to prove a point on a number of the levels but quickly slips into old habits. Eighty percent of the album covers the usual ground of money, girls etc. but the production is better than on his previous albums. Overall compared to his previous albums Chingy shows some growth (“Lovely Ladies”, “How We Feel”) which will please old fans and help gain some new ones”
3/5

Jaheim ~ The Making Of Man
“Since he first came onto the scene in 2001 Jaheim has never changed, however this is a good thing as his soulful RnB music is timeless. The strength of his voice and music has never been in question and with his new album he remains in top form. Dealing with a range of topics both good and bad each song feels like Jaheim has lived through each experience. This album is definitely for those with a more mature understanding of RnB (D’Angelo, Jill Scott etc.) and if that is the case then this should be in your collection”
4/5

Styles P ~ Super Gangster (Extraordinary Gentleman)
“Ever since Styles P was released from Interscope Records it seems like he gets better with every album. With this Super Gangster Styles P seems as confident as ever catering for the club, street and the radio. Each song has its own feeling and point to get across with lyrics and sound to compliment each track. Definitely his best work so far, I’m sure Super Gangster will only increase Styles P’s profile as a credible solo artist”
3.5/5

Ledisi ~ Lost And Found
“Nominated for a Grammy (Best New Artist) this year, Ledisi is a neo-soul artist with strong voice and an equally strong debut album. From beginning to end the album delights as Ledisi’s voice glides with a sense of purity over each musical landscape. Anyone who enjoys the music of artists such as Angie Stone, Jill Scott etc will surely be happy listening to Lost And Found”
3.5/5

Big Noyd ~ Illustrious
“Big Noyd who some may know as extended member of rap group Mobb Deep releases his fourth album Illustrious. This album definitely falls under the category of East Coast/New York rap as both the production and lyrical content has that vibe and feel. From a production perspective this is good and those familiar to this sound will feel right at home. The down side is that Big Noyd’s lyrical content and delivery feels like it’s also from that 90’s era, which will please old fans but not earn new ones”
2.5/5