Lav's Music Corner

Hey Besties, it's time for the list that's usually the most popular among the shorter bunch, almost entirely due to how much buzz anything hip hop related can attract online. Features are still a pretty big deal and they are normally one of the first pieces of promotional material leading to a new album or single. The shortlist this year wasn't as long as in years past but make no mistake, there were literally thousands of featured verses that people out there may consider when making a list like this. I certainly don't claim to have heard every single rap record released this year but I heard a LOT of them, and these were my favorite featured artists who gave memorable performances on someone else's song.  10. 21 Savage on J. Cole's my life A few years ago J. Cole jumped on 21 Savage's song a lot  for a standout feature on what became one of his most acclaimed and well known songs to date. So when it came time for Cole's newest album the pair linked up ...

Kanye West is an artist who really needs no introduction. One of the biggest and most controversial figures in popular music who has maintained a devoted fanbase and commercial success for nearly two decades. After a trio of stadium shows where unfinished versions of his 10th studio album were played to fans, Donda  finally dropped at the ever so unconventional time of 8 am on a Sunday morning.  Review By Lav: Well here it is, the record everyone has been talking about. For the better part of a month the general music community has been caught up in the tailspin of Donda  that Kanye's biggest fans have been toiling in for months if not even years going back to Yandhi . So what are my credentials. While I'm not a Kanye stan who defends his actions regardless of quality or context, I am a big fan of his music with records like College Dropout , My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy  and The Life Of Pablo  being among the best high profile hip hop records of their era....

NAS is a legendary rapper who needs no introduction at this point. From his legendary debut album recorded while he was still a teenager, to his long running feud with Jay-Z in the 90's and 2000's to him continuing to be cited as an inspiration for contemporary rappers, Nas has a legacy that rivals most anyone in rap music. Kings Disease II  comes almost a year after it's predecessor which both follow the second in his compilation series The Lost Tapes II  in 2019. Review By Lav: The hip hop story can't be told without Nas. While just about everyone on earth accepts the essential nature and excellent talent put on display on his debut album Illmatic  there has been a perception around him for years as being a one and done artist. But if you listen to those who know what they're talking about they will glow about Nas' talent and probably have some worthwhile recommendations for further exploring his discography. I thought it was pretty cool last year when Nas rel...