HOTLINE. . .

1. Rap reboot,

2. Haunting vibe,

3. Garage days,

4. Think Halo.

_________________________________________________________________

RAP REBOOT

Kendrick Lamar
good kid, m.A.A.d city

— Written by Shane Collins (el Don Style Editor)

Kendrick Lamar’s latest album good kid, m.A.A.d city is the best rap album of the year. Lamar’s storytelling ability is what sets him apart as the best young rapper. Based on the hardships of his life in Compton, tracks like Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst about the death of a close friend show Lamar’s songwriting ability. Kendrick Lamar shows that hip-hop is still worth listening to though his album will be a tough act to follow.

_________________________________________________________________

HAUNTING VIBE

Macy Gray
Talking Book

— Written by C. Harold Pierce (el Don Staff Writer)

Macy Gray’s soulful remake of Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book pays homage to the legendary artist while introducing his work to a younger crowd. Apart from Superstitious, which Gray slows down for a haunting vibe, the album follows an identical orchestration. Though her singing is not as powerful as Wonder’s booming vocals, Gray’s trademark raspy voice complements the smooth R&B, reinventing his classic album.

_________________________________________________________________

GARAGE DAYS

Dirt Dress
DLVNVN

— Written by Aaron Vasquez (el Don Staff Writer)

Dirt Dress’ new release Donde La Vida No Vale Nada is a throwback to the classic garage days. Each track draws comparison to the surf-rock vibes of The Ventures. The standout song is Sonic Death, with a punchy and raw hook that will stay in your head for days. It’s a simple album with a breezy and totally tubular vibe. This release is perfect for fans of bands like Sunset Rubdown and Wolf Parade.

_________________________________________________________________

THINK HALO

343 Studios
Halo 4

— Written by Shane Collins (el Don Style Editor)

Halo 4 is a new approach to the old. Now designed by 343 Studios, the creative team brought together everything fans want: bigger scale action, a smoother control scheme and no flood. Now players must blast their way through forerunners to get back to planet Earth to save Cortana. With unlimited sprint and a new line of weapons to tackle the challenges, Halo has officially become a thinking man’s game.