Baby Keem makes his return with ‘Ca$ino’

By Alec Aleva, Contributing Writer • March 9, 2026

Where is Baby Keem? Everyone involved in the music world in some capacity has been asking this question for the past five years. 

Pop Off! – Kendrick Lamar Albums

By Ethan Kaufman, Podcast Editor • February 4, 2025

Host Ethan Kaufman and guest Luke Horchler break down Kendrick Lamar's discography and rank his albums from worst to best in anticipation of his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show performance.

Kendrick Lamar continues to flaunt West Coast confidence in ‘GNX’

By John Baker, Staff Writer • December 3, 2024

On Nov. 22, one of hip-hop’s most beloved icons, Kendrick Lamar, released his sixth studio album “GNX” by surprise. Although there were no singles or promotions for this release, there was certainly no lack of anticipation after his feud with Canadian rapper and music superstar Drake. This beef was one of the ugliest and most vicious rap beefs, with scathing accusations made on both sides. The battle between the two hip-hop moguls was capped off with Lamar’s hit single “Not Like Us” — which does not appear on this new release — debuted at  #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, earning over 900 million streams over just a few months.

‘Pop Off!’ – Albums of the 2010s

By Ethan Kaufman, Podcast Editor • April 30, 2024

Host first year student Ethan Kaufman brings on repeat guest first year student Sam Zaslow-Braverman to rank their top album of each year of the 2010s.

Review: Latest Baby Keem album is consistently mediocre

By Andres Hernandez, Contributing Writer • September 23, 2021

Although personal and interesting, the new Baby Keem album "The Melodic Blue" is consistently mediocre.

Review: ‘Black Panther’ soundtrack’s synergy stands strong

By Aidan Lentz, Staff Writer • February 14, 2018

Featuring sounds ranging from hip-hop to R&B to traditional African music, “Black Panther: The Album” comes off a bold celebration of black culture.

Review: Singles for the week of 2/2

By Kara Bowen, Assistant Life and Culture Editor • February 3, 2018

“Pray for Me” The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar Released Feb. 2 XO “Pray for Me” begins passably with The Weeknd’s smooth voice over a dance beat, and only takes off when Kendrick Lamar...

Deja View: A look back at pop culture in 2017

By Kendyl Bennett, Podcast Editor • December 15, 2017

Senior writer Jake Leary sat down with a collection of Ithacan writers, editors and producers to round out 2017. In the first segment, staff writer Matt Maloney and podcast editor Kendyl Bennett argue...

Review: Rapsody spreads wisdom on latest rap release

By Matt Maloney, Multimedia Editor • October 2, 2017

It would be a cultural injustice to ignore the phenomenal lyrical stylings of Rapsody’s work on “Laila’s Wisdom.”

Review: Kendrick Lamar conquers the hip-hop competition

By Matt Maloney, Assistant Multimedia Editor • April 26, 2017

It may not be a straightforward classic like “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” or sonically experimental like “To Pimp a Butterfly,” but it has mass appeal.

Deja View: Piracy

By Kendyl Bennett, Podcast Editor • April 11, 2017

In a micro edition of Deja View, Reviews Editor Jake Leary sat down with Assistant Multimedia Editor Matt Maloney to talk about the moral grey area of piracy. You can read Matt's review of ALL-AMERICAN...

Review: ‘Starboy’ shines in the Weeknd’s latest release

By Colin Barrett, Staff Writer • December 3, 2016

The Weeknd has created one of the most fun and hypnotizing albums of 2016. His themes of materialism and betrayal immerse listeners into “Starboy”.