Words and Images: Erin Edwards

While it’s quite obvious that live bands dramatically enhance the experience of any performance, their usage is relatively sparse in Hip-Hop. Black Milk’s Album of The Year ranks as a personal favorite from 2010. Its rich, soulful instrumentals were ideal compliments to Black’s very personal and introspective lyrics. Already known for his production work, Black opted to don a musical director cap by implementing and leading a live band in playing his MPC-crafted beats. Read the rest of this entry »

“Welcome (Gotta Go),” is unquestionably one of the standout joints from Black Milk’s Album of the Year. No matter if you think that the album lived up to its name, or if you think Tronic was better, this song clearly demonstrates the Detroit emcee/producer’s growth and development as a musician. Not a rapper, but as a musician, because of his versatile ability to build a song from the ground up. Read the rest of this entry »

– Antoine Dodson went from Internet laughingstock to burgeoning businessman.

– The 2010 XXL freshmen class lined up outside David D’s door for their midterm marks. Read the rest of this entry »

The significance of making a definite statement outside of the music has become just as important as the music itself. So when word circulated in the infant stages of 2010 that Black Milk’s fourth album was to be named Album of the Year, there was a collective gasp amongst Hip-Hoppers everywhere. Gutsy call for a first down play. But for an artist such as Black Milk, whose credibility stems from placing art over image, the overall meaning tends to be more than meets the eye. Read the rest of this entry »

Every few weeks, I’ll receive an email either praising or the questioning the shine we’re giving Danny Brown. For the nonbelievers, check The Hybrid on Black Milk’s aptly-titled “Black & Brown.” Read the rest of this entry »

This is a straight ill track from some of Detroit’s finest. The rambling beat lulls you into a trance of head bopping hypnosis. Into that trance come the fierce lyrics of Black Milk, Royce and Elzhi, hitting like an uppercut to the jaw. No less should be expected from men of these lyrical talents. Read the rest of this entry »

A gentleman and a scholar.

Senator Such’n'So wears quilted pants and matching bow ties, and he often greets people with the humor-tinged, “Hello, taxpayers. And fine Americans you are.” We are Americans who know humor is rooted in truth; we are, in fact, taxpayers. The label never feels condescending, because it’s truthful, and his quilted pants and tie are ballsy, respectable choices that don’t go without regard. Read the rest of this entry »

After a couple of warmup lap outtakes from Black Milk’s courageously titled Album of The Year, it’s “Welcome” (sorry I had to) that we finally get an official lead single. His work on the boards in this one is compelling as usual and makes the song worth your attention. It’s the last verse shines the brightest as he goes on about the difficulties of being an indie rapper in a shrinking industry. Read the rest of this entry »

“Speak his mind, never been scared to/Album Of The Year, critics say how dare you…”

Black’s jettisoned off another track that wasn’t deemed worthy enough to make his Album Of The Year. With each cast away, this project becomes more and more intriguing as Black Milk seeks to bring top honors back home to Detroit. Read the rest of this entry »

2008 was used to send Tronic shock waves throughout the underground but in 2009, Black Milk spent most of the time sharping his sword for this latest attack. Twenty Ten gonna be that year for Detroit’s favorite multi-tasker. And as you can hear for yourself, he’s been very busy working on his next plan(s) of action. Read the rest of this entry »