Stephen Kearse

Joined December 2016 | 11 posts

Latest Stories

From 2009's 'The Kendrick Lamar EP' to 2022's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,' which is Kendrick Lamar's best project? We ranked them all from worst to best.

From 2009's 'The Kendrick Lamar EP' to 2022's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,' which is Kendrick Lamar's best project? We ranked them all from worst to best.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

Ranking Kendrick Lamar's Albums From Worst to Best

Rappers are obsessed with the tech billionaire. We just want to know why.

Rappers are obsessed with the tech billionaire. We just want to know why.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

Why Do Rappers Love Elon Musk?

J. Cole latest release, KOD, was dropped with little warning and garnered tons of press, but how good is the final product? Here's a thoughtful analysis of J. Cole's album, which explores addiction, pain and music.

J. Cole latest release, KOD, was dropped with little warning and garnered tons of press, but how good is the final product? Here's a thoughtful analysis of J. Cole's album, which explores addiction, pain and music.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

J. Cole's 'KOD' is a PSA Without a Clear Audience

2017 proved that proved that, while the world is losing its mind, music may be getting more exciting. Here's our picks for the best songs of the year.

2017 proved that proved that, while the world is losing its mind, music may be getting more exciting. Here's our picks for the best songs of the year.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

The Best Songs of 2017

The Seattle rapper—without his longtime producer Ryan Lewis—is chasing the trends on his latest album and ends up sounding unmoored.

The Seattle rapper—without his longtime producer Ryan Lewis—is chasing the trends on his latest album and ends up sounding unmoored.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

Macklemore Attempts Pop Rap But Makes Another Unruly Mess

This weekend marks a year since Frank dropped his back-to-back surprise albums, but they continue to evolve.

This weekend marks a year since Frank dropped his back-to-back surprise albums, but they continue to evolve.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

One Year Later, Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’ and ‘Endless’ Continue To Evolve

Tyler, the Creator's music has always explored loneliness and self-doubt, but 'Flower Boy' marks the first time that struggle has been given real weight.

Tyler, the Creator's music has always explored loneliness and self-doubt, but 'Flower Boy' marks the first time that struggle has been given real weight.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

On 'Flower Boy,' Tyler, the Creator Outgrows His Influences to Make His Most Transformative Album

Less concerned with sheer feats of virtuosity, Thugger uses strands of R&B and love for his fiancée to craft his most accessible album yet.

Less concerned with sheer feats of virtuosity, Thugger uses strands of R&B and love for his fiancée to craft his most accessible album yet.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

Yee Haw: Young Thug Uses Pop To Cure Loneliness On 'Beautiful Thugger Girls'

On 'Damn,' his fourth full-length, Kendrick Lamar is human again, and introspective.

On 'Damn,' his fourth full-length, Kendrick Lamar is human again, and introspective.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

'Damn' Is Kendrick's Smallest Album, and It Might Be His Best

If the Grammys want to make a statement about the future of the music industry, Drake could come out on top this year.

If the Grammys want to make a statement about the future of the music industry, Drake could come out on top this year.

BY STEPHEN KEARSE

Why Drake Could Actually Win Album of the Year at the Grammys