When Game first announced that his next album would be a sequel to his classic debut, I was worried for him. The Documentary was such a quintessential West Coast album— how could Game, whose last few albums were meh, recreate the magic? Well, looks like the pressure made a diamond, because Game delivered. He came through with a double-disc project that (ironically) is a lot more focused and true to his West Coast braggadocio than his most recent efforts. On disc 1 of The Documentary 2, Game goes for a more accessible sound and brings a star-studded guest list (Drake, Dr. Dre, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg) to help him wax poetics about his Compton upbringing, his gang-banging past, and his recent relationship woes. While disc 1 was Game showcasing diversity and trying to appeal to the casual listener, disc 2 is where he really shines. Disc 2 is Game at his most raw and unfiltered — this is the album he wanted to make. It’s a pure West Coast sound, with beats supplied by Battlecat, DJ Quik and DJ Mustard, that sounds like it could have been released in 1992. The lyrics on this portion are a lot more conscious, passionate, and delivered with greater conviction. Case in point, on Gang Bang Anyway, Game trades bars with Jay Rock (who steals the show) and ScHoolboy Q about the perils of LA’s gang culture; there’s even a little history lesson at the end of the track. If disc 1 of The Documentary 2 was Game rapping about his life and his situation, then disc 2 has him dishing lyrics about the world around him. Tracks like The Ghetto, Magnus Carlsen and Last Time You Seen are a clear indication that Game can effectively rap about deeper social issues that are outside the realm of gangster rap.

Game talks about Dre’s influence on Documentary 2, which was instrumental in ensuring such a high quality product.

The Documentary 2 isn’t better than its predecessor, but it achieves its mission. It proves Game has grown as an emcee and the fact that he’s still as cold-blooded as we first heard him on his debut. Now, where’s The Doctor’s Advocate 2?

You Should Check Out: On Me, Dollar & A Dream, Documentary 2 (this is probably my favourite beat of 2015), Magnus Carlsen, Gang Bang Anyway, Outside, From Adam

This is probably the first time you’ve ever heard of Goldlink. Who exactly is he? He’s a charismatic rapper from D.C. who crafted the “future bounce” sound. Hot off the release of The God Complex, Goldlink connected with Rick Rubin (nooooo!!!!!!) to create And After That, We Didn’t Talk, which is an 11-track long project that deals with the fragility of relationships. With such a focus, you’d assume that the music would be self-deprecating and filled with sorrow; but that’s the farthest from the truth. Goldlink sticks to his signature sound and goes for uptempo beats that are heavy with 90’s hip-hop and R&B influence. What’s so great about this album is how high-energy it is and how refreshing it sounds — everything from Goldlink’s sing-song-rap flow and cadence, to the beats, and even the lyrics contains charisma that you wouldn’t expect based on the subject matter. Even on the album’s most seemingly bleak songs, Palm Trees and See I Miss, Goldlink articulates his message with such vigour that you wouldn’t even know he’s just lamenting about his exes.

Goldlink described And After That, We Didn’t Talk as “getting really drunk one night and thinking a lot…”. Well, if Goldlink keeps on drinking and thinking, then you’re bound to hear his name more often. Goldlink got next.

You Should Check Out: Dark Skin Woman, Unique, Palm Trees, See I Miss