300 Entertainment US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Following her 2022 effort Good Morning Gorgeous, Gratitude reflects Blige's current state of grace and resilience while retracing the musical motifs that defined her 1990s heyday. Kicking off with 'Breathin', featuring Fabolous, the track melds nostalgia with fresh energy, sampling classics like Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Kick in the Door'. Blige's powerhouse vocals shine, though the production occasionally feels mismatched. Tracks like 'Need You More' featuring Jadakiss and 'Beautiful People' deliver rich grooves, revisiting her roots while embracing contemporary sounds. Highlights include the anthemic 'You Ain't the Only One' and the genre-defying 'Never Give Up on Me', which seamlessly blends funk, disco and soul. Ballads like 'Here I Am' and the empowering 'Superpowers' reaffirm Blige's vocal prowess and emotional depth. Collaborations with Fat Joe and A$AP Ferg on closing tracks 'God's Child' and 'I Got Plans' bring the album full circle with a nostalgic yet dynamic finish. Gratitude only serves to reinforce Blige's legacy, her vocals stronger than ever and her storytelling as compelling as it is heartfelt.

Review: Gunna's album One of Wun is a strong addition to his catalog, solidifying his status as a melodic trap powerhouse. Kicking off with 'Collage,' Gunna delivers an ethereal and catchy vibe that sets a high standard. The title track, 'One Of Wun,' shows his effortless flow over a triumphant beat, while 'Neck On A Yacht' stands out as an intense trap anthem with a menacing melody. Tracks like 'Hakuna Matata' and 'Prada Dem' (featuring Offset) highlight Gunna's versatility and ability to craft bangers, with energetic performances and captivating beats. Even the more experimental 'Freesh' impresses with its futuristic sound. The album's standout moments, such as 'Still Prevail,' really stand out to what else is popular in this scene. Overall, One of Wun continues Gunna's streak of compelling releases, reinforcing his position as a leading figure in the trap scene.

Review: Slime Season 3 is the third mixtape by American rapper Young Thug and it was initially released on March 25 back in 2016. Continuing the Slime Season series, the mixtape features Thug's signature blend of eccentric delivery and melodic flows which now stand alone within the trap genre. Highlights include standout tracks like 'With That' and 'For Ya'll' where Thug combines inventive wordplay with hard-hitting beats. While it wasn't initially available in the UK on vinyl, Slime Season 3 solidified Thug's influence in the hip-hop world and got praise for its and boundary-pushing approach to trap.

Review: The original entry in the Slime Season series from Yung Thug is a mixtape filled with highs and lows. While the rapper showcases his eccentric style and talent, the compilation feels like a patchwork of unfinished ideas. Some tracks are fast-paced while others, like 'Hey I' and 'Best Friend' shine as highlights. Thug's strongest songs display subtle, carefully structured melodies, and many have high replay value, especially the opening tracks. Despite this, the mixtape features standout moments, such as 'Draw Down' and 'Wood Would' which demonstrate his lyrical unpredictability and emotional depth and remind why Thug is so revered in trap.