Natalie Imbruglia’s Algorithm is formulated to output a dozen or so songs; mostly middling but occasionally to the left; every few years. That means she’s been making mediocre albums since 1997 and this new one is no exception. Her voice still sounds good; her age is hidden in the cover code; and Just Drive is nice, but you won’t be favoriting most of these tracks.
my rating : 3 of 5
2026
The cover, once you realize it’s not a birthday party promo, makes this seem like some kind of compilation, but it’s the new Suga-T album and it sounds better than you might expect. One advantage the rapper has over her brother (E-40) is that she can also sing, which does wonders for some of these hooks. Standout songs include Day Ones, JOB and We Made It Out.
my rating : 3 of 5
2026
Aside from novelty acts like Lyrically Lively, I think this album; Ice-T’s first in 20 years; makes him the oldest rapper to drop a new album. The fact that it sounds better than a lot of what’s out now says less about the 68-year-old’s skills than the current state of the genre.
“You wanna age niggas out in hip-hop?” he asks on No Competition, “Most you bitch niggas so garbage, why the fuck should I stop?” I don’t think he should; at least not until his teeth fall out or dementia begins to set in. Even then the OG title would’ve never rang truer.
Not that Criminal Migraine compares to Original Gangster. That was his magnum opus. This could very well be his last hurrah; he’s old, rich and not nearly as innovative; but he’s spitting more game (wisdom) than ever. The best songs include Keep It Gangster and No Regrets.
my rating : 3 of 5
2026
The title implies spitting fire and, though he’s not on my top five list, Inspectah Deck’s been “that dude” ever since he held down The City on Wu-Tang Forever. You’ve probably never heard of PA Dre and the producer shouldn’t share album credit; one of hip-hop’s most annoying trends; but his beats are the best thing here. The best songs include Never Fold and Lighter Fluid, though all the collabs are a bit much.
my rating : 3 of 5
2026
They should’ve just made this Cinnamon. Why most, nearly all, varieties of toothpaste are infused with the unpleasant flavor of mint is well beyond me. Not that the Cinna bit doesn’t help because it does. It’s sort of like chewing Big Red.
my rating : 3 of 5
These are easily the worst of the three “limited edition” (Miller) Lite Pringles released in celebration of America’s 250th Independence Day. If they taste like Beer-Braised Steak, I wouldn’t know. The closest thing I can compare the flavor to is coffee, which doesn’t go well with potato “crisps”.
my rating : 3 of 5
![audio review : Sir Too Short : Volume One [ Freaky Tales ] ( album ) ... Too Short](https://marcellee.com/posts/140771.jpg)
This is a new Too Short album, but you can’t tell by the convoluted title, which suggests a “greatest hits” compilation. The songs themselves, none of which are Freaky Tales, make a lot more sense. Short is almost 60 and “still rapping”, though he acknowledges he’s not technically good at it. He never was. His claim to fame is his undeniable legacy as “the godfather of Bay area rap”.
my rating : 3 of 5
2025
audio review : Sir Too Short : Volume Two [ Drink And Smoke ] ( album ) … Too Short
![Black Creek Cheddar Cheese [ With Gruyère Notes ]](https://marcellee.com/posts/140638.jpg)
This Cheese “combines the bold bite of classic Cheddar with the nutty, earthy warmth of Gruyère,” the promo reads, “delivering a flavor combo that’s rich, smooth, and made for melting.” That last bit rings false; it’s relatively hard to melt; but it’s a high-quality product for what it is; essentially a food enhancer.
my rating : 3 of 5
![3D Energy Drink : Orange Cream [ Sulek Edition ]](https://marcellee.com/posts/140626.jpg)
I don’t know what Orange Creamsicles have to do with fitness, but this 3D Energy Drink is officially endorsed by Sam Sulek. You can see an image of his massive physique embedded on the can. Whether you’re an aspiring bodybuilder or just trying to get a regular workout, the 200 milligrams of caffeine will get you well on your way.
my rating : 3 of 5
![audio review : Black Sky Over The Projects [ Apartment 2025 ] ( album ) ... Public Enemy](https://marcellee.com/posts/140458.webp)
It’s been a while since the last Public Enemy album, but “the break is over.” The best thing about this new one, the title of which is ruined by the unnecessary Apartment 2025 bit, is “these hardcore drums”, which set the music apart from the comparatively hollow production of most modern rap.
It seems Chuck D; a Sexegenarian with apparent vision/hearing loss; has grown accustomed to rapping off beat. Less forgivable are some of Flavor Flav’s hooks. Messy Hens and The Hits Just Keep On Comin are trash. C’mon Get Down, which could serve as a concert tour anthem, is a banger.
my rating : 3 of 5
2025
The one good thing about this Toothpaste, other than coming with a free toothbrush, is that it isn’t mint-flavored. It’s not promoted as having a “flavor” at all, though that word is listed on the ingredients list. To me it tastes like an old grocery store, which is where you’re most likely to find it.
my rating : 3 of 5
Confessions 2 is like 1 in that it’s another set of songs mixed for a night at the club. Stuart Price is still the DJ (producer) and his music still outshines the star singer. Madonna prances about; the mundane secrets she reveals have mostly to do with Love and the like; but you wish she’d just shut up and dance.
It’s when she stumbles upon a groovy hook to match the pulsating vibe of the beats, as in School; one of the best songs, though the title metaphor is out of place here; that this sequel starts to justify its existence. She should’ve limited the playlist to 12 songs with no features like the first one though.
my rating : 3 of 5
2026