Vigatron’s “Hollow Apologies” refuses the idea that a hip-hop artist must stay in one lane. His Burner-produced album works from a simple rule: follow what feels right. This opens space for changed pitch, different flows, more singing and background singers, while Burner shapes the production around the vocals. It is a record rooted in traditional hip-hop but open to melody, harmony and R&B aesthetics. “Hollow Apologies” refocuses...

A year after the release of his first song, "Change," Chris B., also known as Villeman, is still keeping a low profile. But it has nothing to do with the caliber of his music in any way, shape, or form. The fantastic radio songs of the 1990s that we all hold dearest in our memories have impacted the blend of pop, folk, and grunge. The use...