Albumism’s inaugural year has been an exciting one indeed, and one of the primary reasons why is the all-star team of music-obsessed wordsmiths we’ve had the pleasure of assembling over the past eleven months. And we’re concluding 2016 on a high note with the very welcome addition of Gregory Dale, who brings fresh perspective, keen insights, and an unbridled passion for music to the Albumism fold. We encourage our readers to stay tuned for much more from Gregory, and in the meantime, check out his excellent debut article that reexamines Nas’ fifth studio album Stillmatic as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.

More about Gregory:

Gregory is a Delaware-based freelance writer. He holds a degree in Journalism from Delaware State University and spent five years as a writer/editor of the AFRO American Newspaper in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. He's written about politics, crime and socioeconomic issues, however music writing is his passion. In addition to being a huge hip-hop fan, Gregory also has a deep love for 1970s soul and likes to collect vinyl and make sampled soul beats. Follow Gregory on Twitter via @Da7thletter.

Gregory’s 5 Favorite Albums of All Time:

OutKast’s ‘ATLiens’ Turns 30 | Album Anniversary

The duo’s second studio affair was a shift toward more cosmic, leftfield strains of sound and deeper, more intricate narrative threads replete with more prominent symbolism and metaphor.

Biz Markie’s ‘I Need A Haircut’ Turns 35 | Album Anniversary

The hip-hop legend’s third studio affair features some of his most entertaining and inspired lyrical performances, with heavy doses of Biz’s signature goofiness side by side with serious-minded narratives.

Björk’s ‘Vespertine’ Turns 25 | Album Anniversary

On her fourth studio affair, Björk relinquishes the big beats that dominated her previous work, opting instead for hushed, whispered snatches of vocals with electronic bleeps, whirs and pulses.