rap
Rhythm and Poetry; rap music is a genre centered around speaking truth to power with style.
'Hip-Hop Evolution': "Ladies First"
I have wanted do a Hip-Hop Evolution deep dive for so long. I think the documentary was absolutely stellar and I’ve watched it several times now. I thought it was only right to start with Queen Latifah and Monie Love’s “Ladies First.”
By Azaria Brown7 years ago in Beat
All Genres Allowed - J.O Rocks on Amazon Prime, iTunes & YouTube
What a time for J.O. The wild and outspoken artist has a documentary on Amazon Prime, a new album on all streaming platforms, and a music video on YouTube. She's been performing since 2007 but this is the most productive time of her career.
By Winners Only7 years ago in Beat
Reason First: Why Does Trick Daddy Back Kodak Black?
In the world of beats, battles, and slave chains, hip-hop, some of the legends tend to look down on contemporary artists. They disparage everything from their flow, to their style of dress, to their lyricism. Backlash has arisen against rapper Bill “Kodak Black” Kapri stemming from his comments about Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter. His words resonated enough to impact legendary hip-hop artist Maurice “Trick Daddy” Young. By supporting the young rapper, he’s taking a stance to show that the more seasoned generation of hip-hop notables can vibe with the younger set. The fact that Kapri and Young both hail from Florida also is an indicator of the pat on the back that Young gave to Kapri.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
Future's "Temptation" is a Perfect Song
Future released a new album a couple weeks ago. It’s a really good album. So good, in fact, that I can’t stop listening to it. I listen to it in the morning, and at night. I listen to it when I’m sad (which is often), I listen to it when I’m happy (which is less often), and I listen to it when I’m feeling absolutely nothing at all.
By Kyle Mantha7 years ago in Beat
Reason First: Is Blueface the Truest Rapper Alive?
Like Morris Chestnut’s character Ricky Baker in the seminal film Boyz n the Hood (1991), Jonathan “Blueface” Porter possessed designs to play college football. Unlike Baker’s character, Porter actually spent a stint playing football for Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. Porter represents yet another hip-hop artist with an easy flow, laid-back persona, and intriguing presence, but can another gang-related rapper crossover to the mainstream? With lyrics like, “that boy got a necklace talking out his neck ‘til I leave him neckless” (emphasis mine), are testament to the gritty realism that continues to permeate through Porter’s work. His slim output, unlike the prodigious oeuvre of other California rappers like Earl “E-40” Stevens and Brandon “Lil’ B” McCartney, may grow and allow him the opportunity to excel at his craft.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
Hip Hop to the Beat of the Heart
I know not everyone likes rap and hip-hop, but I love it. My favorite artists are The Game, Eminem, Tyga, Jigg, Lil Johnny, and Gmebe Bandz. I know some of these aren't everyday names but I encourage you to go check them out if you're a fan of rap and hip-hop. Some of them go into rapping about money, cars, and girls, but sometimes they actually touch you. To the extent, you revisit and listen to them over and over again.
By Marcus Azaria7 years ago in Beat
The 'Rebelution' Will Not Be Televised
Rebelution, produced by Funk Duv (Trackdealer) is a soul motivator embedded in a Bob Marley sampled Burnin and Lootin, infused with live congo percussion. The first single from Docta Skitz’s highly anticipated fourth LP, Hardknock 101; is a call to action on the state of this nation we call home. The pace is zero to 100; the tone: the time is now! It has the feeling of the greatest roller coaster you have ever ridden and once that ride is over you want to turn around and do it again. Opening with a chant from the legendary Gil Scott Heron, relaying his message of the revolution not being televised, places you in immediate attention and waiting for the next course of action.
By Darim Stewart7 years ago in Beat
Female Rappers to Tune into for 2019
2018 was a great year for music overall, particularly the hip-hop genre. With many memorable albums dropped last year, many have noticed the emergence of females in the rap game. Most of the attention was geared towards Cardi B and her explosive arrival, but there were many other female artists who made their own statements themselves. They might've flown under many people's radar, but that's what I'm here for. With 2019 shaping up to be another awesome for hip-hop, here are some female rappers you guys should look out for in 2019.
By William Ricks7 years ago in Beat
Is Troy Ave Better Than Drake?
The rap world is fractured. On different planes, you have a Pulitzer Prize-winning act like Kendrick Lamar and on the other you have energetic and rambunctious figures like Soulja Boy still holding it down for pop-friendly and street-oriented fair. But at the top of the mountain sits a Canadian mogul who has achieved widespread acclaim and fortune to boot. This figure is of course Aubrey “Drake” Graham. With radio-friendly cuts and sometimes velvety hooks and entire songs to his credit, Drake has outperformed the competition for over a decade in terms of sales and skills. But what about the rappers at the other end of the spectrum with lower sales but higher credibility towards street figures? Roland “Troy Ave” Collins represents this bracket of hip-hop artists.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
The Real Docta Skitz
Music was not just a trade for Docta Skitz, but his destiny. Ingrained in his bloodline Archie Bell and The Drells (Tighten Up), Fifth Dimensions (Age of Aquarius), and the Dazz Band ("Whip It") incorporate his DNA. He did not take his craft serious until the age of 15 when he met (now deceased) friend/brother and founding member of the collective that would be later known as The Mad Hattaz. During their sophomore year in high school they became the best of friends and found common interest in the world of hip hop; partaking in after school ciphers and entering talent contests around local high schools, bowling alleys, malls, or anywhere they could gain an audience. Summer of '93 was the year the duo decided to take their talents to the next level after realizing that there was potential for success, during an era of hardcore, gangsta rap blended with a breakdown of the system an oppressed people, an angry and distraught nation a time where only the strong would survive. At the time, an underground group by the name of Wu-Tang Clan surfaced giving the manual to all that it was better to move in numbers in order to get your point across, they achieved just that. Adding a DJ and four other members: Leef Da Chief, Baby Cutthroat, Headkracka, and Tripp Nasty would be known as the Mad Hattaz.
By Darim Stewart7 years ago in Beat
