rap
Rhythm and Poetry; rap music is a genre centered around speaking truth to power with style.
How 'lllmatic' Went From a Commercial Flop to a Genre-Defining Classic
The year is 1994. The location Queensbridge, New York City. 20-year-old Nasir Jones is fresh off the release of his debut album Illmatic, which, surprisingly, clocked in at a mere 59,000 copies on the first week. While 59k may seem like a solid first week, in 1994, when you still had to buy albums, it was almost nothing.
By Kyle Mantha7 years ago in Beat
Elegy for the Prolific Nipsey Hussle, Who Was About His Business
As shots rang outside of the store that he owned, the late Ermias Davidson Asghedom, better known as Nipsey Hussle, represented the Young Black Entrepreneur. Through the channel of hip hop, Nipsey Hussle showed how an individual can rise from the doldrums of the streets, and achieve wealth and prosperity in America.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
Reason First: Are B.I.G. and 'Pac Legends 'Because They Died?'
Actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport is a mainstay in today’s hip hop world. He has made a way for himself, by being a student of rap throughout his life. His latest war of words against rapper Kodak Black is yet another foray into the realm of critiquing the genre. This all stems from Kodak Black’s assertion that he is better than slain rappers Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. These statements should always be welcome even if they are unwarranted.
By Skyler Saunders7 years ago in Beat
'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
