War & Peace: The Cultural Meaning of Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake
The Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud is serious, but it is the claim to and manipulation of culture that may have the greatest consequences for all of us.
jazz rap
20 Years of Madvillain’s Endlessly Creative ‘Madvillainy’
Madvillain’s Madvillainy remains an unforgettable underground hip-hop album, combining Madlib’s distinctive beats with MF DOOM’s precisely designed rhymes.
Raps From the Golden Age: Jungle Brothers’ Straight Out the Jungle at 35
Jungle Brothers’ 35-year-old Straight Out the Jungle shows cerebral rapping, experimentation, and African rhythms. It was the first Native Tongues hip-hop LP.
‘Sundial’ Is Noname’s Contribution to the Current Golden Era of Rap
On Sundial, Noname raps like her voice is holding the sky from falling. Love of oneself and one’s community is a struggle front and center on the album.
Kassa Overall Dazzles on Eclectic and Forward-Thinking ‘Animals’
Kassa Overall creates a record worthy of your time and that of anyone interested in free-thinking music. Animals pushes jazz and hip-hop further.
Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest
Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste bring the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest to a rousing conclusion.
Flying Lotus Goes Purely Instrumental on New Version of ‘Flamagra’
On the instrumental version of last year's Flamagra, Flying Lotus makes conspicuous variety feel coherent and ordered.
‘One of the Best Yet’ Is Another Gang Starr Classic
How death, legal battles, and scavengers couldn't stop the legacy of Gang Starr, one of the most important pillars of hip-hop.
Noname Comes of Age on ‘Room 25’, But Not in A Typical Way
Noname's Room 25 sees a brilliant writer finding her outlet, taking in the world around her, and spinning it into her own extraordinary web.
Noname Stands Front and Centre of the Movement Redefining the Contours of Rhyme on ‘Room 25’
Noname's Room 25 is vintage neo-soul and future rap hand in hand; a soulful sanctuary for those turned off by the austerity of mainstream mumble rap.
Saba Sends a Cry for Help for His Beloved Chicago on ‘CARE FOR ME’
Although delivered as a plea, Saba's message on Care For Me is necessarily uplifting and therapeutic.