hip hop rap

A screenshot from the Smino album Luv 4 Rent shows men getting ready in a mirror

‘Luv 4 Rent’ Brings Smino Back Into the Spotlight

After years of silence, the St. Louis rapper is back.…

November 11, 2022

An article about sampling in hip hppe, an illustration of a mural with the words hip hop and a silhouette of a singer.

Has Hip-Hop’s Current Love of Sampling Eroded the Genre’s Originality?

The recent surge of sampled songs has led some to believe mainstream hip-hop has become unoriginal, but how accurate is this feeling?…

September 11, 2022

In an article about animated hip hop videos, an illustration of a brightly colored animated music video in a browser tab.

8 of the Best Animated Hip-Hop Music Videos of All Time

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

These innovative, visually stunning videos are a treat for rap enthusiasts and animation lovers alike.…

July 22, 2022

In an article about Drake's Honestly, Nevermind, career, a person lying on a bed listening to a record

What Drake’s ‘Honestly, Nevermind’ Says About the State of His Career

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

Despite attempts to try something new, the Canadian rapper’s newest project is mediocre at best.…

July 2, 2022

Kendrick holding a mic in his right hand

10 Years On, ‘good kid, m.A.A.d. city’ Still Reflects the Genius of Kendrick Lamar

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

The talented rapper's 2012 album firmly established his artistic ingenuity.…

February 28, 2022

T-Pain’s Musical Identity Endures Through the Decades

Jake Sanders, Rhodes College

The artist put up with years of slander due to his preference for autotune, but his charming personality and passion for music has kept his fans wanting for more.…

October 9, 2021

Illustration of Young Thug. (Illustration by Katelyn McManis, Columbia College Chicago)

Young Thug Previews a New Sound on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

From his generosity toward young hip-hop artists to his passionate performances, this rapper has proven that he deserves the title of hip-hop G.O.A.T.…

August 18, 2021

Illustration of Kanye West performing Donda.

Kanye West’s ‘Donda’ Rollout Keeps Getting Weirder

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

The 22-time Grammy winner is about to drop his 10th studio album, and the details surrounding it continue his long history of bizarre releases.…

August 10, 2021

Chavo and Coi Leray in their collaboration 'American Deli'

Coi Leray and Chavo Are Two Siblings Taking Over Hip-Hop

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

Siblings often make the most iconic musical duos, and the progeny of rapper Benzino are looking like they will continue this tradition.…

July 23, 2021

An art piece of rap artist Polo G against a brown background. (Illustration by Yana Ramos Cutrim, George Fox University)

Polo G’s ‘Hall of Fame’ Is a Messy Attempt at Vulnerability

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

The moody soundscape and raw, vulnerable lyrics of the artist’s new LP are impressive, but his blind instinct for self-preservation is less so.…

June 27, 2021

An illustration of the American rapper DMX.

The Legendary Life and Extraordinary Talents of DMX

Daniel Buccafusca, East Stroudsburg University

The American rapper should not be remembered as a troubled musician, but rather as a man that has taught the world how important it is to be vulnerable.…

April 14, 2021

‘Limbo’ Shows Rapper Aminé Becoming a More Mature, Self-Reflective Artist

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The Portland hip-hop musician is growing both lyrically and artistically.…

August 24, 2020

‘Everything’ from KOTA The Friend Delivers Thematically and Lyrically

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

Boasting poetic lyrics and lighter melodies, the Brooklyn native’s latest album is a concept record exploring what it means to have everything.…

June 12, 2020

‘Bandana’ Steps Back Two Decades and Steps Up to the Plate

Caleb Clark, Hillsdale College

Freddie Gibbs and Madlib deliver some old school hip-hop nostalgia.…

July 9, 2019

The Life and Death of Capital STEEZ

Christian Zeitler, Carnegie Mellon

The influential, spiritual and ultimately suicidal founder of Pro Era will have an album of his unfinished work posthumously released on the five-year anniversary of his death.…

August 23, 2017

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hip hop rap