rap

We Love You, Megan—’Cobra’ Is a Beacon for Black Women’s Mental Health

The harsh realities of Black women's mental health are being disregarded and this is affecting rapper, Megan Thee Stallion.…

November 28, 2023

Two drumsticks hitting a snare, labeled "Amen Break..."

The Most Famous Drummer You’ve Never Heard Of

Morgan Brown, Wake Forest University

Gregory "G.C." Coleman left behind a huge legacy in hip hop music, whether you know his name or not.…

September 8, 2023

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

Liam Jackson, Michigan State University

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

November 11, 2022

In an article about her famous feuds, Nicki Minaj stares grumpily in her Super Freaky Girl music video

Nicki Minaj’s Notorious Beefs With Other Female Rappers

Chelsie Ross, Florida A&M University

The Queen of Rap is no stranger to public feuds, but her recent battle with Latto sheds light on the way she treats her fellow artists.…

October 27, 2022

in an article about feuds between rappers, a screenshot of Lil Durk from a music video

Fans Need To Stop Instigating Conflict Between Rap Artists

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

From social media posts to comments sections, the internet is becoming a battleground on which rival fandoms enflame tensions between musicians.…

October 7, 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?

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

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 article about Young Money, screenshot from music video only

Young Money Reunites: Celebrating The Big 3’s Impact & Legacy

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

As three of rap's biggest stars reunite to commemorate their successful careers, it’s time we take a look back at their legacies that were years in the making.…

August 26, 2022

In an article about Jack Harlow's KFC meal, an illustration of the food.

Jack Harlow’s KFC Meal Is Decent, but Still Falls a Bit Short

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

Just how finger-licking good is the rapper’s KFC meal?…

July 29, 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 article about her song Rap Freaks, a picture of Yung Miami in red clothing

Yung Miami’s Solo Single ‘Rap Freaks’ Is Steamy and Controversial

Re’nesia Mills, University of Tampa

Female rap artists like Yung Miami, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion make mature music all the time, but why are parents bothered by it?…

November 12, 2021

In article about Montero, Lil Nas X's latest album, an illustration of Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X’s Baby ‘Montero’ Is Born!

Jenna Amore, Oakland University

The controversial musical artist has been showing off his baby bump to his TikTok viewers, which finally culminated in the 'birth' of his latest album in mid-September.…

September 29, 2021

The Drake and Kanye West Feud Proves the Futility of Hip-Hop Conflict

Niall Calvert, Wesleyan University

Two of the largest rappers have entered a new chapter in their long war of words, and while many fans are grabbing popcorn, the battle is already stagnating.…

September 25, 2021

In an article about album Call Me If You Get Lost, a photo of Tyler, the Creator

‘Call Me If You Get Lost’ Is an Exercise in Languishing Beautifully

Mason Cannon, Columbia University

In his newest album, Tyler, the Creator describes recurring themes of heartbreak within a wider exploration of social injustice, sexuality and a sense of stagnation.…

July 3, 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

Catching Up With Bobby Shmurda, Post Prison-Release

Michael Boland, DePaul University

The Brooklyn rapper was just released from prison and will be in the public eye for the first time since his arrest in 2014.…

March 11, 2021

‘The Rap of China’ Shows How Chinese Rap Has Strayed From the Genre’s Roots

Karen Lu, Yale University

While hip-hop and rap have become a phenomenon in China, these artists have abandoned both the genre's Black roots and its emphasis on authenticity.…

February 28, 2021

Image from the song Baptize from the album Spilligion

‘Spilligion’ Is a Rap Album That Explores the Problems in Our Society

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

In their latest release, Spillage Village uses religious motifs to address racism, police brutality, the pandemic and other prominent issues from 2020.…

December 16, 2020

Bad Bunny’s ‘El Último Tour Del Mundo’ Takes Reggaetón to New Heights

Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Laying rumors of retirement to rest, the artist has conjured up an album filled with diverse musical styles and songs of heartbreak.…

December 13, 2020

The Unusual Connections Between JPEGMAFIA and Kate Bush

Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

Despite several decades separating the heights of their popularity, both the rapper and the English singer-songwriter share an unwavering independent spirit.…

October 9, 2020

In an article about his album What Could Possibly Go Wrong, a photo of Dominic Fike leaning out a car window

‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong’ in Dominic Fike’s Playful Experiments?

Nora Markey, Wesleyan University

As he rises from obscurity to stardom, the singer's new album combines bright, reckless sound with dark lyrics about the pressures of fame.…

August 16, 2020

Artist Tobi Lou makes the artistic choice to use a cartoon to represent himself.

Tobi Lou Shows Off His Poignant Imagination in New EP ‘LINGO STARR’

Eva Halvax, University of Arizona

The musician pairs the melancholy with the joyful aspects of life, creating a balance of carefree nostalgia.…

July 29, 2020

Instagram picture of Lil Baby's single "The Bigger Picture," a protest song

Here Are Some of the 5 Most Impactful Protest Songs of 2020

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

Using beautiful melodies, catchy beats and lyrics that stick with you, this music reflects the struggles of these tumultuous times.…

July 16, 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

Dave Burd, better known as rapper Lil Dicky, against a sunset behind some palm trees

Lil Dicky Wants His Comedy Series, ‘Dave,’ To Show the Real Him

Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

The rapper and comedian, real name Dave Burd, opens up on his autobiographical FXX television show.…

May 27, 2020

Dominic Fike (pictured above) has been the latest musician targeted by the controversy of industry plants.

Dominic Fike Reignites the Controversy Over Industry Plants in Music

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The Florida rapper joins Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X as the latest artist accused of having a manufactured stardom. Are we too quick to affix the label of inauthenticity to popular musicians?…

May 12, 2020