rap music

The RAP Act Is Fighting for the Right To Write

Margaret Norsworthy-Edghill, Vassar College

As judges and lawyers attempt to use artistic expression as proof of a crime, artists and lawmakers fight to keep lyrics out of the courtroom.…

October 12, 2022

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

Is Doja Cat Leaving Music for Good?

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

After the recent fiasco in Paraguay, the artist is threatening to leave the industry.…

April 21, 2022

‘From a Birds Eye View’ Makes Us Ask, Does Cordae Really Live Up to His Self-Proclaimed Hype?

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

The young rapper's newest album shows he has not yet lived up to the strong claims he makes about himself in his music.…

February 19, 2022

Anderson .Paak Continues To Show the World His Groovy Greatness

Jake Sanders, Rhodes College

How an artist, who is almost as likable as he is talented, found a natural home in the music industry with his raw passion.…

November 22, 2021

‘Karma’s World’ Is a Must-See for Young Black Girls

Re’nesia Mills, University of Tampa

Produced by a team of mostly African American people, the Netflix series aims to teach children of color how to navigate uncomfortable situations and appreciate themselves.…

November 20, 2021

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

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

On ‘The Life of Pi’erre 5,’ Pierre Bourne Stays in His Musical Comfort Zone

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

As expected, the production on the album is incredible, but the rapping itself leaves something to be desired.…

July 3, 2021

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

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

‘Legends Never Die’ Proves Juice WRLD’s Legacy Lives On Even in Death

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

The posthumously released album serves as both an incredible tribute to the talent of the late rapper and an inside look at the artist's inner turmoil.…

August 11, 2020

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

Donald Glover’s ‘3.15.20’ Is the Perfect Send-Off for Childish Gambino

James C. Loftis, University of North Texas

The actor and musician's fourth studio album shows just how much he has matured both musically and creatively throughout his career.…

June 11, 2020

Cole Bennett Is the Hip-Hop Video Director That Can Jump-Start Careers

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

The Chicago-based music video director and his homemade, low-budget aesthetic is in high-demand among SoundCloud rappers.…

April 10, 2020

Bhad Bhabie Almost Got Scammed, But Is She Scamming Others?

Desiree Jaime, Hofstra University

The scandal involving the 16-year-old rapper and a shady watch company doesn't seem to be getting any attention.…

February 29, 2020

LA’s Most Influential Icons: The Impact of Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle

Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

The death of Kobe Bryant and Nipsey Hussle leaves the city of LA quiet.…

February 16, 2020

5 Underground Houston Artists That Are Redefining Their Music Scene

Dylan Kazanova, University of Texas at San Antonio

Space city is much more than 'Astroworld'; these rappers personify the city’s culture with their unique beats and styles.…

December 6, 2019

3 Local Jersey Artists Changing the Music Scene

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

“I’d take a personal connection of 10,000 people over a commercial audience of a million.”…

November 25, 2019

Kanye West’s ‘Jesus Is King’ Is a Soulless Gospel Album

Brendan Bell, Towson University

The new album might be his worst one yet.…

November 10, 2019

A$AP Rocky’s ‘Babushka Boi’ Encapsulates the Rapper’s Life

Brandon Suss, University of South Carolina

‘Babushka Boi’ is the culmination of A$AP Rocky’s past, present and future.…

September 16, 2019

4 Female Rappers That Are Dominating the Rap Game Besides Cardi B and Nicki Minaj

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

Hip-hop culture needs to make female representation and diversity a priority.…

August 29, 2019

The 5 Best Rap Music Videos of 2018

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

What a time to be a hip-hop fan.…

December 20, 2018

Cardi B Is Breaking Records with her Album ‘Invasion of Privacy’

Taylor Miller, SUNY Cortland

With her new album 'Invasion of Privacy,' Cardi B is breaking records and rising to the top of the rap scene — and she's just getting started.…

April 18, 2018

Russ Vitale on Relevancy and Making It Big in the Rap Scene

Taylor Miller, SUNY Cortland

Despite his recent sudden rise in popularity, Russ is anything but an 'overnight success story.' Here's how he managed to stay relevant for nearly a decade.…

March 10, 2018

Could Drake Be the Musical ‘Face’ of Our Generation?

Sam Kasierski, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

With the rap artist’s career booming in recent years, Drake is becoming more of an icon than ever. And I am not a fan.…

January 31, 2018

Lil Peep’s Death and the Toxic Influence of the Music Industry

Devin Hendricks, Woodbury University

Lil Peep was struggling with drugs for quite some time, and perhaps people will aim to change the narrative of drug abuse in the music industry.…

December 8, 2017

B-CU Student J. Gino Cyrus Brings His Sold-Out Rap Musical on Campus

Elizabeth Ivanecky, McMaster University

This Bethune-Cookman University student wrote a play, created lyrics and composed beats in honor of his college's founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.…

November 23, 2017

A Beginner’s Guide to Mumble Rap

Terry Mooney, Ohio State University

If you have ever accused Future or Young Thug of 'not even saying anything,' you might be missing the point.…

March 29, 2017

Not Riding the Wave, but the Wave Itself: How Good Is Future?

Daniel Wilcox, University of Texas at San Antonio

The rapper has made a name for himself by helping pioneer a new sound in hip-hop, but his popularity is likely short-lived.…

January 25, 2017