Valentina Palomino, SUNY Old Westbury

Your taste in music is oftentimes reflective of who you are as a person.

Liam Jackson, Michigan State University

This collection of tracks has everything from deep lyrics to creative mixes. It’s time to give it a try.

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.

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.

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

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

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.

Kayla Johnson, Bradley University

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

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.

Rickea Bell, Saint Peter’s University

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

Brendan Bell, Towson University

The new album might be his worst one yet.

Brandon Suss, University of South Carolina

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

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

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

Sarah Mease, Columbia College Chicago

What a time to be a hip-hop fan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.