Twenty-Five Years Later: ‘Reasonable Doubt’ and the Iconic Career of Jay-Z

It’s safe to say that twenty-five years ago, none of us could have possibly foreseen what Jay-Z would go on to become and how important he would be to hip-hop. In twenty-five years, the kid from Marcy Projects whose grandma fed him banana pudding would go on to have fourteen #1 albums, sell fifty million […]

The Bad Seed is Ready To Square Off, Find Out Who’s Ready

Headlines read “Royce Da 5’9 and Lupe Fiasco Trade Bars On Instagram,” but what mainstream media sites fail to mention is what led up to that hype. RJ Payne who skyrocketed from underground to mainstream tweeted “Right now nobody is rapping better than me and Ransom.” Royce Da 5’9 added, “Yea you said it…Ransom said […]

Riley Wallace Kickstarts His “From Boom Bap To Trap: Hip Hop’s Greatest Producers” Book

There has never been a book like this. Written and illustrated by noted hip-hop journalist Riley Wallace, From Boom Bap to Trap: Hip-Hop’s Greatest Producers is a groundbreaking compendium that not only digs deep into the stories and catalogs of icons like Pete Rock, RZA, Dr. Dre, and DJ Premier but also features highly influential […]

Legends Never Die: DMX (A Rare Breed)

The phenomenon that is DMX only happens once in two lifetimes. He stood as the voice for those who didn’t have one and was the hope for the hopeless. We understood his pain and listened as he bared his soul and went to war with his demons. When he made it to the top we […]

M.O.U.F. Prepares to Release New Album, ‘Day Breakers’

Lyricism, word play, and extended metaphors are all aspects of hip hop and the reason so many are fascinated and drawn to the genre. For the listeners, the bars and beats embrace their minds and hearts as they resonate with the stories being told. For the rappers, hip hop is a form of expression and […]

UNDRCRWND – John Jigg$ VS Innocent?

UPDATE: Stay tuned for the UNDRCRWND: Innocent? vs John Jigg$ mixtape – coming soon! Weekly Rap Gods announces the second official UNDRCRWND on Saturday, January 16th between John Jigg$ and Innocent?. Who will be crowned the winner? Both are lyrical heavyweights, both fan favorites, both hold a strong reign over NY (past and present), and […]

The Most Important Bassists in Hip Hop

Hip Hop wouldn’t be what it is without the bass guitar. Since the earliest, sample-driven days of hip hop, the bass guitar has been a crucial part of hip hop’s evolution. From veteran effects pedal-hogging luminaries like Pino Palladino to contemporary producer-musicians like Brady Watt, let’s dive into the world of the most important bassists in […]

Legends Never Die: Prodigy (Episode 3)

As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mobb Deep‘s monumental sophomore album The Infamous, I pause and say to myself, “Damn, Prodigy is really dead.” Prodigy has been gone for three years now. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when he passed. I was at work walking through the lobby, going […]

Mass Appeal: New Noise Out the Northeast

When it comes to East Coast hip-hop, Boston—and Massachusetts as a whole—hasn’t garnered the same attention as neighboring cities like New York and Philadelphia. While there have been individual success stories, such as Guru of Gang Starr, viral sensation Joyner Lucas, boom-bap torchbearer producer Statik Selektah, and Ed O.G., acts on their level have been […]

20 Years Later: ‘Supreme Clientele’ Reminds Us All that Wu-Tang Is Forever

When the Wu emerged on the scene with their monumental single “C.R.E.A.M.” off their debut album Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) in 1993, it was like a new day in hip hop. It’s safe to say that the Wu changed hip hop forever. They were a part of what I like to call the […]

30 Years Later: ‘All Hail the Queen’ Still Sits On the Throne

Queen Latifah has led a career many rappers can’t hold a candle to. To keep it totally 100, not many in the entertainment business can say they’ve accomplished half of what she has. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grammy Award, Emmy Award, Golden Globe, two NAACP Image Awards, over two million albums […]

Rapper Skillz & Lena Waithe Bury the Hatchet Over Strong ‘Queen & Slim’ Criticism

The movie Queen & Slim has received mixed reactions amongst critics. Recently, Emmy award winner and producer of the film Lena Waithe and rapper Skillz became the center of attention in what looked like an online tiff over the film. Thirty-five-year-old Chicago-born Lena is an actress, screenwriter and producer. She is best known for her […]

The Legacy of Nas Doesn’t Stop At ‘Illmatic’

When you talk to the average hip hop fan about Nas and ask them what’s his best work, a good amount of the time you’ll hear Illmatic. If you ask them why, you usually get the cliche, “Man, the beats were incredible. He had DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-tip, and L.E.S. He painted […]

Review: Ras Kass ‘Soul On Ice 2’ Album + Book

If your into heavy lyricism and Boom Bap beats like I am, Soul On Ice 2 will be very enjoyable for you. It took me a few listens and a read through the SOI2 book (which was a great idea btw) for me to grasp everything. Ras Kass has one of the best pen games […]

SuperSTah Snuk & Termanology “ISIS” Freestyle

ST Da Squad lyrical governances SuperSTah Snuk and Termanology release mercenary “ISIS” Freestyle. Snuk returns with an unyielding comeback, reminding the rap world he’s no beginner. Bar for bar his uncontrollable rhyme schemes are blowing up boroughs causing fatal casualties. Term gunboats in with his own reminders on how quickly he can erase rooms, literally […]

Termanology & Dame Grease ‘Set In Stone’ LP

Termanology teams up with platinum producer Dame Grease for Set In Stone album, available now on all digital platforms. The lyrically conveyed canvas features Method Man, Bun B, Enisa, Vado, LA Novel, Wizz Dakota, Millyz, Sheek Louch, Wais P, Lil Fame of M.O.P, C Scharp, and Ea$y Money. Stream/Buy Here Set In Stone serves as […]

Willie The Kid Signs On As Producer Of PBS Langston Hughes Documentary

Hip Hop artist & entrepreneur Willie the Kid has joined on as a producer for I Too Sing America: Langston Hughes Unfurled a documentary slated to be released in 2020 through PBS’ American Masters Series about the great American poet, novelist, playwright, columnist & social activist who rose to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance. Willie & his […]

Thirstin Howl the 3rd Premieres Kung Fu Film ‘General Lo and the Legend of the Lo Palm’

Thirstin Howl the 3rd, a revered icon in the hip hop culture, embarks on a cinematic journey. Growing up in NY, Kung Fu films were wildly popular and still are. Thirstin puts a magnificent Love and Loyalty spin on his recent theatric debut in General Lo and the Legend of the Lo Palm. The cast […]

Planit Hank (Hip Hop Donor Benefit) Nov. 11th in Williamsburg, Brooklyn @ Music Hall

Planit Hank (Hip Hop Donor Benefit) Performances By Masta Ace, Sadat X, El Da Sensei, Marco Polo, Diamond D, DJ Evil Dee, Melissa J, & More… Tickets: https://www.axs.com/events/364382/beat-cypher-dj-evil-dee-diamond-d-marco-polo-large-professor-tickets?skin=mhow The Donor Benefit will be held at the Music Hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (capacity 600+). Confirmed performers are Canibus, Masta Ace, El Da Sensei, Sadat X, Angela Johnson […]

Wu-Tang Clan Celebrates 25 Years of ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ @ A3C Festival [Live Footage]

This year Wu-Tang Clan floored the crowds at the A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta celebrating their 25th Anniversary of ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’. The entire clan was present for this milestone event. Young Dirty Bastard put on a powerful performance on behalf of his father ODB (RIP). His delivery was spot on and truly reminiscent […]

A3C Is Atlanta’s Premier Hip Hop Festival

A3C is Atlanta’s number one hip hop festival! This year has a blazing lineup with your favorite artists. Lil Wayne just dropped ‘The Carter V‘ and you can catch him this week on A3C’s stage. Hip hop enthusiasts will enjoy some stellar performances from other hip hop greats such as Wu-Tang Clan, Talib Kweli, PRHYME, […]

20 Years Later: ‘Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life’ and the Rise of Jay-Z

September 29, 1998 was a huge day for hip hop. Three classic albums dropped in one day. Outkast‘s ‘Aquemini’, ‘Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star’ and Jay-Z‘s ‘Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life’. When I think about Jay’s albums now, all I can say is WOW! ‘Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life’ was the album that solidified Hov, […]

20 Years Later: ‘Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star’ Is Still One of the Most Underrated Albums Ever

Sometimes music is so ahead of its time that people aren’t ready for it, so they push it to the back, and then BOOM, years later everyone gets it. When we talk about the best hip hop albums of 1998, people always overlook the legendary Rawkus Records release, ‘Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star’. When The […]

On Sunday, September 30th Join “The Funeral to Bury the Violence” 2018, Presented by Doitall, 211ci, and Earlii Red

THE FUNERAL TO BURY THE VIOLENCE | 2018 PSA from Kim “Earlii Red”, the Outreach Director/Communications for 211Ci and DoItAllForNewark: “On behalf of 211Ci, DoItAllForNewark, and Dupre “DoItAll” Kelly, we would like to invite you to “Bury The Violence” anger, fear, and anything you need to heal. At 10am on Sunday, September 30th all Wards […]

Attend Omen44’s “Building A Nation” EP Release Party — August 24th In Brooklyn

The Plug International along with Mecca New York‘s notorious artist Omen44, present Building A Nation EP release party on Friday, August 24th at 8pm. The event will be held at Cafe de la Esquina in Brooklyn and hosted by Nikki. Omen44 rallied up some of the surrounding boroughs most elite Hip Hop endorsers to bless […]

Why Drink Champs Is Essential For Hip-Hop Writers/Enthusiasts And Fans

As a hip-hop writer in this era, we often source for stories, info and the likes via the web. We need to face the fact that the majority of paper publications are now web-based. Yes, companies still do prints but the internet has now become the norm when it comes to news. From traditional reporting […]

Video Music Box Celebrates their 35th Anniversary

Video Music Box has been a major part of hip hop culture since it first aired in 1983! If you grew up in New York, VJ Ralph McDaniels and Lionel C Martin were the dopest guys on TV. I remember being so excited as a little girl to watch the videos, learn the dance moves, […]

Is “Nasir” Overrated or Under-Appreciated?

How could you judge an album mad quick without listening to it a few times. My synopsis after a few repeated listens, I can honestly say that I like the album, but I’m not completely blown away by it. Still has to grow on me a little more. I guess you can say that I’m […]

20 Years Later, Big Pun’s “Capital Punishment” Is Still One of the Best Hip Hop Debut Albums Ever

On April 28, 1998, Christopher Rios introduced to the world what would later be crowned as one of the greatest debut albums in hip hop history. Capital Punishment is important to hip hop for so many reasons. Pun was the first Latin rapper to bring home a platinum plaque (selling 1 million copies) for this […]

Celebrating Gang Starr’s “Moment of Truth” 20 Years Later

1998 was an epic year for hip hop. You just had to be there to understand. So many classic albums dropped that year. DMX dropped It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood all in the same year. Jay-Z became a mainstream superstar with Vol. 2… Hard Knock […]

BET Presents #20YrsLtr: Doe or Die (Full AZ Documentary)

Back in 2016, BET aired their mini docu-series, #20YrsLtr, featuring rapper AZ. Recently, they uploaded the full footage to YouTube. Anthony Cruz, known worldwide as AZ, released his debut album Doe Or Die in October, 1995. #20YrsLtr chronicles the rapper’s journey from childhood to his obtaining of a record deal due to his legendary verse on Nas’ […]

Young Dirty Bastard – Talks WU, His Father & The Next Generation

Young Dirty Bastard, aka Barsun Unique Jones, is a clone of his father Old Dirty Bastard in every aspect of the word. YDB takes pride in his family being a father, and of course executing mics and stages with captivating and memorable music. Born into the Clan and raised by the Clan, YDB continues to leave […]

The Bitter Dose of Roc Marci’s Rosebudd’s Revenge 2

Live from the Mecca. New York, NY, the big city of dreams. The backdrop is Brownstones, Bodegas and pizza joints. A cloud of smoke from a Russian Cream Backwoods engulfs a figure. Emerging from that cloud wearing a DSquared Tee, Cartier glasses and Nike Air Max sneaks is one of the most talented lyricists of our […]

Meet Elzhi & Khrysis’ Alter Ego — Jericho Jackson

A couple of days ago, the all new hip hop duo, Jericho Jackson (Elzhi and Khrysis), dropped their self-titled joint project for the world to drool over. Kicking off their album with Self Made as their leadoff single, it’s apparent that these two are sticking around for a while. With a perfect combination of slick […]

Legends Never Die: Big Pun (Episode 2)

Before we end the month, it’s only right we pay homage to a true Rap God — Big Pun. Now let me take a trip down memory lane if y’all don’t mind. It’s February 8, 2000, first period in Mrs Banard’s television and broadcasting class, I was singing the lyrics to the Big Pun and […]

Wu-Wednesday Spotlight: Killah Priest & 4th Disciple’s “Don’t Sit On The Speakers”

It’s 2018 and we can categorically say that “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta F**k Wit”. With a legacy that has outlasted most rap careers and a legion of fans that stretch beyond both sides of the equator, the one other unique factor about the Wu is the number of affiliates. No other group in the […]

“Roxanne Roxanne” — The Biopic of a True Rap Goddess Hits Netflix In March

Legendary Juice Crew member and battle rapper extraordinaire Roxanne Shante’s biopic titled “Roxanne Roxanne” will be coming to Netflix. After rave reviews from Sundance Film Festival 2017, the film is finally getting the exposure it deserves. The riveting film about the Queens native stars Academy Award winning actor Mahershala Ali, Nia Long and debuts fresh […]

Legends Never Die: J Dilla (Episode 1)

If someone asked me to describe James Dewitt Yancey (Jay Dee aka J Dilla) in one word, my response would be, “that’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. It’s impossible.” Last week marked what would have been the legendary producer/emcee’s 44th birthday, as well as the 12th anniversary of his untimely […]

Gems From The Equinox: The Revisitation

Before we completely disregard the year 2017, let’s take a couple of minutes to reflect on a project that may have slipped your attention. This being the album Gems From the Equinox by Meyhem Lauren and the legendary DJ Muggs. A lot of rappers claim that they are slept on or underrated on a daily […]

The Privilege Of Being Black

So, I, like many others have heard the rambunctious ramblings of “Everyone’s Favorite Asshole” — Charlamagne tha God from Power 105.1’s the Breakfast Club. He lives up to the title, especially after making Lil Mama cry during a previous episode. So when it was announced that he was writing a book and promoted (ad nauseam) […]

The “Legacy” of Wonda Woman

Wonda Woman aka Dyana Prinze hails from Brooklyn, NY where she grew up in a family with strong musical influences. Her father, Omatangu, was a grass-roots Reggae artist from St. Vincent and the Grenadines known for his song “Slave Driver”, and her cousin Alston “Becket” Cyrus (ABC) was also a Soca/Calypso artist who had a big hit […]

The Main Source Is Still “Breaking Atoms”

The Main Source recently came home from their European tour celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their trailblazing debut album “Breaking Atoms“! The legendary hip hop group graced the stages of London, Amsterdam, Denmark, Austria and Japan this fall. Loyal fans overseas went head over heels showing that the Main Source’s music has longevity and a […]

The Building Blocks Of Boom Bap

Boom Bap is stronger than ever, despite opposing viewpoints. We are highlighting a few artists blazing the scene in the name of boom bap. It’s refreshing to hear artists preserving the hip-hop genre with gritty lyrics, prowess, substance, cadence and visuals that reflect the culture. They are truly legends in the making! First up, we bring […]

How To Cripple A Giant

The issues that caused the watering down of Hip-Hop can be summed up into 4 distinct categories: Money Before Art: Rappers have decided that money is more important than the culture. There is a lack of “Hip-Hop integrity” — being true to the core values and principles of the culture. Therefore, “artists” routinely sell their […]

Sean Price — The Brownsville Shapeshifter

With the recent release of the Sean Price’s Imperius Rex album, there has been an outpouring of love and admiration for the rugged Brooklyn rapper known as Ruck. After his passing in August of 2015, Price’s celebrity status skyrocketed (are we surprised), and over the past few years he has been mentioned in the same breath […]

Wrath of the Gods — Mumble Rap, Lonzo Ball, and Hip-Hop’s History Lesson

Hip-Hop – when compared to other genres of music, it is relatively new. However, since its birth in 1973, Hip-Hop has seen numerous forms. From the early days of break driven cuts, to the first introduction of the Emcee in a larger role, to today’s so-called “Mumble Rap” with beats more suitable for the strip […]