9 Books (and 1 Film) to Celebrate Women in Hip-Hop
From pioneering figures like Queen Latifah and MC Lyte to contemporary stars like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, female rappers have broken barriers and expanded the genre's boundaries.
When the Music (Criticism) Stops: The Demise of Pitchfork
Some say that most critics are frustrated artists. But with the collapse of influential music review outlets like Pitchfork, increasingly critics are just frustrated critics.
6 Coolest Holiday Songs for People Who Hate Holiday Songs
If you're tired of listening to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You," here are some deep cut alternatives.
5 Categories of One-Hit Wonders
National One-Hit Wonder Day happens every year, though when you think about it they probably just should have done it once.
15 Great Underground Hip Hop Albums
Whether you’ve avoided hip hop in the past or are simply looking for something fresh for your playlist, these artists’ approach to production, rhythm, flow, and lyrics are sure to send you down the endless rabbit hole of independent and underground hip hop.
R.I.P. MTV News (1987-2023): Headbanging the Headlines
For years, MTV News told the youth of America what was happening to the nation, to the world, and to Jamiroquai. But now it's gone. Tabitha Soren, we hardly knew ye.
3 Was the Magic Number
De La Soul, featuring the late David Jolicoeur, so thoroughly reimagined hip hop that their records sounded like transmissions from another reality. Plug Two, over and out.
9 Great Albums (and 1 Great Comic Series) from the First 50 Years of Hip Hop
It's hip hop's golden anniversary and we're about to drop some beats.
Don’t Call it a Bad Back: LL Cool J Turns 55
It's LL Cool J's birthday, and we're celebrating in the customary fashion: starting hurricanes; listening to the bass go boom; maybe a little ice cream.
“Party Up” and Beyond
DMX left behind a robust catalog of gruff and visceral hip-hop tracks. If you want to go beyond megahit "Party Up" you're going to have to use your library card up in here, up in here.
Memories of Becoming an MC, DS, David Sweet
DJ David Sweet recalls his memories of Hip Hop, Rap and Slam Poetry in Toledo over the past 40 years.
Happy Little Trees: A Playlist
A collection of songs that are not thought of as happy songs in the traditional sense, but are uplifting just the same. This post includes classics and lesser known gems from musical groups and/or musicians like The Monkees, Bill Withers, Nick Drake, The Mountain Goats, Outkast and many more.
Albums to Adore: To Pimp a Butterfly
Featuring Kendrick Lamar and his music.
Albums to Adore: Surf
Most people don’t expect a Hip hop group to be led by a trumpeter. However, the debut album by Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment does little to conform to expectations. The group features artist Chance the Rapper as well as appearances by other industry giants including; Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu.
