Since as far back as the 13th century, the West African griots were highly esteemed as the human vessels carrying oral traditions, historical narratives, and cultural art like poems and songs. They were effectively the bards of tribes and were as vital to the community as was the royalty. This sense of pride and importance…
Kendrick Lamar is an inspiration and a beacon for social justice, from his hometown of Compton to his brothers and sisters worldwide. He’s cemented himself at the top of hip-hop with an impeccable pen and unrelenting perfectionism. His albums are everything from poetic to raw, and as such, the people are waiting as impatiently as…
Ever since music has begun being distributed widely, there have been layers added on top to help guide listeners and label the intentions of the artist; things like titles, or spoken word. Album art undeniably has one of the most inseparable relationships between any two art mediums. While not every album cover has “meaning,” (and…
From Anthony Fantano to your local record shop employee, it seems there’s plenty of opinions on any and every piece of music out there. Naturally, as people discuss the art they take in, there are disagreements on what projects are of the highest quality. People even debate whether someone is able to give a valid…
Sampling is one of the most trademark techniques used in hip-hop production since it’s beginnings, and it’s well-known. While this has garnered some shade from purist music critics, any open-minded fan of rap will tell you that it’s part of what makes hip-hop such a unique and evocative genre. Blending new and old material has…
Finally, the Cypress Hill Original Graphic Novel is available from Z2 Comics, and it’s 120 pages long. The latest project marks the 30th anniversary of the legendary hip hop group’s self-titled debut album from 1991. The album featured bangers such as “How I Could Just Kill A Man,” “Ultraviolet Dreams,” “Stoned Is The Way of…
The death of Tupac Shakur still haunts many. 25 years later, there are still more questions than answers. This September 2021, we mark 25 years since Tupac Amaru Shakur’s murder in Las Vegas. The iconic rapper, cultural critic, poet, and actor was only 25 when he was shot four times — once in the thigh,…
Recently (on the evening of August 27), Drink Champs has returned to put rumors to rest following the controversial interview with Mickey Factz. What happened? In short, Noreaga called Shyheim and Wu-Tang affiliates flunkies. I know slurs happen on and off on big podcasts, but this one went too far. If you’ve been living under…
Mad! Exactly how Ice Cube’s Death Certificate made me feel when it was released in 1991. Looking back, I was filled with teenage angst, and wildin’ out every time I heard hardcore hip hop got me through a lot of tough days. I played it on my boom box as a suburbanite as evidence that…
Kanye West and rolling out an album – name a worse combo. The legendary producer and rapper is no stranger to unconventional release cycles. If you were following the drop of The Life of Pablo, you’ll remember the fateful “Ima fix wolves,” tweet, followed by some significant changes to the track list and a couple…
