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…
A Tribe Called Quest was without a doubt a staple of 90’s hip-hop. Few other groups can claim the influence and image that A Tribe brought to the game. Riding the wave of conscious rap and jazz instrumentals, the Queens-based rap group grew bigger with each album, and for good reason. They had articulate bars…
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…
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…
Not all years in hip-hop history are created equal. Some years are full of lackluster projects and tame headlines. Some are full of blockbuster albums and cultural changes. If you want an example of this, look no further than 1996. The first thing anyone notes about this year is the fateful death of Tupac, and…
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,…
If there’s one thing that has defined Jadakiss throughout his career, it’s the skill and passion he brings whenever it’s time to put on a show. Tuesday this week was the night he got to remind us of all of that. The New York rapper who made his name with hip hop group The Lox…
Abstract Mindstate is a name you are probably unfamiliar with unless you were close to Chicago’s underground rap scene in the late ’90s and early 2000s. If you’re like me, you came across the curious rap duo by word of Kanye West, who announced their third album was in the works and being released under…
In the music industry, few producers can say they hold the same influence and genre-spanning reputation that Rick Rubin does. While his resume includes credits on many high-profile stars in the mainstream, taking a deep dive into his career presents a compelling picture for a man who shifted pillars of hip hop and rock alike.…
