The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1996
October 1, 2026
Amid a rap industry wrought by conflict on and offstage, 2Pac pioneered a new kind of Black antihero that sparks heated debate to this day.
FEATURED
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1996
October 1, 2026
Amid a rap industry wrought by conflict on and offstage, 2Pac pioneered a new kind of Black antihero that sparks heated debate to this day.
The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1986
August 16, 2026
Thanks to Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C., rap finally went mainstream. But decoding the freshest Black sound in decades would take much longer.
Peter Relic on Bust a Move and Delicious Vinyl
July 25, 2026
Peter Relic discusses Delicious Vinyl, the L.A. label founded by Michael Ross and Matt Dike that brought funky hip-hop to the MTV generation.
The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1986
August 16, 2026
Thanks to Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C., rap finally went mainstream. But decoding the freshest Black sound in decades would take much longer.
Peter Relic on Bust a Move and Delicious Vinyl
July 25, 2026
Peter Relic discusses Delicious Vinyl, the L.A. label founded by Michael Ross and Matt Dike that brought funky hip-hop to the MTV generation.
OPENING ACTS
First Impressions: Q2 2026
June 30, 2026
Reviews of new albums by Navy Blue, Isaiah Rashad, Latto, YG; Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE and Surf Gang, and more.
First Impressions: Q1 2026
April 30, 2026
Reviews of new albums by J. Cole, Roc Marciano, Baby Keem, A$AP Rocky and more.
Black History Through Rap
February 27, 2025
Before she became a “gangsta rap” antagonist, C. Delores Tucker helped assemble a 1985 rap compilation with Philadelphia youth.
Bars for Gaza
October 29, 2024
Over a year after the Israel-Hamas war began, numerous rap songs have appeared that address the ongoing conflict.
BEST OF
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1996
October 1, 2026
Amid a rap industry wrought by conflict on and offstage, 2Pac pioneered a new kind of Black antihero that sparks heated debate to this day.
1986: Year of the Crack Raps
August 16, 2026
In 1986, the rap underground teemed with warnings about the drug’s disastrous effects on the Black community.
Best Rap Singles: Class of 1986
August 16, 2026
Amid a year marked by the rise of hardcore hip-hop, new voices like Jay-Z and Ice Cube heralded a promising future.
The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1986
August 16, 2026
Thanks to Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C., rap finally went mainstream. But decoding the freshest Black sound in decades would take much longer.
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1996
October 1, 2026
Amid a rap industry wrought by conflict on and offstage, 2Pac pioneered a new kind of Black antihero that sparks heated debate to this day.
1986: Year of the Crack Raps
August 16, 2026
In 1986, the rap underground teemed with warnings about the drug’s disastrous effects on the Black community.
Best Rap Singles: Class of 1986
August 16, 2026
Amid a year marked by the rise of hardcore hip-hop, new voices like Jay-Z and Ice Cube heralded a promising future.
The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1986
August 16, 2026
Thanks to Beastie Boys and Run-D.M.C., rap finally went mainstream. But decoding the freshest Black sound in decades would take much longer.