ALL: Opening Acts

Generation “Notti Bop”

In an article on the “Notti Bop” craze inspired by a teen’s murder, New Yorker writer Jody Rosen avoids making aesthetic judgements.

Chicago Rap in 2012

In a brief retrospective, These Days talks to a handful of industry folks involved in the Chicago rap scene’s breakout year of 2012.

BLU Magazine

Freedom Archives, an online database focused on progressive and radical historical movements, has documentation on BLU magazine, which was published between 1998 and 2001. While

Here Come the Big Steppers

Memorably deployed by Kendrick Lamar, the phrase “big stepper” usually means what it suggests. But it has also led to some surprising interpretations.

Rap Slips to 28%

Two recent stories on the decline of rap music’s overall market share have generated some concern in industry circles.

Surviving L.A.

An L.A. Times feature gathers opinions on a bleak trend that has claimed the lives of PnB Rock, Pop Smoke, Nipsey Hussle, and many others.

Mach-Hommy Speaks

New Jersey rapper Mach-Hommy recently gave a rare interview with Rolling Stone.

Ye’s White Lives

Kanye West’s alt-right stunts at Paris Fashion Week have drawn self-righteous condemnation from the fashion world and beyond.