Chicago Rap in 2012
December 13, 2022
In a brief retrospective, These Days talks to a handful of industry folks involved in the Chicago rap scene’s breakout year of 2012.
ALL: Opening Acts
A Year of Inspiration: Rap Visual Homage in 2022
December 4, 2022
Every year brings a fresh crop of album art clearly influenced from various sources. This season brought covers from Metro Boomin, Joey Bada$$, Boldy James and Nicholas Craven, and more.
“One Mic, One Gun”
December 1, 2022
As a response to 21 Savage’s comments about Nas’ relevance, “One Mic, One Gun” is a pleasant surprise that works best as a statement of unity.
Mapping the Hip-Hop Nation in the 1990s
November 21, 2022
By 1990, hip-hop culture had inspired regional scenes across the United States. A series of maps attempted to mark the changes.
BLU Magazine
November 17, 2022
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
Tame One and “Haagen-Dazs”
November 17, 2022
“Haagen-Dazs,” a track Tame One and El Da Sensei recorded with The Boulevard Connection, captures the essence of an era.
Hurricane G’s “Milky”
November 9, 2022
“Milky” is a testament to Hurricane G’s sharp Nuyorican voice, and a flow that swayed on and off beat with rope-a-dope grace.
Twenty Years of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”
November 4, 2022
I recently spoke with The Ringer for a story about the 20th anniversary of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” which has become a pop landmark and perennial “jock jam.”
To Sleep with Anger
November 1, 2022
The Charles Burnett film To Sleep with Anger has recently re-emerged this month via prominent samples in two songs.
Here Come the Big Steppers
October 30, 2022
Memorably deployed by Kendrick Lamar, the phrase “big stepper” usually means what it suggests. But it has also led to some surprising interpretations.
Who’s Afraid of Youngboy NBA?
October 20, 2022
A recent Hits graphic omitted Youngboy Never Broke Again, the second-highest streaming artist of the year.
Rap Slips to 28%
October 19, 2022
Two recent stories on the decline of rap music’s overall market share have generated some concern in industry circles.