UHHM and Russell Simmons
August 9, 2022
It remains unclear why disgraced rap mogul Russell Simmons is associated with Universal Hip-Hop Museum, which is scheduled to open in the South Bronx in 2024.
ALL: Opening Acts
Blockhead on “Drumless” Rap
August 9, 2022
On July 6, Blockhead launched a fascinating Twitter thread exploring the phenomenon of “drumless rap.”
Rob Swift’s Tips
August 9, 2022
Inspired by a Wiz Khalifa tirade, Rob Swift has gathered some helpful tips for navigating a rapper’s ego.
“Lune TNS (Lyric Video)”
July 26, 2022
A recent lyric video of Big Juss of Company Flow’s 1997 track “Lune TNS” pays tribute to the golden age of New York graffiti.
Pusha T ≠ Martin Scorsese
July 18, 2022
In a recent interview, Pusha T equated his coke-rap focus to Martin Scorsese’s mob flicks. The comparison doesn’t quite hold up.
Lloyd Banks on Process
July 18, 2022
A recent GQ interview proved that Lloyd Banks is a thoughtful interview subject.
Forty Years of The Wire and Hip-Hop
June 5, 2022
This year marks four decades of avant magazine the Wire. Throughout, the British publication has frequently if fitfully championed interesting rap artists.
Opening Acts: When the Tide Is High
June 4, 2022
Wu-Tang Clan’s second album, Wu-Tang Forever, elicits a discussion on imperial eras. Plus, Kendrick Lamar’s new album and a Fat Joe TV doc.
Opening Acts: Rock & Rap’s Imperfect Hall
May 12, 2022
This week’s entry discusses Eminem’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Ben Merlis’ oral history of the Juice Crew.
Opening Acts: The Best Rapper Alive Since…
April 28, 2022
This week brings a new column: Opening Acts. The inaugural edition mulls over a GQ cover story on Future, Alchemist vs. Get on Down, and Godfather Don’s Hazardous.
A Company Flow Fan’s DJ Bag in 1997
February 21, 2022
As I spent the weekend revisiting Company Flow’s Funcrusher Plus, I began to wonder…what other records did I spin as an amateur DJ in 1997?
Cover Art Gems: Quasimoto, The Further Adventures of Lord Quas (Gold Chains Edition)
January 1, 2022
A 2021 “Gold Chains Edition” of Quasimoto’s 2005 album, with new artwork inspired by Sgt. Pepper’s. Note the name spelled out in bricks.