ALL: Opening Acts

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.