First impressions

January to March 2025

First Impressions: Q2 2026

Reviews of new albums by Navy Blue, Isaiah Rashad, Latto, YG; Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE and Surf Gang, and more.

First Impressions: Q1 2026

Reviews of new albums by J. Cole, Roc Marciano, Baby Keem, A$AP Rocky and more.

Notable Rap Albums of 2025

These albums reflect 12 months of listening to and writing about the music that the genre’s artists have to offer.

The 100 Best Rap Singles of 2005

In 2005, Young Jeezy led a Southern trap paradigm shift, marking the beginning of the end of East Coast hip-hop dominance.

The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1995

Despite standout work by Wu-Tang Clan and others, the rap industry warred with itself, yielding an unmistakable feeling of dread.

Black History Through Rap

Before she became a "gangsta rap" antagonist, C. Delores Tucker helped assemble a 1985 rap compilation with Philadelphia youth.

The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1985

Thanks to stars like Run-D.M.C. and Roxanne Shanté, rap grew fitfully into a pop culture fixture. But respect for the art remained elusive.

The Honorable Shyne

The Honorable Shyne may not exactly convince us of Shyne's musical importance, but it unfurls his improbable story with aplomb.

Bars for Gaza

Over a year after the Israel-Hamas war began, numerous rap songs have appeared that address the ongoing conflict.

Blu & Exile, Love (the) Ominous World

Blu's third album of 2024 revolve around familiar concerns: fulfilling his hip-hop ambitions, and trying to find spiritual sustenance.

Rise of a Killah: My Life in the Wu-Tang by Ghostface Killah

Not quite a full autobiography, Rise of a Killah compiles interviews with Ghostface Killah that tend to be impressionistic in details.

Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys

A Tale of Two Dirtys strains to show us that the much-missed Wu-Tang star was a compelling artist, not a holy fool.

The 100 Best Rap Singles of 2004

As rap teetered between pop corporatism, brilliance and malaise, the eccentric MF DOOM as well as exotic Southern sounds offered redemption.

Boldy James & Conductor Williams, Across the Tracks

On Across the Tracks, Boldy James illustrates a drug hustler's lifestyle in colorful language, not thematic exposition or narrative tension.

Your Old Droog, Movie

Your Old Droog's "Movie" isn't quite a God-tier film, but it's a solid excursion with quality production and "nutty bars."

ShrapKnel & Controller 7, Nobody Planning to Leave

"Nobody Planning to Leave," a collaboration between ShrapKnel and producer Controller 7 unfolds as a kind of fragmented tapestry.

The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1994

By 1994, hip-hop had clearly evolved into a generational movement. But its innocent sensibility was lost in the process.

The 60 Best Rap Singles of 1984

Hip-hop in 1984 brought Fresh Fest superstars Run-DMC and Whodini, Melle Mel's breakout year, and the beginning of the Roxanne wars.

Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story

Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story gives testimony about a history that most fans of a certain age will know by heart.

May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story

May the Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story substitutes lengthy, single-camera interviews for a compelling, dynamic film.

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