The Art of Reconciliation in Rap
How Malice of the Clipse and the California rapper-producer Open Mike Eagle use self-acceptance as a guide on their latest albums
89 articles
A Touching Ode to Lou Reed (That He Would Probably Hate)
Plus witchy blips for the beleaguered soul, iPod-friendly electronic pop from Canada, and more
Oasis’ Return, Kesha’s Redemption
Plus indie-pop that would sound at home in an early Wes Anderson movie, philosophical rap with lush beats, and more
A Horny Reefer-Fest for Pill-Popping Pedal-Steel Sluts
Plus Afropop charged with the energy of queer club culture, a modern-day hymn from Blood Orange, and more.
Regional Sales-Rep Rock, Sleazy Synth-Pop That Boings
Plus dancefloor-warping reggaetón filled with escándalo and a particularly sticky beat tape
Billy Woods on the Lyrics That Changed His Life
The semi-anonymous indie rap legend and Backwoodz Studioz co-founder pays homage to songs by Nas, MF Doom, Fela Kuti, and more.
What's a Summer Party Without Heaters?
A recap of our Summer Party in Queens featuring Baltimore rap duo Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals
Music for Smoothing Your Brain
Plus a twisty charismatic rapper, three head-empty club queens, and a band that jams (not a jam band)
Attention Hip-Hop: Generative AI Is Not Your Friend
Several rap icons have taken to artificial intelligence as a bold step in the genre’s future. They couldn’t be more wrong.
Music for Real Bitches in a Fake-Ass World
Plus pop-punk-techno for hot days and cold beers, the rapper with the best song titles, and more!
The Next Great Folk Singer-Songwriter
Plus the crème de la crème of Singaporean indie-emo, New York lifestyle rap, and hurdy-gurdy psychedelia