“Every time I stepped into madness of the crowds, I longed for the wisdom of the loneliness.“ — Mehmet Murat Ildan “Why don’t you write about rap anymore?”
Category Archives: Hip-Hop
From the Vault: The Wu-Tang Paradox
This originally appeared on I Hate JJ Redick on February 3, 2012 “What RZA put together let no man tear asunder.” I would argue the Wu-Tang Clan the most influential hip-hop collective outside of possibly Run-DMC. It’s more than just music, chess, and karate flicks. It’s a way of life and almost a religion. For proof, lookContinue reading “From the Vault: The Wu-Tang Paradox”
Still ‘Supreme’ After Two Decades
With his sophomore disc, Ghostface Killah threw the Clan on his back and reached his apotheosis “Walk with me like Dorothy” It was over.
“On Writing” for the Hip-Hop Culture: Rakim’s “Sweat the Technique” Reviewed
In most cases, progress and evolution happen slowly, over a period of time marked by small, incremental changes. Occasionally, however, a seismic shift occurs and a culture transforms overnight. That is what happened in 1986 when a young man with a voice that sounded like it was from outer space came in the door andContinue reading ““On Writing” for the Hip-Hop Culture: Rakim’s “Sweat the Technique” Reviewed”
Gorilla Monsoon Rap – “Dream Team: A Stokely Hathaway Joint” Reviewed
There are times when being a musical artist creates a no-win situation. Fickle fans want you to grow, but keep making the same sort of music. They don’t want you to repeat yourself, but quickly become unhappy if the new stuff is too different from what they expected.
The Return of the Purple Tape: Raekwon’s Classic Sequel Turns Ten
“Got me behind the pot again” The odds were stacked against him.
A Fun, Glib, and Honest Trip Down Rap Memory Lane – “Ruffhouse” Reviewed
Growing up in the Philly area, there is a constant underlying feeling of inferiority, like a little brother, in regards to New York City, particularly within the realm of hip-hop.
A Decade of Slaughterhouse
“Soon as I hold a pen I co-defend the sickest MCs” August 11, 2009. I walked into the FYE in the Gallery at Market East in Philly and headed straight for the new releases section. I had already gone digital with my iPod Classic but a new album dropped that day and I wanted an actual physicalContinue reading “A Decade of Slaughterhouse”
The Things We’ve Lost in the Streaming Era
I am old enough to remember a time before everything was readily available at all times.
So Much More Than Rap: The Life and Legacy of Nipsey Hussle
Grieve not that I die young. Is it not well to pass away ere life hath lost its brightness? – Lady Flora Hastings He was different. It wasn’t just the $100 Crenshaw mixtape or the Marathon Clothing store or the work he did to quell gang violence and promote his beloved neighborhood’s art and culture. It wasContinue reading “So Much More Than Rap: The Life and Legacy of Nipsey Hussle”
