Thursday, February 9 2012
“Don’t Let Me Fall”: Hip-Hop in the Age of Austerity
Rappers have always wrestled with the question of how to succeed in a society where the odds are stacked against them. The biggest difference now is that their middle class listeners have the same worries.
Thursday, September 22 2011
Watch the Discourse: Luxury Rap, Success and Self-Absorption
The value of a release as large as Watch the Throne is that it goes beyond the gargantuan personalities involved or even the monster show dates designed to promote it. Part of the value is the discussion it generates.
Friday, August 12 2011
Jay-Z & Kanye West: Watch the Throne
It's not the beacon of creativity that some may expect on the heels of Kanye's epic 2010, but Watch the Throne is definitely one of 2011's most entertaining, ear-perking offerings.
Monday, July 18 2011
The Hate for Southern Hip-Hop: Why So Serious?
The way some of us disparage Southern rap, you'd think rappers like Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame had recorded a record dissing Kool G. Rap and Big Daddy Kane.
Wednesday, March 2 2011
Jay-Z: The Hits Collection Volume One
Artistically, Jay-Z's Hits Collection could be tons stronger, and anyone curious about the rapper who buys this without skimming his non-radio friendly cuts will be missing out on his best work.
Friday, February 4 2011
Guessing the Grammys
Predictions on who will win what in the biggest categories, based on industry hype and a little guessing about the academy’s voters.
Thursday, February 3 2011
Walk This Way: The Commodification of Hip-Hop
Now here's a little story, we've got to tell, about the business of hip-hop, you know so well. It started way back in history, from Alexander Hamilton down to Jay-Z.
Tuesday, January 4 2011
Deciphering the Jay-Z Code
He's got 99 problems but a book ain't one. Jay-Z's nonlinear memoir illuminates rap as personal narrative, lyric poetry, and transformative medium.
