Heems’ ‘VENNA LP’ Communicates Across Boundaries
On VEENA LP, Queens rapper Heems delivers a significant and sonically diverse work of NYC rap fueled by diaspora blues. It’s his best record as a solo artist.
alternative hip-hop
RJD2 Refines His Signature Sound on ‘Visions Out of Limelight’
RJD2 felt he was getting pigeonholed for his sample-based style, only to be lambasted when diverting from it. On his new album, he embraces his true muse.
Shabazz Palaces Resist Profiling on Elusive ‘Exotic Birds of Prey’
Following Robed in Rareness from last fall, Shabazz Palaces continues a provisional series with the cryptic and digressive Exotic Birds of Prey.
20 Years of Madvillain’s Endlessly Creative ‘Madvillainy’
Madvillain’s Madvillainy remains an unforgettable underground hip-hop album, combining Madlib’s distinctive beats with MF DOOM’s precisely designed rhymes.
Aesop Rock’s ‘Integrated Tech Solutions’ Continues His Excellence
Aesop Rock has always excelled at vivid character sketches and using his music to work through the most challenging parts of life. His latest LP is no different.
‘Robed in Rareness’ Elaborates Shabazz Palaces’ Afrofuturism
On Robed in Rareness, Ishmael Butler aka Shabazz Palaces takes yet another step in his forward-thinking, far-sighted project of Afrofuturistic hip-hop.
Abstract Hip-Hop Duo Armand Hammer Return with Superb New LP
We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is an incredible offering from Armand Hammer, one of the headiest yet most exciting alternative hip-hop groups right now.
Atmosphere’s ‘So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously’ Expands Their Palette
Ant and Slug of Atmosphere craft an album that expands the duo’s palette, explores the intersections of opposites, and makes portraits out of poetry.
Hip-Hop Matters: The Best Hip-Hop of April 2023
This month’s new, best hip-hop column looks underground at gems from the likes of Fly Anakin, Avelino, Lloyd Banks, and many more.
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Hip-Hop Matters: The Best Hip-Hop of February 2023
February’s best hip-hop projects feature angular experiments, tranquil vibes, a returning legend, and boundaries being blurred.
Oddisee’s Odyssey Is Odd on ‘To What End’
The beauty of To What End is that it sits at the summit of Oddisee’s output, a rapper and producer at the height of his powers.
Young Fathers Are Back and Getting ‘Heavy Heavy’
Young Fathers declare their awareness of what’s going on but take it a step further. Heavy Heavy urges the audience to do the heavy lifting and “have fun”.