Jaboukie Young-White Shows Off Music Chops on Debut
Jaboukie Young-White’s clever wordplay, creative use of metaphor, and engaging storytelling prove he’s adept at applying his perceptive talents to music.
hip-hop
‘Judgment Night’ Soundtrack Merged Rock and Hip-Hop 30 Years Ago
The Judgment Night soundtrack blazed the path that led the evolution of rock and roll into nu-metal of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
‘Sundial’ Is Noname’s Contribution to the Current Golden Era of Rap
On Sundial, Noname raps like her voice is holding the sky from falling. Love of oneself and one’s community is a struggle front and center on the album.
Buscrates Brings Real Heart and Soul to Vintage Synth-Funk
In crafting his own brand of hip-hop-inspired instrumental funk, Buscrates proves on his latest album he’s a student of the great producers who’ve come before.
Kassa Overall Dazzles on Eclectic and Forward-Thinking ‘Animals’
Kassa Overall creates a record worthy of your time and that of anyone interested in free-thinking music. Animals pushes jazz and hip-hop further.
Black Thought and El Michels Affair Team Up for Throwback Hip-Hop
El Michels Affair’s Glorious Game blasts through its 12 tracks in a brisk 31 minutes and changes approach but keeps the focus on Black Thought’s verses.
Killer Mike Returns to His Roots on Triumphant ‘MICHAEL’
Part autobiography and homage to the city that made him, MICHAEL is a lushly-produced and defiantly Southern hip-hop album from Atlanta rapper Killer Mike.
King Krule Grapples with the In-Between on the Introspective ‘Space Heavy’
King Krule’s Space Heavy is a wild listening experience, more muted and introspective than past outings and seemingly reflecting our pandemic moment.
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.
Running Towards Something: The Interrupters’ Aimee Allen
The songs of the Interrupters’ Aimee Allen reveal a moment, mood, or secret deep in her life and for which she is finally finding the right words.
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.
Once Upon a Time in the Northeast with Kid Koala
The beloved Canadian turntablist Kid Koala knows the secret to success: always push for the new and unexpected. No wonder his new album comes with a board game.