It's not often that you'd mention hip-hop and NPR in the same sentence. For lifelong fans of the culture, hip-hop represents a grassroots movement that stems from social activism, rule-breaking, and finding your inner strength. And while hip-hop may itself be a form of storytelling and street news, its origins in Bronx house parties and … Continue reading The Essential Tiny Desk Hip-Hop List
This Summer’s Hip-Hop Essentials
Are you sticky AF right now? I know I am. This summer has been soaked in humidity and there hasn't been much relief. Fortunately, hip-hop has come to the rescue. Pusha T's new album Daytona has marked the triumphant return of the coke rapper while Mac Miller's Swimming has showcased the emcee at his most introspective and … Continue reading This Summer’s Hip-Hop Essentials
Griselda Puts Buffalo on the Map
When digging through the digital crates of online music, occasionally you completely miss something. You’ve done your due diligence checking the blogs, keeping the SoundCloud feed greased, hitting up the homies, and vigilantly reading through Underground Hip-hop distributors. You feel pretty confident in your knowledge of the scene, and know who’s who, for the most … Continue reading Griselda Puts Buffalo on the Map
The Return of the Old School
When the death knell of American democracy first sounded with the mindless chanting of "Make America Great Again", I saw no upside. To my mind, the cry of MAGA represented a nefarious "good ol days" dog whistle. Another instance of "Remember when?" that often leaves us waxing nostalgic for times when black and white folks … Continue reading The Return of the Old School
Best Listens of 2016
Fuck 2016. That's right, I said it. Let's collectively bid adieu to the colossal shitstorm of Brexit, the Dallas Shootings, relentless police brutality, the siege of Aleppo, the election of Trump, and the sudden deaths of more musical artists than I care to recall. Like any patriotic American, I ended up burying my head in the sand when I became overwhelmed, clicking my … Continue reading Best Listens of 2016
Conflict, Catharsis & The Come-Up: Three Albums To Rotate
What drives emcees to continue producing, continue recording and continue writing? What launches a person into the world of hip-hop? I've always conjectured that at its core, hip-hop culture derives itself from conflict. Some of this conflict is internal. Rappers initiate their quest from the inside out, searching for their greater meaning as they draw upon personal experiences where … Continue reading Conflict, Catharsis & The Come-Up: Three Albums To Rotate
Rotate These Windy City Artists
If there is one fact few can deny, it's that Chicago's hip-hop scene is killing it at the moment. The city of course has been a mainstay for hip-hop's most prominent artists for several decades now, but the last five years have achieved new heights. The Windy City has always channeled hip-hop's inner soul, with Common Sense's … Continue reading Rotate These Windy City Artists
2015: The Year’s Most Rotated Joints
Finally. As I belatedly promised on my last post, I wanted to share my top five albums of 2015. It was a solid year, with a range of quality listens from Grande Marshall to Omen. Did I fail to include some amazing mainstream gems, including To Pimp A Butterfly? Absolutely. However, my year-end round-up aims … Continue reading 2015: The Year’s Most Rotated Joints
Back In Steady Rotation
In a moment of philosophical banter, my friend recently pointed out that doing a task 90% of the time is a chore while doing it 100% of the time is easy. His advice reminded me of how a wise man once noted that "discipline is freedom". Both of these delicious morsels of knowledge would have been better wasted on someone … Continue reading Back In Steady Rotation
Summer 2015’s Best Listens Part 1: July Cranks Up The Heat
It is freakin' hot outside today. It was hot out yesterday and it's going to be hot again tomorrow. Shit, at this point it's been downright toasty for nearly two weeks. Summer in New England is a roller coaster of weather, ranging from pleasantly cool evenings to oppressively humid afternoons that pave the way for massive thunderstorms. … Continue reading Summer 2015’s Best Listens Part 1: July Cranks Up The Heat
In Steady Rotation 