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
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
In Steady Curation: From Texas, With Love
Since moving to the Lone Star Republic, life has been busy. Really busy. It's fair to say that I underestimated the intensity of graduate school and have only recently been calming from my whirlwind of learning. My intellectual trial-by-fire and the drastic change of schedule jolted me from my routines, many of which included this blog. … Continue reading In Steady Curation: From Texas, With Love
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
On White Privilege, Macklemore & Hip-Hop
I'll be the first to admit it: I've never been much of a Macklemore fan. To prepare for this post, I looked back at a series of email exchanges I had with my friend Casey in early 2013. In summation, let's just say that I did not have a whole lot of praiseworthy accolades for Macklemore's … Continue reading On White Privilege, Macklemore & Hip-Hop
In Steady Rotation 