Paul Kuhne In Steady Reflection, Paul's Stream

Hip-Hop in the Age of Crisis

In 1980, then California Governor Ronald Reagan visited Charlotte Street in the South Bronx while campaigning for the presidency. As he surveyed the piles of rotting trash, the rubble of collapsed buildings, and the mangled terrain of disrepair, he likened the South Bronx to a war zone. And indeed, the Bronx sat on the precipice … Continue reading Hip-Hop in the Age of Crisis

Paul Kuhne Best Listens of the Month, Paul's Stream

The Essential Tiny Desk Hip-Hop List

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

Paul Kuhne Best Listens of the Month, Paul's Stream

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

Paul Kuhne Best Listens of the Month, Between The Cracks, Paul's Stream

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

Paul Kuhne Best Listens of the Month, Paul's Stream

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

Paul Kuhne Best Listens of the Month, Paul's Stream

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

Paul Kuhne Best Listens of the Month, Paul's Stream

Spring 2015’s Best Listens

Like any drain that isn't frequently cleaned out with a powerful chemical agent, an unwelcome amount of sludge can start to amass over time.  Over the last few months, since I've dedicated valuable blog space to my rambling musings about life, featured guest posts about live shows/relevant topics, and shared farfetched perspectives on the ever changing … Continue reading Spring 2015’s Best Listens