Hip Hop
James Massiah: “As much as the social contract is lost, there’s a freedom with that”
Bounty Law — With the release of his latest album, we sat down with the rapper-poet to chat about his new sonic Western, the boom in alternative poetry events, and whether the social contract is broken.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”
What Made Me — In our new series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that have shaped who they are. First up, Philadelphian rap experimentalist Ghais Guevara.
Written by: Ghais Guevara
Three decades behind the scenes of the music industry
Eddie Otchere’s ‘Spirit Behind the Lens’ is a story of music and culture that crosses and transcends borders.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The 90s skate video that changed the face of counterculture
Eli Gesner and RB Umali look back on the cross-pollination of East Coast skateboarding, hip-hop, and graffiti for Zoo York’s seminal Mixtape.
Written by: Mackenzie Eisenhour
Does hip-hop beef have a credibility problem?
The golden era of hip-hop beef is truly over, with the modern grudgefest feeling more like a marketing exercise than that coveted full-fat beef of yore.
Written by: Oliver Keens
‘I’m willing to take the repercussions for my music‘
Obongjayar in conversation — As he gears up to release his debut album next year, the Nigerian-born, London-based musician talks refusing to be boxed in and tackling politics head on.
Written by: Max Pilley
‘Black artists need to learn how to empower themselves‘
Mick Jenkins in conversation — Following the recent release of his third studio album, the rapper talks about the influences that have shaped his sound so far and making music that connects with the average listener.
Written by: Thomas Hobbs
Cartel Madras are changing the face of rap music
Two of a kind — The Chennai-born, Calgary-raised rap duo discuss finding their feet in an industry dominated by men, and why a salacious sense of humour is at the heart of everything they do.
Written by: Thomas Hobbs
Injury Reserve on a future without Groggs
‘He was the heart of the band‘ — Over a year ago, hip hop band Injury Reserve tragically lost one of its three members. Now, amid the release of their new album, the band’s remaining artists, Ritchie With A T and Parker Corey, are facing up to and finding ways to honour the late rapper’s legacy.
Written by: Thomas Hobbs
Common is starting his own beautiful revolution
‘Biden must be held to account‘ — Ahead of the release of his new album, the 49-year-old rapper talks mixing his art with politics, and working alongside music’s greats.
Written by: Jeremy Allen
Photos celebrating 48 years of hip hop and its pioneers
The Elements — On hip hop’s 48th anniversary, photographer Joe Conzo Jr. has curated a special collection of seldom-seen photographs that embody the culture of the genre and its roots.
Written by: Miss Rosen
