Rap
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
How one of the UK’s most acclaimed MCs is moving into new genres
As his coming-of-age LP ‘ReBourne’ is released, it’s clear Blanco is unafraid to push his music in directions no one expects.
Written by: Isaac Muk
‘Rap can get classist – I want to be the opposite’
Saba in conversation — Amid the release of his long-awaited third studio album, the rapper talks working through grief and making music for the underdogs.
Written by: Thomas Hobbs
V9 is bringing his larger-than-life personality to drill music
Murk with a Mouth — Following the recent release of his highly-anticipated mixtape, the rapper talks injecting humour and fun into his sound and challenging drill stereotypes.
Written by: Robert Kazandjian
‘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
The anthology celebrating 45 years of hip hop and art
Sound of the streets — A newly-released multimedia collection chronicles the growth of hip hop and its surrounding culture from the parks of the Bronx to its becoming a global phenomenon.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Drakeo The Ruler’s reign has only just begun
Finally free — After being released from prison last November, the LA-based artist has been busy working on multiple projects and is now gearing up to take his pioneering brand of West Coast rap to even bigger audiences.
Written by: Thomas Hobbs
The story behind grills and their pioneer, Famous Eddie
Mouth Full of Golds — Writer and filmmaker Lyle Lindgren discusses his new book recounting the forgotten story of Eddie Plein, an entrepreneur who changed the face of hip-hop – one gold tooth at a time.
Written by: Daisy Schofield