#rap-battle

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Music production
fromPitchfork
1 day ago

Sexyy Red: Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa

Sexyy Red's latest album lacks the vibrancy and originality of her breakout tape, resulting in a derivative and uninspired listening experience.
NYC music
fromConsequence
3 days ago

Behold Dr. Dre, Flavor Flav, Springsteen, and Patti Smith Performing "People Have the Power" Together

The 2026 American Music Honors celebrated diverse artists, featuring performances by honorees like Dr. Dre, Patti Smith, and Bruce Springsteen.
London music
fromBrooklynVegan
6 days ago

clipping announce NYC 'Splendor & Misery' fest ft. SPELLLING, Shabazz Palaces, Elucid, Fatboi Sharif, more

clipping will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their album Splendor & Misery with a special NYC show on August 13.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

ezcodylee: STUNT 4 LIFE

ezcodylee's music blends rap and rock, emphasizing intimacy and vulnerability while achieving broader recognition and a unique sound in the genre.
Brooklyn
fromThe Mirror US
1 week ago

Senseless rap beef possible reason behind shooting of 7-month-old baby in NYC

A rapper targeted a baby's father, resulting in the tragic shooting of a 7-month-old in Brooklyn.
New York City
fromAllHipHop
1 week ago

Battle Rapper Fox 5 Identified As Man Shot Dead By NYPD After Machete Attack

Fox 5, a Bronx battle rapper, was shot and killed by NYPD after attacking commuters with a machete at Grand Central Terminal.
NYC LGBT
fromNew York Daily News
1 week ago

Machete-wielding Grand Central slasher shot by NYPD was battle rapper known as "Fox 5"

Anthony Griffin, a former battle rap legend, was shot dead by police after attacking strangers with a machete in Grand Central Station.
#hip-hop
Music production
fromPitchfork
6 days ago

Allstar JR: "Mob Untied"

The hip-hop industry has increasingly turned violent incidents into sensationalized media events, impacting artists' careers and public personas.
NYC music
fromHip Hop Hero
1 week ago

Viral Brooklyn rapper murdered by teenage stepson

Sinthoro Upper, a Brooklyn rapper, was murdered by his 16-year-old stepson over a smoking argument.
fromNew York Post
1 week ago

Drill rap beef may be behind senseless NYC stray-bullet death of 7-month-old girl: sources

Accused gunman Amuri Greene was allegedly targeting the baby's rapper father, Jamari Patterson, when he fired into a crowd in Williamsburg on April 1, killing little Kaori Patterson-Moore.
Brooklyn
Music production
fromPitchfork
5 days ago

Bloodz Boi / jackzebra: Bloodzebra

Jackzebra's rap style mirrors Huaisu's calligraphy, prioritizing expression over legibility, while incorporating rich Chinese cultural references.
Writing
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Eminem's 8 Mile helped me survive abuse and opened my eyes to a world outside of orthodox Judaism

Exposure to cinema and Eminem's music provided an escape and connection during a challenging and isolated period of life.
Washington Wizards
fromwww.amny.com
2 weeks ago

NYC hoopers try to impress Tracy McGrady and Jadakiss for spot in revamped OBL | amNewYork

Tracy McGrady is rebooting the Ones Basketball League, a one-on-one basketball competition featuring teams from various cities.
US politics
fromAbove the Law
2 weeks ago

Trump Argued He's Like A Rapper, Federal Judge Dropped Bars In Response - Above the Law

Donald Trump seeks to dismiss a civil case related to January 6, but a judge ruled some actions fall outside immunity protections.
Arts
fromArtnet News
2 weeks ago

Performance Artist Crackhead Barney Moves From the Streets to the Stage: 'Art Should Be Going Insane'

Crackhead Barney is a performance artist known for her viral heckling of protestors and celebrities, significantly impacting NYC's political landscape.
NYC music
fromSFGATE
1 week ago

After breaking Georgia's legal system, Young Thug takes a Coachella victory lap

Young Thug's Coachella performance showcased his influence and celebrated his decade-long career with hits and special guest appearances.
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

Watch Monaleo Channel Her Inner Barbie in "Crossroads Freestyle"

Monaleo returns with 'Crossroads Freestyle' after a hiatus due to a medical emergency, showcasing her signature style and quick flow.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
2 weeks ago

Cardi B helps launch Mayor Mamdani's 2-K jingle contest, with one big rule: no AI | amNewYork

Cardi B will help judge NYC's 2-K jingle competition to promote free child care for two-year-olds, with applications opening June 2.
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Prosecutors used hip-hop lyrics to help sentence a man to death: This only happens to rap music'

James Broadnax, who is 37, describes how he writes: 'I've been here umpteen days never forgetting To forget the absence of my fate. Sloppy ciphered sentences become rage, Provoking thoughts into words spoken Across this blank page.'
Music
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

Bossman Dlow: Chicken Talkin Bastard

Bossman Dlow's mixtape Chicken Talkin Bastard combines vintage Florida rap with playful, uncomplicated themes, showcasing his unique style and charisma.
NYC music
fromHip Hop Hero
2 weeks ago

The three iconic hip-hop groups who inspired GZA

GZA's early exposure to hip-hop culture and influential groups shaped his unique talent and complex lyrical themes.
SF music
fromKqed
4 weeks ago

Mxka Sings 'R&B Tumbados' for the Lover Girls | KQED

Mxka blends personal experience and cultural identity in her music, inspiring others with her journey in the Latin music scene.
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

Gucci Mane Unleashes Diss Track After Alleged Kidnapping by Pooh Shiesty

Gucci Mane released a diss track 'Crash Dummy' seemingly targeting Pooh Shiesty after an alleged kidnapping and robbery incident.
#wu-tang-clan
London music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago

Wu-Tang Clan announce final tour "encore" with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Wu-Tang Clan extends their final tour into 2026, featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and multiple shows across various cities.
London music
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Wu-Tang Clan review still bringing the ruckus even on their farewell tour

Wu-Tang Clan's farewell tour demonstrates the group's enduring verbal firepower and ability to captivate audiences despite aging members and logistical challenges of reuniting after years of internal conflict.
#jay-z
fromDefector
3 weeks ago
NYC music

I Demand That Jay-Z Perform All Of 'Kingdom Come' At His Yankee Stadium Concert | Defector

fromConsequence
4 weeks ago
Music production

JAY-Z Thinks Kendrick Lamar and Drake's Rap Beef Went "Too Far"

JAY-Z believes rap beefs have negative consequences and questions their place in hip-hop culture today.
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago
NYC music

JAY-Z announces Yankee Stadium 'Reasonable Doubt' & 'The Blueprint' shows

JAŸ-Z will perform two consecutive nights at Yankee Stadium in July 2025 celebrating 30 years of Reasonable Doubt and 25 years of The Blueprint.
NYC music
fromDefector
3 weeks ago

I Demand That Jay-Z Perform All Of 'Kingdom Come' At His Yankee Stadium Concert | Defector

JAŸ-Z is returning to music with major performances and a new interview, celebrating anniversaries of his classic albums.
NYC music
fromBrooklynVegan
4 weeks ago

JAY-Z adds 3rd Yankee Stadium show, talks Kendrick/Drake beef in new interview

JAŸ-Z announced three shows at Yankee Stadium to celebrate his debut albums and addressed Kendrick Lamar's beef with Drake in a GQ interview.
Music production
fromPitchfork
4 weeks ago

Jay-Z Opens Up About Kendrick-Drake Beef in Rare Interview

Jay-Z reflects on hip-hop culture, the impact of stan culture, and the evolution of rap beefs in the age of social media.
NYC music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago

JAY-Z announces Yankee Stadium 'Reasonable Doubt' & 'The Blueprint' shows

JAŸ-Z will perform two consecutive nights at Yankee Stadium in July 2025 celebrating 30 years of Reasonable Doubt and 25 years of The Blueprint.
NYC music
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

I Went to a Hip-Hop Streamer Convention and All I Got Was This Piece of Content

Twitch streamer Tylil James captivates fans at MVP Arena with viral dance performances, showcasing the intersection of online fame and live entertainment.
#underground-hip-hop
#denzel-curry
SF music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

The Scythe / Denzel Curry: Strictly 4 the Scythe

Denzel Curry forms The Scythe supergroup with TiaCorine, BKTHERULA, FERG, and Key Nyata, delivering their debut album Strictly 4 the Scythe with Southern-rooted production and high-energy collaborative rap.
SF music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

The Scythe / Denzel Curry: Strictly 4 the Scythe

Denzel Curry forms The Scythe supergroup with TiaCorine, BKTHERULA, FERG, and Key Nyata, delivering their debut album Strictly 4 the Scythe with Southern-rooted production and high-energy collaborative rap.
NYC music
fromwww.amny.com
4 weeks ago

From Coney Island to center stage: Lil Dee Raps is chasing his New York dream | amNewYork

Lil Dee Raps, a 21-year-old rapper from Coney Island, aims to become an icon of New York City with his music and performances.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

M.O.P.: "Ante Up (Robbing-Hoodz Theory)"

A transformative live performance by M.O.P. at a North Carolina venue in 2000 exemplified the raw energy and cultural impact of East Coast hip-hop during a pivotal moment in rap music's evolution.
Music production
fromPitchfork
4 weeks ago

Elucid / Sebb Bash: I Guess U Had to Be There

ELUCID and Sebb Bash blend avant-garde elements with controlled production in their collaboration, showcasing unique soundscapes and innovative arrangements.
NYC music
fromConsequence
1 month ago

Former Rapper Turned Mayor Zohran Mamdani Names His Top 5 Rappers

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a former rapper, lists Notorious B.I.G., JAY-Z, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Common as his top five rappers, reflecting mid-to-late 2000s hip-hop preferences.
US news
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

Oakland rapper ChaiBenjii4 sent to prison after beating murder charge

Rapper ChaiBenjii4 pleaded no contest to illegal gun possession, dismissing homicide charges from a 2024 Oakland shootout, receiving a two-year sentence with summer release expected.
East Bay (California)
fromThe Oaklandside
2 months ago

Rapper Philip Bank$ on Hyphy kids, cops, and growing up Black in Oakland

Oakland rapper Philip Bank$ channels deep local knowledge and community collaboration into his debut solo album East Bay Times, rooted in Oakland history and activism.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Prison escapee makes second rap song while on run

Done it twice now they think I'm insane. I'm a boss, so I always find my way, I'm that guy, the boss of the UK. The wanted criminal, whose music video is seemingly recorded while he is sitting in the back of a car and holding an inflated balloon, boasts about his ability to evade capture and his status as a criminal figure.
UK news
London music
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Dave review: British star transcends rapper status at hometown gig

Dave performed a sold-out O2 Arena show celebrating 10 years in music, showcasing his versatility across piano, guitar, and rap while promoting his third number-one album.
Music production
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

New York hip-hop experimentalist Elucid: I like the harmony of the city. Everybody's got a little solo'

Elucid experiences the Dream House installation's meditative drone composition, which triggers his creative process through sensory immersion and unconscious sound-to-word associations.
SF music
fromKqed
1 month ago

Too Short's 'Blow the Whistle' Is 20 Years Old - and Keeps Going On and On | KQED

Too Short's 'Blow the Whistle' became a Bay Area classic and nationwide party anthem despite never charting on Billboard Hot 100, maintaining cultural significance for 20 years since its 2006 release.
Music
fromenglish.elpais.com
1 month ago

Hip hop faces its midlife crisis

Hip hop's cultural dominance has sharply declined, losing 24% sales share and 19% streaming share since 2023, with few emerging artists capable of sustaining mainstream relevance after Kendrick Lamar's 2024 peak.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

From baby beatboxer to drummer of the year for south London teen

Over the years my main focus has been jazz so bringing that style and rhythm up to the stage, they found really interesting. Ellis thinks his jazz background made him stand out among his fellow contestants, attributing his success to the distinctive musical perspective he brought to the competition.
London music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Roc Marciano: 656

In a world where plenty of rap elders are content to roll out unchallenging albums to steadfast fanbases, Roc Marciano still knows how to hold your head underwater. Few rappers boast a style so enveloping and detail-rich, every verse stuffed with taunts, velour victories, and nagging regrets rendered in granular, Gordon Parks-like radiance. New albums from Hempstead's veteran rapper-producer unfold like dispatches from a jet-setting uncle popping in for a visit: His tales scan as ridiculous, even a bit silly,
Music
fromDefector
2 months ago

Max B Is New York Rap's Best Hope | Defector

The rapper, known on his tax form as Charles Wingate and known by his old Harlem associates as Charley Rambo, made his name in the rap game during an all-too-brief run in the 2000s, as one of the most colorful members of Jim Jones' Byrdgang, his solo offshoot from the Diplomats (although due to his growing up with rappers Cam and Mase, Max is like honorary Dipset).
Music
NYC music
fromHip Hop Hero
1 month ago

Why J Cole considers Queens, New York his second home

J Cole was born in West Germany to an army father, grew up in North Carolina, and moved to Queens for university where he developed his music career with support from his landlord.
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Bby Kell: "SPLURGINBAGS"

Chances are, if the Atlanta rapper sounds like they have a loogie stuck in their throat, I'll probably like them. B5 and Zeeball? Yep-"Heist" might be the biggest omission from our Best Rap Songs of 2025 list. Rroxket? I still listen to his zooted-out regularly. Before I get carried away, let's add Bby Kell to that list. Her new tape, Straight Pop, is cool as hell-it reminds me of Glokk40Spaz back when his bread and butter was belligerent dark plugg.
Music
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

CyHi Tackles G.O.O.D. Music Fallout on New Song

CyHi releases 'The G.O.O.D. Ole Days,' a six-minute song addressing his grievances with Kanye West's label and conflicts with Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and Pusha T.
Music
fromBrooklynVegan
2 months ago

Notable Releases of the Week (2/20)

Baby Keem ends a nearly three-year hiatus by releasing Ca$ino, announced one week prior and issued with no pre-release singles.
#baby-keem
NYC music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago

Baby Keem playing Webster Hall TONIGHT (3/4)

Baby Keem announced a last-minute intimate show at Webster Hall in NYC tonight and begins his Ca$ino album tour next month with dates across North America and Europe through September.
NYC music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago

Baby Keem playing Webster Hall TONIGHT (3/4)

Baby Keem announced a last-minute intimate show at Webster Hall in NYC tonight and begins his Ca$ino album tour next month with dates across North America and Europe through September.
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Sk8star: "Yeannn" [ft. Teezus]

Atlanta's ØWay collective channels chameleonic, Auto-Tuned YSL-style rap led by Sk8star, Tezzus, and collaborators, blending Southern slang innovation with trap production.
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

fakemink Announces New Mixtape The Boy Who Cried Terrified

fakemink has a new mixtape on the way. The Boy Who Cried Terrified is out January 29 on EtnaVeraVela. Although details around the release remain scarce, you can check out the cover art below. Alongside the tape, the UK artist has also begun teasing a new album, Terrified. There's even less information currently available about this record-all we know so far is that it's due out sometime in 2026, and that it's a separate project from The Boy Who Cried Terrified.
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Rockie Rode: Rockie

Rockie does kinda feel like the album Donna Hayward would make if she could pursue her musical ambitions: She'd be influenced by Julee Cruise, for sure, and probably Chromatics, and Sky Ferreira, and what could be more Badalamentian than the cloudburst of synth that opens "On Our Knees"?
NYC music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Watch Central Cee Turn Back Time for "Iceman Freestyle" Video

Central Cee has shared a new song "Iceman Freestyle" along with a music video. Directed by Don Prod, the clip tracks the British rapper driving an old Aston Martin, drinks whiskey, and literally digging his own grave. Watch it below. "Iceman Freestyle" is the second solo single Central Cee has released following 2025's Can't Rush Greatness, his debut album on Columbia. The rapper also linked up for a few collaborations last year, including Drake's " Which One " and Sexyy Red's "Guilt Trippin."
Music
Music
fromLos Angeles Times
2 months ago

Pillow fight! Ja Rule and Tony Yayo take their beef to new heights during clash on airplane

A nearly 30-year-old feud between Ja Rule and 50 Cent erupted into a verbal, physical altercation on a Delta flight involving pillows and conflicting accounts.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Sk8star: Designer Junkie

Sk8star synthesizes Atlanta rap's collaborative ecosystem into a cohesive debut album that honors foundational influences while establishing his distinct artistic voice.
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Denzel Curry, TiaCorine, A$AP Ferg, Bktherula, and Key Nyata Form Supergroup the Scythe

Denzel Curry formed supergroup The Scythe and released a collaborative eight-track debut album Strictly 4 the Scythe on March 6 via Loma Vista.
fromAllHipHop
1 month ago

New Viral Interview Causes Crazy Wu-Tang Rumors

A deeply sensitive, unverified allegation is circulating in Hip-Hop after an interview aired on Doggie Diamonds TV, where a Staten Island woman identifying herself as Tai claimed she is related to members of the Wu-Tang family circle and described what she says was a traumatic, long-suppressed situation. Host Doggie Diamonds opened the segment sounding shaken, telling viewers: "In my whole 19-year career, I'm baffled." He added, "I don't even know what to say."
Music
#knocked-loose
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Listen to Cash Cobain's New Song "Wish"

Cash Cobain released his first single of the year, 'Wish,' which samples Three 6 Mafia and includes a music video from a ski trip, preceding his upcoming album Party With Slizzy.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Babyfxce E: Da Realest

Babyfxce evolved into a confident Flint hitmaker, using a silky, versatile delivery and tightened bars to stand out amid cartoonish peers.
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Spank Nitti James / Hit-Boy: "LDO (Last Day Out)"

Admittedly, I wasn't hip to Spank Nitti James until he spearheaded one of the best posse cuts of last year. Probably because I've been ducking Hit-Boy beats since King's Disease 3. But I've become a fan of his ability to balance heavy-hearted life lessons and reckless credit card swiping worthy of BlueBucksClan. On "LDO"-a thumping yet melancholic return to form for Hit-Boy-Spank splits the difference, preparing to turn himself in for an upcoming jail sentence by recounting all the cool shit that just started coming his way:
Music
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

femtanyl: MAN BITES DOG

MAN BITES DOG fuses femtanyl's bitcrushed digital hardcore with taut, body-focused rave energy and raw-but-precise production.
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