INTROSPECTIVE: NICKI MINAJ’s SNL “Chun Li” Performance

Everyone was hype, including myself to see Nicki Minaj dropping not one- but two new singles last month. Both “Chun Li’ and “Barbie Tingz” are refreshing and delivers the detailed, yet delicate grandeur of the Queen’s rhymer. While both singles are doing very well on the charts, Miss Barbie has caught a bit of a […]

INTROSPECTIVE: Kanye’s Music is Free Thought

Kanye West has sparked some major controversy in the last week. Between explaining his mental health, expressing support for Donald Trump and his opinions on American slavery, the rapper has also raised intense anticipation for his new album set to release sometime this year, hopefully. In the midst of many angry opinions, happy observers and […]

#NEWVIBES: Migos’ “Culture 2”

When “Culture” was first released, it reinforced the grand braggadocio of not only Migos, but the Dirty South’s continuous influence to Hip-Hop. Extremely symbolic in it’s nature, the Migos’ attempts to keep this a fact with “Culture 2.” Of the 24 trap flavored tracks, “Culture 2” dips itself with experimental sounds. The Drake assisted “Walk […]

INTROSPECTIVE: How Dua Lipa Could Change Pop Music

During the early months of 2017, I found myself buzzing through suggested Spotify playlists. At that moment, all the current American hits sounded synonymous and I just wanted something different. Genuinely curious about what “International Hits” were pulsing around the world, I zipped through every song waiting for that string, percussion or vocal to hit […]

INTROSPECTIVE: Is Chris Brown Breaking Barriers Anymore?

Chris Brown is the James Brown of our generation; Captivating, extremely talented, yet limited. In the darkness of his many shortcomings, a part of America (particularly the wealthy and powerful) has blocked him from opportunities. This is evident in his eagerness and determination to just stay current in the music world. He is unapologetically the […]

The Triumph of DJ Khaled: Producer-turned-Superstar

In a time where mumble rap is thriving, ad-libs are lyrics and there’s a Hip-Hop beef on every corner, it’s nice to see a classic success story. DJ Khaled, Mr. Grateful himself has had quite a year- his notoriety as a social media personality has not outshone his talents as one of Hip-Hop’s most prominent […]

2017 XXL Freshman Class: The Characters of a Culture

It’s always exciting or disturbing when it comes to XXL’s annual freshman issue. Displaying the best of hip-hop’s up-and-coming artist, the mag can sometimes fall short with “balance.” When I say balance, I mean diversity. Many of the artist that are chosen often represent the “new wave.” And while this gives way to rappers that […]

#NEWVIBES: DRAKE’S “MORE LIFE”

Known for his clever wordplay and heartthrob appeal, Drake wows once again with what I would like to call, “Smooth Rap.” His unique voice crafted against tight-knit trap instrumentals has been a staple in the rap community since his 2013 album , “Nothing Was The Same.” While I’m sure many will disagree with Drake’s sonic […]

A Sad Story: Remy vs. Nicki

There hasn’t been fiery lyrics like this since Kendrick Lamar’s infamous verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” yet I don’t feel the same satisfaction as I did then. Kendrick used his talented wordplay to send concern and tough love toward the rap community. The nature of rap is conflict, and Hip-Hop personality Charlemagne said it best when he […]

INTROSPECTIVE: The Weeknd’s “Starboy”

I have always been weary of the Weeknd’s artistry. Not because he doesn’t have the singing chops, but his distinct sound was now reaching a cringy stagnancy. I questioned whether he had the vocal agility and stage presence to reinvent himself and pursue respectable longevity in the music biz. But “Starboy” confirms his greatness. Oozing […]