Bust a Rhyme

The rap crown is arguably the most desired accolade in music history. Since rap music became mainstream so has its top spot. Now that rap music is one of the most influential aspects of pop culture, it is more coveted than ever. It’s customary for every rapper to think that the top spot belongs to them, but it’s usually the general consensus that they need to put in some work before they can truly justify their place at the top. Rappers that fans often indicate as top tier and deserving of that spot include Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Biggie, Tupac, Lil Wayne, Nas and many others. Some people think that the crown is simply transferred from one rapper to another after a certain period of time, others think that it has to be earned and once it is acquired, someone better has to come along to take it.

“If you’re still listening to 6ix9ine after you know he told on his whole crew, you’re as lame as him... You’re part of the problem.”

When most people think of Kansas City hip-hop, Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) is the first municipality that comes to mind. It's the home of the NFL's Chiefs and the MLB's Royals in the world of professional sports.

Chance the Rapper dropped his debut album on July 26th and it’s good. It shows lots of growth and maturity, but also has a few call backs to both 10 Day and Acid Rap.

I know right? So soon after the album's release and you’re already being flooded with reviews from people who think they know what the album should sound like better than the artist himself and no if you thought that’s what this is then you are so, so, so wrong. I’m going to talk about the feel of the album because that’s what I get from artists like Nate—the music often has a feel to it rather than being technically either this or that.

XXL is a very popular and influential hip hop magazine established in 1997. Starting in 2008 the magazine began to release its annual freshmen list, that contains 10 upcoming rappers. Some rappers who have appeared on the list are Kendrick Lamar, J.Cole, Schoolboy Q, Chance the Rapper, and many more. Each year, prior to the release of the freshmen list, rappers are seen on YouTube pitching themselves and giving the fans a reason to choose them as a XXL freshmen. While many rappers have tried to join the list others have declined it such as Lil Skies, Nicki Minaj, and ASAP Rocky. I’ve seen a lot of videos of people eating each artist on the cover so I thought I’d weigh in on the 10 artist that were chosen, and rank them worst to best.

The rap arena is flooded with figures. In this age of “I want it now!” female rappers, especially, must contend with their fellow female rappers as well as male MCs quicker and with more verve. They often find themselves referring to their genitalia in songs. MC Cardi B summarized how difficult it is to traverse the hip hop landscape without promoting sexually explicit lyrics. “When I did ‘Be Careful,’ the rapper explained, “people [were] talking mad s––.” This observation has its roots in the thousands of years of artistry across many cultures. Is it “selling out” to appeal to the tastes of the masses? Have rappers already sold out a long time ago?

As many of us now know Jaden Smith as a popular artist in the rap game, he has come far proving he has what it takes to inspire the youth. Originally an actor from the movie Karate Kid, Jaden has grown to be a rapper, artist, caregiver to the homeless... are we really shocked that many think he could now be the next president!? Okay, maybe he isn't cut out for the job, but his new song has caught EVERYONE'S attention, and if you haven't checked it out, let me break it down for you...