Bust a Rhyme

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...

The transition from the adolescent years to becoming a man isn’t talked about much in this day an age. Jxylen, an upcoming artist from Massachusetts depicts all the trials and tribulations he struggled with in the path of not only becoming a Man, but becoming the artist he truly wants to be. Known for his dark and gritty lyrics, Jxylen’s approach on his newest release ‘SAVE YOURSELF’ the EP, is more straight forward and honest than most of his previous works. Heartbroken, Lost, struggles with mental health, dealing with loss and struggling to survive, Jxylen has some things he has to “get off his chest” while he can.

Tim Westwood, celebrated radio presenter, was knocked down a peg by Megan Thee Stallion on his own show. When asked whether her hair was a wig or weave, the Houston rapper replied, “not your business.” This barb comes on the heels of the United States government wanting to involve itself in private institutions concerning hairstyles. Megan Thee Stallion makes it clear to Westwood that he (and his audience) will not know the true definition of her magnificent mane.