Bust a Rhyme
Exploring the men, women, and motivations behind your favorite hip-hop music.
Reason First: Is Cardi B the Greatest Rapper of the 2010's?
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?
Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago in BeatI Am Not An Icon—You Are :)
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...
'Save Yourself': The Fall of a Boy, Growth of a Man
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.
Reason First: Did Megan Thee Stallion Shut Down Tim Westwood?
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.
Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago in BeatLove and Hip Hop
Hip hop, the musical heartbeat of a generation. Built from the work of trendsetters and visionaries. Over the years countless DJs, performers, and lyricists built a foundation of words. From those words a generation grew up listening to the rhythm and beats of the message.
John Ames BirchPublished 5 years ago in BeatReason First: Is Rapper Russ Right?
Russ is white. He’s also a rapper. He is also a one man band phenomenon who sells out shows, and knows his way around a mixing board, engineering equipment, and production studio. So, why is he concerned with the black rap community? Russ says that the business of music is designed to cull young, financially illiterate blacks to make old white men wealthy. Also, he says that such youths “perpetuate negative black stereotypes.” So, why would he voice these ideas? Is it merely white guilt rearing its ugly head again? What Russ is speaking is somewhat true although severely misguided.
Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago in BeatReason First: Do Cardi B's Accusers Hate Her Because She's Beautiful?
Before roving mobs start chanting “lock her up!” Cardi B should be given her chance at due process like any other rights holding American citizen. A Grammy, a husband, a baby, three number one singles, and an ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Award, and a number one album all set up Cardi B to be amongst the wheat while other female rappers have become the chaff. The indictment regarding her allegedly attempting to “assault two women with intent to cause serious physical injury and other charges like misdemeanor reckless endangerment, assault, criminal solicitation, conspiracy,” and harassment all amount to hate. It is the hatred of the successful for being successful. If Cardi B would have been a dancer still sliding down poles with a few thousand dollars attached to her name, would she be in this conundrum?
Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago in BeatUnsung: 90s Male R&B Groups (Part 2)
For those of you who felt we just scratched the surface of looked-over R&B groups from the last article, you are absolutely right. 90s R&B music was such a self-contained world from 1991 to 1996 that many acts experienced true fame and success without breaking into the "mainstream." Besides Troop, A Few Good Men, and Portrait here are some more groups that deserve respect for what they brought to black music.
Michael BonnerPublished 5 years ago in BeatDiggy Simmons Artist Analysis
Many people know Diggy Simmons as a son of Rev Run and from their family reality show, “Run’s House.” On the show, he was the typical younger brother. who was also trying to learn about himself and to be comfortable in his individuality. Ten years after the final season of “Run’s House” Diggy is an actor and rapper in his own right, working on BET and gaining his own record deal with Atlantic Records.
Azaria BrownPublished 5 years ago in BeatReason First: Should Lil' Durk Start Snitching?
Rather than shooting videos, Durk has allegedly been seen shooting in a video with a firearm. Among the other charges including criminal intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Lil’ Durk may see football numbers if tried and convicted of these alleged crimes. Lil’ Durk maintains his innocence throughout this whole ordeal. The Chicago rapper understands that the judge has discovered probable cause in Lil’ Durk’s case and has denied bond. There is that video floating around that illustrates Durk allegedly firing the weapon in question.
Skyler SaundersPublished 5 years ago in BeatAugusta's Best Kept Secret
Who's the hottest in the city? A question you hear quite often throughout the Garden City's musical scene. On the other hand, an artist from the Southside of Augusta, Georgia..."Uptown" to be exact, keenly answers he doesn't care who the hottest in the city is because he's the hottest [from] the city.
HRE PublishingPublished 5 years ago in BeatJoyner Lucas: 'ADHD'
Joyner Lucas has been creating some buzz for his upcoming ADHD album, which doesn’t have a release date just yet. He announced the upcoming album in late 2018, since then we’ve seen the release of three singles “I Love,” “Devil’s Work” and “Isis.” Right off the bat, I wanna say that 9/10 I don’t really research albums before they drop. This is because I’m usually not interested in what the artist is trying to do with an album. I like to listen to it first and then look at what they say they were trying to do to see if they were successful. It's this idea of the realized intention. I only mention it because if Joyner did any interviews about any of the things I’m going to discuss, I wouldn’t have seen them. But anyway.
Azaria BrownPublished 5 years ago in Beat