Coming of Age: How Reasonable Doubt Launched Jay-Z’s Legacy
An exploration of how Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, served as the foundation for his transformation from a struggling rapper to a global icon.
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News
Don’t Try to Follow: An Interview with ALIA
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Layla Rey on Love, Identity, and Her New Visual for “Maybe Love Ain’t Perfect”
FEATURES
Rock to the Rhythm: The Story of Lexicon
The 99 Greatest Jay-Z Songs, Ranked
Thirty years into a legendary career, we break down the 99 greatest Jay-Z songs, exploring the highs, the lows, and the enduring impact of Shawn Carter.
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The Rap-Up: Future and the Art of Shapeshifting
We break down the latest tracks from Future, Radamiz, KIBO, and more in this week's edition of The Rap-Up.
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I Understand the Dread: An Interview with Phiik and Lungs
New York duo Phiik and Lungs discuss their virtuosic approach to rap and the creative process behind their new album, People Are Not Your Friends.
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We’re Fluent In Discomfort: An Interview with SML
Nereya Otieno sits down with the progressive quintet SML to discuss their latest live album, the art of improvisation, and their unique creative process.
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New Music Essentials: All City Jimmy, Chanel Beads, and LAZER DIM 700
Discover the latest essential tracks from All City Jimmy, Chanel Beads, and LAZER DIM 700 in this week's curated music guide.
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Surf Against the Bank: The Life and Death of Éliane Radigue
Reflecting on the profound legacy of French composer Éliane Radigue, a pioneer of musique concrète whose work explored the nature of impermanence.
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The Rap-Up: New Tracks from Sauce Walka, Kodak Black, and More
We break down the latest releases from Sauce Walka, Kodak Black, Peezy, and others in this week's edition of The Rap-Up.
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The Year of the Rat: How Recife’s Youth Reclaimed a Moniker
In the heart of Brazil, the youth of Recife are transforming the derogatory 'rat' label into a vibrant, defiant subculture fueled by Bregafunk.
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Don’t Try to Follow: An Interview with ALIA
Multi-instrumentalist ALIA discusses her unique musical journey, the influence of chance, and her evocative new album, Where the Echoes Bloom.
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“Call It Whatever” by Kenneth Millyun & TeeZol Is Making the Rounds
North Houston's own Kenneth Millyun discusses his latest collaboration, 'Call It Whatever,' and the deep-rooted brotherhood behind the music.
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The 2001 Project: Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein
Revisiting the Harlem duo's seminal 2001 debut, a record that redefined the sound of the underground and predicted the future of hip-hop.
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Critical Thot: A POW-Exclusive Mix From sha ray and DJ Haram
In celebration of their collaborative album, sha ray and DJ Haram curate a 45-minute mix exclusively for POW, showcasing the sounds that shaped their latest project.
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The New Album You Need to Hear This Week: Tierra Whack and More
Cut through the digital noise with our weekly guide to the essential new music you need to hear, featuring Tierra Whack, student 1, and Chris Crack.
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Did Fenix Flexin Make the Song of the Summer—Or Did AI?
As Fenix Flexin’s viral track 'Rubberz' climbs the charts, industry insiders and fans are questioning if the song is a product of generative AI.
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The Rap-Up: Family Business and New Sounds
A deep dive into the latest tracks from Samara Cyn, Tierra Whack, Maxo Kream, Mike Sherm, and OTM.
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Remembering Tay Keith, an Unmistakable Producer
The music world mourns the loss of Memphis-born producer Tay Keith, who passed away at 29, leaving behind a legacy of iconic, genre-defining beats.
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Rap Is Rebellion: AZ on the Evolution of New York and ‘Doe or Die III’
Legendary rapper AZ reflects on the shifting landscape of New York City and his latest project, 'Doe or Die III,' in a candid conversation about legacy and growth.
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Layla Rey on Love, Identity, and Her New Visual for “Maybe Love Ain’t Perfect”
There’s a reason Layla Rey ‘s music feels like it’s speaking two languages at once. The artist is half Black, half Filipino, and that layered identity runs through everything she makes — including her newest release, “Maybe Love Ain’t Perfect,” which just dropped its official music video. Layla has built her sound at the intersection […]
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An Incomplete Guide to Brooklyn Music Venues
A candid look at the current state of Brooklyn's music scene, evaluating the sound, atmosphere, and overall experience of the borough's most prominent venues.
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Exploding Eggs and Andrew Dice Clay: The Making of EMF’s “Unbelievable”
Discover the chaotic, surreal story behind EMF’s 90s smash hit 'Unbelievable,' featuring a run-in with Andrew Dice Clay and a pivotal meeting with Rick Rubin.
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The New Album You Need to Hear This Week: Wiki and More
Introducing Customer Service, a weekly feature to help you cut through the digital weeds and discover the latest essential music releases.
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We’re Talking About Survival: An Interview with Serengeti
Chicago's avant-garde rap icon Serengeti discusses his latest project, KENNYV, and his unconventional approach to the creative process.
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The Rap-Up: After Hours – New Tracks from Vince Staples and More
Anthony Seaman breaks down the latest releases from Vince Staples, RealYungPhil, Cash Cobain, and other standout artists in this week's Rap-Up.
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Words, They Never Stopped No Bullet: The Legacy of Vince Staples
From his earliest records, Vince Staples has chronicled the violence in—and of—America, offering an eerie glimpse into the nation's future.
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On Picking Up the Phone: The Lost Romance of Communication
Matthew Ritchie explores the emotional weight of phone calls, tracing the intersection of vulnerability and connection through the lens of hip-hop history.
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The Definitive Guide to DMV Crank Music
An exploration of the visceral, avant-garde street rap scene emerging from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.
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Rock to the Rhythm: The Story of Lexicon
The L.A. underground duo Lexicon reflects on their history, their philosophy of 'underground over everything,' and a fateful 1998 encounter with Eminem.
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Slam on the CDJ: The Best DJ Sets of May 2026
From bass-heavy club rhythms to woozy ambient explorations, we break down the most essential DJ sets that defined the dancefloor in May 2026.
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Zay Liege Keeps It a Hundred on “Calm Talk” — One Hope Is All He Needs
Ninety-nine problems, one hope. That’s the ledger Zay Liege is working with on “Calm Talk,” and somehow he makes it sound like a winning hand. The Brooklyn-Queens MC — born Quentin Conry — has always had a gift for turning pressure into perspective, and this record might be his clearest statement yet. The beat breathes. […]
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