The Rap-Up: New Singles from Cletus Strap and More
We dive into the latest releases from Cletus Strap, Earl Sweatshirt, and others in this week's edition of The Rap-Up.
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News
Riviir Makes a Resonant Debut with ‘Stay Down (Turn on You)’ EP
FEATURES
The Rap-Up: New Singles from Cletus Strap and More
NEW TRACKS
Debut Album “Seriously” from Garret Murko Turns Three Decades of Notebooks Into a Chorus-Free Reckoning
This Is Her World: Remembering Sparky D
Reflecting on the life and legacy of hip-hop pioneer Sparky D, a trailblazer who helped define the sound and spirit of the Roxanne Wars.
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Perfection is Perfected: The Untold Story of DJ Glaze and G-Funk
Explore the origins of G-funk through the lens of Filipino pioneer DJ Glaze, whose collective Perfection helped shape the legendary West Coast sound.
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POSITIVEMAN’s Unstoppable Universe: Why TOMA Is Just the Beginning
POSITIVEMAN is redefining cultural storytelling by bridging three distinct nations into a singular creative vision, starting with the explosive TOMA project.
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Kelly Monrow, “Dear Dolly: A Child’s Memo”
Kelly Monrow delivers a raw and vulnerable musical narrative with her latest single, 'Dear Dolly: A Child's Memo,' shifting from indie pop to soulful storytelling.
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Sim City, Bitch: Tyga, Artificial Intelligence, and the End of Art
Tyga's latest project, $TARFACE, raises uncomfortable questions about the role of artificial intelligence in the future of music production.
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Errol Holden: The Harlem Rapper Finding His Voice
Harlem rapper Errol Holden discusses his transition from the streets to a burgeoning music career, detailing his artistic evolution and recent success.
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Debut Album “Seriously” from Garret Murko Turns Three Decades of Notebooks Into a Chorus-Free Reckoning
Knoxville-based artist Garret Murko steps into the spotlight with his debut album, Seriously, a chorus-free, lyrics-first project years in the making.
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You Would Think I Was Lying: On UGK’s Ridin’ Dirty
Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of UGK's masterpiece, Ridin' Dirty, we explore the enduring legacy and narrative depth of the Texas duo's seminal work.
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Inside “Count My Blessings,” Hip-Hop’s Most Overlooked Legends Return
Prison rap pioneers Lifers Group join forces with West Coast legend X-Raided for a poignant new single, 'Count My Blessings.'
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OVRKAST. On The Truth Hurts: From Bandcamp to Platinum Success
Oakland artist OVRKAST. joins The Truth Hurts podcast to discuss his journey from the Bay Area beat scene to securing major industry placements.
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OTM on The Truth Hurts: Building an Independent Empire
LA duo OTM discuss their journey, their connection to the Stinc Team, and the enduring legacy of Drakeo the Ruler.
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What Happens When a Pop Star Wants to Hide? A Review of Charli xcx’s Music, Fashion, Film
Charli xcx navigates the complexities of fame and artistic identity in her latest project, Music, Fashion, Film.
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Sexy and Sad: An Interview with DJ Plead
Electronic producer DJ Plead discusses his new album, 'Please,' and how he navigates identity, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of his sound.
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The Real Me: The Ten Best Future Songs of the Last Ten Years
As Future releases his latest project, we reflect on a decade of unparalleled output to identify the ten definitive tracks that define his singular artistry.
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Everything Is Spiritual: An Interview with Bahamadia
The legendary Philadelphia MC reflects on her seminal 1996 debut album, Kollage, and her enduring influence on hip-hop culture.
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DoggyStyleeee Reawakened: A Fresh Take on G-Funk
In his latest project, Reawakened, San Bernadino rapper DoggyStyleeee reimagines the classic G-funk sound with a raw, jagged, and handmade aesthetic.
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New Court Filings: Security Guard Alleges YG Brandished Knife at Drakeo The Ruler
Newly obtained court documents in a civil suit reveal a security guard's testimony claiming rapper YG was armed with a knife during the fatal 2021 altercation involving Drakeo The Ruler.
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The Rap-Up: New World Order and the Power of Collectivism
Anthony Seaman explores the shifting landscape of hip-hop, from MIKE's Young World Festival to the latest tracks from Slayr, Estee Nack, and more.
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Killa Season: Revisiting Cam’ron’s Cinematic Legacy
Two decades after its release, we look back at Cameron Giles’s pivot toward street-level cinema and the enduring impact of Killa Season.
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Dealer Authenticated: YL, Papo2oo4, and Subjxct5 on Triple Double
The Tri-State trio discusses their collaborative journey, the making of their new project Triple Double, and staying authentic in the modern rap landscape.
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Roger Glenn: A Jazz Legend’s Enduring Musical Journey
Jazz multi-instrumentalist Roger Glenn reflects on his storied career, the reissue of his 1976 classic 'Reachin'', and his new album 'My Latin Heart'.
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Gay Guerrilla: The Long Resurrection of Julius Eastman
The late composer Julius Eastman has become newly celebrated. What does his long-overdue recognition say about his legacy—and our culture?
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Kool Keith’s Alternative Facts: A Master of Experimental Rap
Kool Keith returns with a surreal, genre-defying sound that cements his status as an experimental rap legend.
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Tomoki Sanders: Stepping Out of the Shadow
Emergent spiritual jazz talent Tomoki Sanders is carving a unique path, honoring the legacy of their father, Pharoah Sanders, while forging a distinct identity.
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Riviir Makes a Resonant Debut with ‘Stay Down (Turn on You)’ EP
Hailing from Harlem, Riviir emerges as a formidable new voice in Hip-Hop with his debut EP, Stay Down (Turn on You), blending traditional lyricism with profound social commentary.
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My Favorite Rappers Weren’t on Records: An Interview with Biz Markie
David Ma unearths a rare, insightful conversation with the late, legendary Biz Markie, reflecting on his journey from beatboxer to hip-hop icon.
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Masque Turns Inward on the Re-Release of ‘The Pain, The Pain’
Hawaii-born artist Masque explores the depths of internal struggle with the haunting, claustrophobic re-release of 'The Pain, The Pain.'
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We Outside: The Enduring Magic of Stern Grove Festival 2026
As the longest-running free music festival in the country, Stern Grove Festival 2026 continues to redefine the live music experience through accessibility and community.
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Ecstatic Heterosexuality: On Madonna’s Confessions II
Grace Byron explores how Madonna’s latest project, Confessions II, reclaims the pop icon's legacy and navigates the complexities of modern female sexuality.
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