What Does It Mean to Be A Major Label A&R In 2018? We Asked One
The role of an A&R has changed over the years, there are fewer of them inside the major label system, but the practice isn't dead.
Interviews
Meet AUGUST 08, the K-Town Singer Who Wants Kids to Know It’s Okay to Cry (Interview)
We spoke with the latest addition to the 88rising roster.
Meet NoMBe, the German Singer That You Might Even Love (Interview)
The 26-year-old singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist is more focused on chasing experiences then seeking external validation.
Meet ODIE, the Toronto Singer Focused on Capturing His Most Vulnerable Moments
Prior to releasing his debut album, 'Analogue,' we caught up with the 21-year-old.
Yelawolf: The Lost Interview — "Maybe I'm Fuckin' on Tour With Eminem"
As fate would have it, less than one year later, Yela inked a record deal with Interscope and Eminem's Shady Records.
Before A Vacation In Hell: A Conversation with Flatbush Zombies
We sat down for BBQ with the trio before the release of their highly-anticipated new album.
Meet Molly Brazy, the Fiery Detroit Rapper Dedicated to Keeping it Real
We talked to the 19-year-old Motown upstart about her bright future.
Marc E. Bassy Pulls Back the Curtain on the Life of a Touring Artist
"I kinda built this story up in my head before we really did this."
DJ Premier Breaks Down Gang Starr's 'Moment of Truth' for 20th Anniversary (Interview)
In celebration of the album's 20th anniversary, Preemo gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at eight of the biggest records on 'Moment of Truth.'
The Game: Lost Interview — "I Don't Have to Sell Shit to a Toilet"
Before the release of 2008's 'L.A.X.', The Game spoke with DJBooth about his dream album—a project that still hasn't come to fruition.
Soulja Boy: Lost Interview — "I'm the Next Generation of Hip-Hop"
We spoke with the "Crank Dat" author a week before the release of his major label debut.
The Curse of Crooked I's Critical Ear
The veteran MC tackles the difficulty of listening to rap music for enjoyment—as a professional rapper.
Lushlife & Botany Are Serving Up a "Rap Salad" Birthed Among the Stars
We caught up with the pair in New York to discuss their new album, 'The Skull Eclipses.'
Bun B: The Lost Interview — "Pimp C and I Never Really Recorded at the Same Time"
A week before the release of the sixth and final UGK album, we spoke with Texas legend.
Kid Cudi: The Lost Interview — "It’s Way Bigger Than Just Helpin’ People Groove"
Our conversation with Cudi the day he released 'Man on the Moon: The End of Day.'
Killer Mike: The Lost Interview (2008) — "I’m a Hell of a Rapper in an Age When That Means Nothing"
We spoke with Killer Mike in 2008, a week before the release of his third studio album, 'I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II.'
LL Cool J: The Lost Interview — "I Didn’t Get Into Hip-Hop For Money"
We spoke with the hip-hop legend one month before the release of his final album on Def Jam, 'Exit 13.'
Craving What’s Real: The Importance of Vinyl With Thelonious Martin (Interview)
The Chicago-based producer reinforces the need for tangible products in a digital world.
Wiz Khalifa: The Lost Interview — "Just Expect Me to Be a Little More Mainstream"
Two weeks after the release of his acclaimed 2009 'Burn After Rolling' mixtape, Wiz called my landline.
Meet Adrian Daniel, a 'Flawd' Alt-Soul Singer From Brooklyn
We caught up with the rising star at SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas.
J. Cole: The Lost Interview — "I'm Gonna Show You Why I'm the First Pick"
“I wanna be LeBron and not Kwame.” —J. Cole (2009)
"New York Together Is Unstoppable”: An Interview With Rapper Marlon Craft
"People recognize me on the street and I could sell out a show, but sometimes I feel like there’s nothing for me to do but stay in my room and drink and make this music."
"Everything I Know Is From Making Mistakes": A Candid Conversation with Royce da 5'9"
The Detroit native sits down with Yoh to discuss the new PRhyme album, his next solo album, and life as veteran MC.
Sequels Are Successors: Talking 'PRhyme 2' With DJ Premier
DJ Premier breaks down the making of 'PRhyme 2,' his relationship with Royce da 5'9" and a nearly 30-year hip-hop career.
Illustrator Sam Spratt Breaks Down Every Logic Album Cover
Spratt shares the creatives process behind his work on 'Bobby Tarantino,' 'Everybody,' 'The Incredible True Story,' and 'Under Pressure.'
Sadness & Reflection: A Soul-Baring Conversation with Phonte
We spoke with the veteran MC one week after the release of his second solo LP, 'No News Is Good News.'
Ajani Jones Left a Full-Ride Scholarship to Rap & It’s Paying Off
We spoke with the recent Closed Sessions signee following the release of his 'Cocoons' EP.
DJ Burn One Waited 7 Years for Payment for Two A$AP Rocky Songs—It Never Arrived
After waiting seven years to be paid for two beats on A$AP Rocky's debut mixtape, DJ Burn One is moving on—and helping others.
Roc Marciano's Anti-Streaming Release Strategy Is Paying Off
The veteran MC made back his initial investment in 'RR2' in one day.
Meet Tobi Lou, the Chicago Artist Bringing the Joy of Cartoons to Hip-Hop
Tobi fled his hometown to avoid comparisons to Chance The Rapper, but his potential star power is still obvious 2,000 miles away.
How Consequence Balances Being a Good Rap Dad While Managing a Rap Kid
How fatherhood of a rapping child is making the Queens OG a little more conscious of what he's saying and how he's saying it.
How Graphic Designer Rowdee Went From Serving in the Military to Working with 6LACK
The Seoul-based graphic designer is living proof that hard work can make dreams come true.
10 Hip-Hop Artists Share Their Best Business Advice
Russ, Mistah F.A.B., Dumbfoundead and more dish out free game.
Vic Spencer is Handing Out "Ultra Magnetic Bodybags"
The Chicago MC has come to collect on his latest single.
Childish Major's Incredible Journey From “U.O.E.N.O.” to Debut Album 'Woo$Ah'
The days of making chicken tender subs as a Publix deli employee are now a distant memory.
Rap Dads: How XV’s Son Changed His Perspective on Music
Sharing music with his son has completely rewired XV’s understanding of the artform.
Black Milk Shares the Story Behind His 5 Biggest Songs
With his new album 'FEVER' out this Friday, we sat down with the esteemed Detroit producer.
Hit Songwriter Shaun Frank on the Reality of Streaming: “The Best Model Right Now Is to Be the Artist”
Despite a new ruling to increase songwriters’ streaming pay by nearly 50%, they’re still drawing the short end of the artistic stick.
How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Rapping and Creativity
Two MDs break down the pros and cons of rap's "grind mentality."
10 Artists Under 30 Define a "Successful Career" in Music
For some artists, success means attaining wealth. But for others, it means something completely different.
Towkio Will Listen to His Debut Album 'WWW.' From Outer Space Because He's "a Magician"
The Chicago MC will literally release his "artist defining album" 100,000 feet above the Earth.
Producer Kurtis McKenzie Shares His 'Black Panther' Soundtrack Beat Placement Story
"Kendrick texts back like 20 fire emojis."
Meet Bohan Phoenix, China’s Most Uncompromising Indie Rapper
The Hubei-born, Massachusetts-raised MC discusses his transnational upbringing, Eminem's early influence, China’s hip-hop ban and more.
We Asked 10 MCs if Believing They're "The Greatest" Is Required for Success
Is confidence just as important as originality? Lyrical ability? Voice?
Meet OG Parker, the Atlanta Producer Helping QC Achieve Their “No Breaks” Mentality
We sat down with OG Parker to discuss the QC movement, producing for Migos and more.
Beat Break: Boi-1da Shares the Story Behind His 5 Biggest Songs
The Toronto-raised producer breaks down hits for Drake, Kendrick, Eminem and Rihanna.
Going Smart by Going Dumb: Talking Life and Art with SHIRT
The first rapper signed to Jack White’s Third Man Records talks about his new album.
XV Is Back (For Real This Time) & New Music Is Coming
"I am the kid with the green backpack. That’s who I gotta be to inspire all of the other kids."
How Illustrator Nikolas A. Draper-Ivey Went From Fan Art to Drawing 'Black Panther The Album'
“I remember thinking, ‘Who at Disney is watching me like that?’”