Opinion

We asked two experts to break down the future of live performance in light of COVID-19.

Rest in infinite power, Groggs.

Marlowe, JWords, RaFia, and Yui & Aio make up our lo-fi rap snack pack for the week beginning July 6, 2020.

The late Brooklyn rapper’s posthumous debut is a statement piece.

“You have to find a voice in it.”

“Close to You” is no simple interlude; it is a calling out into the void for ease.

Despite the formidable challenges, hip-hop’s second home, France, made a typically impressive account for itself in the second quarter of 2020.

“There are myriad emotions our acute sense of collective irony has muted, and earnestness may be chief among them.”

JPEGMAFIA, MIKE, Black Noi$e, and Drew Dave make up our lo-fi rap snack pack for the week beginning June 29, 2020.

“Until we dismantle capitalism, the music industry will continue to promote reprehensible acts in the name of a dollar.”

“Beach Chair” was the moment JAY-Z finally let go of his youth, marking his journey into the philosophical elder statesman we celebrate today.

In celebration of Isaiah Rashad’s sophomore album, we present a series of vignettes for a ‘The Sun’s Tirade’ summer.

“I am certain of nothing but of the holiness of the heart’s affections and the truth of imagination.”

It’s been a mystery for nearly 20 years, but through the efforts of a devoted digger, a coveted MF DOOM sample has been uncovered. How, why, and what does it mean?

In an era where death tolls rise daily from myriad causes, Kenny Mason is a wellspring of living.

“As the reality of tour and rehearsals being postponed set in indefinitely, we had to begin to accommodate a new lifestyle.”

Blu & Exile, Asher Simmons, Sadhugold, and Animist make up our lo-fi rap snack pack for the week beginning June 22, 2020.

Dijon’s ‘How Do You Feel About Getting Married?’ EP balloons and thrives. His love and “little stories” feel so real because his world is based on the bashful.

“How can we be expected to both demolish white supremacy and rock you to sleep? We have too much to lose.”

Taylor’s third studio album, ‘The Album,’ is an honest work of art.

Every hip-hop head inherently subscribes to revolution, whether they know it or not.

“With every fresh listen, ‘DAMN.’ sounds more and more like a premonition of the end of days, an album made for this exact uncertain and imperfect world.”

There’s a silver lining to the moment of “crybaby;” Lil Peep is the silver lining.

“Every night fucks every day up / Every day patches the night up.”

By prioritizing looser, more subversive song titles, artists like Chris Crack and JPEGMAFIA are helping push hip-hop culture forward.

2020 Projects from Kota The Friend, Armand Hammer, and Jack Harlow carry the three essential elements of comfort music.

Week 17. Four more must-hear lo-fi records.

The initial shock of his viral hit “Rascal” may have worn off, but RMR is no one-hit wonder.

“You need a soundtrack to go along this beautiful hashtag this generation has created.”

We examine recent works by Future, Sheff G, and Medhane, three rappers who are learning to accept their flaws.

“...brass knuckle lyricism.”

“Thankfully, I have an outlet that keeps me sane.”

There is so much to miss in this life. If we’re not careful, it feels like we could spend entire days pining after what was.

Self-love is not waiting for anyone’s approval to follow my truth.