No Country for Old (Rap) Men: When creative freedom isn’t freedom at all
The first time I listened to Jay Z’s 4:44, I found myself impressed by his apparent disregard for the radio singles, ‘on trend’ guests, and cynically calculated attempts to appeal to as many rap fans...
View ArticleNo Country for Old (Rap) Men: The curse of nineties gimmick rap
What crazy times the nineties were, what with Hammer pants, Sonic The Hedgehog, and denim shirts on lock. It was a time of fresh-faced innocence, when you could still get away with shooting a rap video...
View ArticleNo Country for Old (Rap) Men: Nineties gimmick rap groups that won
As much as I enjoyed kicking played-out nineties gimmick groups while they were down last week, it’s worth noting that this very same decade also brought the rap world some great examples of gimmicks...
View ArticleNo Country for Old (Rap) Men: Why rap history doesn’t matter
The problem with being a ‘cutting edge’ form of music is that everyone is so busy trying to find the next big thing that yesterday’s heroes quickly become relegated to ancient history. Unless you’re...
View ArticleA hip-hop writer reviews Wu Tang Premium Liqueur
Cracked the lid and the entire top came off without breaking the seal. Not a good sign. On first whiff I’m sensing notes of nail polish remover mixed with paint thinner, with a hint of bathtub grappa...
View ArticleNo Country for Old (Rap) Men: I listened to every Migos track over a bottle...
At some point in the last few weeks I publicly declared that I would attempt to listen to the entire Migos discography while heroically drunk. I originally planned on conducting this highly important...
View ArticleA quick guide to rap history that all young rap fans should know
As a counterpoint to my previous argument about how young’uns can and should be able to enjoy rap without being able to recite the Kool Moe Dee vs. Busy Bee battle tape line for line, here’s an...
View ArticleEminem vs Trump: a match made in heaven
Ya boy Marshall Mathers has come out swinging against President Trump this week, and it’s hard to imagine a more appropriate person to articulate America’s rejection of his behaviour. If you remove the...
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