Category: Rap

  • Da Baby – BE MORE GRATEFUL – 7.8 (Music Review)

    Da Baby – BE MORE GRATEFUL – 7.8 (Music Review)

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    Honorable Mentions

    1. DON’T INSULT ME (Ft. Twin)
    2. PAPER LOW
  • J. Cole The Fall Off Tour [Dates]

    J. Cole The Fall Off Tour [Dates]

    Fresh off The Fall Off, JERMAINE COLE announces a world tour.

  • 2026 Grammy Awards: Urban Genres Steal the Spotlight

    2026 Grammy Awards: Urban Genres Steal the Spotlight

    The 68th Annual Grammy Awards delivered a powerhouse night for urban music, with rap and R&B categories showcasing innovation, raw lyricism, and soulful vibes. Amid a diverse field of nominees, artists like Kendrick Lamar, Kehlani, and Leon Thomas emerged as the evening’s urban MVPs, sweeping key honors and underscoring the genres’ enduring cultural pulse.

    Rap’s Royal Sweep: Kendrick Lamar Reigns Supreme

    Hip-hop’s throne was firmly claimed by Kendrick Lamar, who dominated the rap field with a staggering four wins, cementing GNX as a critical darling. The Compton visionary took home Best Rap Album for GNX, a genre-bending project blending introspective bars with experimental production. He also secured Best Rap Song for the gritty “tv off” featuring Lefty Gunplay, Best Melodic Rap Performance for the haunting “luther” alongside SZA, and contributed to Best Rap Performance on Clipse’s “Chains & Whips” (with Pusha T, Malice, and Pharrell Williams), a nostalgic yet fierce collaboration that nodded to rap’s golden era. Lamar’s haul highlighted his versatility, from melodic introspection to hard-hitting posse cuts, while nominees like Cardi B (“Outside”) and Doechii added fierce competition but couldn’t dethrone the king.

    In a broader nod to rap’s evolution, albums like Clipse’s Let God Sort Em Out and Tyler, the Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA contended for Album of the Year, signaling urban sounds’ mainstream crossover power.

    R&B’s Soulful Renaissance: Kehlani and Leon Thomas Shine

    R&B brought emotional depth and fresh voices to the forefront, with Bay Area songstress Kehlani leading the charge. She clinched Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Folded,” a vulnerable anthem co-written with Darius Dixson and others that captured heartbreak’s quiet storm. Leon Thomas, the multi-hyphenate producer-turned-solo star, matched her energy with dual victories: Best Traditional R&B Performance for the smooth “VIBES DON’T LIE” and Best R&B Album for MUTT.

    Durand Bernarr rounded out the R&B triumphs with Best Progressive R&B Album for BLOOM, an eclectic fusion of funk, electronica, and soul that celebrated the genre’s experimental edge.

    Latin Urban’s Global Beat: Bad Bunny’s Timely Victory

    Extending urban’s reach, Bad Bunny snagged Best Música Urbana Album for his fourth Grammy in the category, delivering a poignant acceptance speech on cultural representation amid global conversations on Latinx identity. This win reinforced reggaeton and Latin trap’s Grammy foothold, blending street anthems with polished artistry.

    Overall, urban genres claimed over a dozen wins across fields, with crossovers like SZA and Pharrell bridging rap and R&B. The night pulsed with performances—imagine Lamar’s meditative “luther” set against Kehlani’s raw “Folded” stage moment—proving these sounds aren’t just surviving; they’re reshaping music’s future. As the dust settles, 2026’s urban haul feels like a victory lap for authenticity in an AI-saturated era.

  • A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb – 9.1 (Music Review)

    A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb – 9.1 (Music Review)

    Overall Rating: 9.1/10

    Man wtf is going on with this rap shit. A$AP Rocky done been on some shit since his later release but Don’t Be Dumb is that same ol’ Rocky feel “Hell is going on in that Little Fashion Boy mind”!!

    Don’t Be Dumb out now with digital bonus songs. Flackitoooo I can just hear them screaming Lil Handsome in Harlem now and I ain’t even been there since this dropped. Oh pardon me Flackito Jodye where do Big Unc begin.

    This audio delivers a very studio feel with top-notch sound quality that immerses you right in the mix—crisp, polished, and professional all the way through. The versatile sound keeps things fresh, blending trap beats with experimental vibes that showcase Rocky’s evolution without losing his signature Harlem flair. His rhymes are equally versatile, switching from introspective bars to straight fire, making every track hit different. The excellent collaborations elevate the album, bringing in features that complement Rocky’s style perfectly without overshadowing him. Overall, it’s a great product—worth the grab for fans, especially with those digital bonus songs adding extra value. If you’re into that fashion-forward, boundary-pushing rap, this one’s a no-brainer.

  • Clockwork Music, Curren$y linking for string of shows “The Winners Circle Tour”

    Clockwork Music, Curren$y linking for string of shows “The Winners Circle Tour”

    After a string of timestamp mixtapes Curren$y is headed out on the road with “The Winners Circle Tour” embarking March 28 with a run of shows 2026. Traveling the globe Spitta Andretti is hitting every major market including the Carolinas, Florida and DMV.

    Performing with him at every stop The 747 Band and special guest Fendi P. Jay Electronica has been confirmed for two show dates.

    Tickets on sale Monday 10:00am (Eastern Standard Time) | https://currensy.fanlink.tv/thewinnerscircletour

    UMH SHOW DATE HIGHLIGHTS 

    March 28 Las Vegas

    April 20 Washington DC

    May 7 Orlando

    May 8 Tampa

    May 9 Miami

    May 10 Jacksonville 

  • Wale heading out on road Everything Is A Lot. The Tour with Smino preview

    Wale heading out on road Everything Is A Lot. The Tour with Smino preview

    Wale’s eighth studio album, everything is a lot., released on November 14, 2025, via Def Jam, explores vulnerability, fame’s pressures, and personal struggles through soulful hip-hop with African influences. Guests include Ty Dolla $ign, Andra Day, Leon Thomas, ODUMODUBLVCK, BNYX, Seyi Vibez, Teni, Odeal, Nino Paid, and Shaboozey. Standouts: “Blanco” on alcohol issues and “Power and Problems” on fame’s downsides.

    Promo highlights a creative Nike Boots ad featuring Smino, directed by Jossh Flores, revealing features amid DC-rooted visuals.

    The “Everything Is A Lot. The Tour with Smino” kicks off May 26 in San Francisco, hitting cities like LA, Denver, Austin, Atlanta, NYC, Chicago, and more, ending July 2 in Minneapolis. Tickets at everythingisthetour.com.

    For full tour poster see below

  • OBK REACTS: What is up with this New Orleans Nigga and these timestamp projects

    OBK REACTS: What is up with this New Orleans Nigga and these timestamp projects

    Firing up something fresh off the runway: Curren$y’s 9/15, dropped on the 15th, and it’s got that Spitta smoke — short, sweet, and stacked with bars over buttery beats.

    Top Down — oh, this is peak Curren$y! Windows down, wind in the hair, lyrics about stacking paper and dodging lames.

    Luxury flex 101! Spitta’s cataloging whips like a dealer but he states “I ain’t have to say that rhyme yall niggas know my problem.”

    That trunk-rattling bass? Chef’s kiss. It’s playful, not braggy — more like sharing the blueprint. Keeps the momentum rolling smooth. Lyrics hit on loyalty and payoff — real talk. Elevated the energy. 9/10, love the guest spots. Beats got that Southern bounce, perfect closer. Leaves you hyped and reflective.

    Wrapping 9/15 — Curren$y’s dropping jewels in under 20 minutes. Strengths: effortless flows, cohesive vibes, killer features. It’s like a quick joyride — don’t overthink it, just enjoy.

    Lines That Touched Our Soul On Curren$y 9/15

    1. “Hop out in some shit’ll have PETA at my front door

    The f**k I gotta front for? It’s Porsches in my arsenal

    Hundred miles and runnin’, these Pirellis still got more to go

    Burnin’ one and rollin’ one, gotta smoke before I smoke

    Only natural stones in this two-tone yellow rose

    Money still the mission, and still remainin’ real while ya gettin’ it

    Gotta let it pile before ya spend it

    If I say I’ma do it, on these white G-Nikes, I did it

    I go hard on a ho’, go coupe-for-coupe with my nigga”

    Song- JetLife Got The Power

    2. “This way bigger than some rap shit

    This the feelin’ of pullin’ your close homies out the trap, and sh*t

    This that money in the mattress” Song- Paid In Full

    3. “Can’t be afraid of the grind, can say that a thousand times

    Won’t sink in some ni**as minds, that make them a waste of time

    Can’t be no friends of mine, ’cause I’m out her’ gettin’ mine

    Song- Top Down

  • Ranking Top-7 Lines From Curren$y’s 8/30

    Ranking Top-7 Lines From Curren$y’s 8/30

    One time for the Aries. EASTSIDE!

    For a nigga signed to Cash Money I can not remember them days nor records and I feel like I been the biggest blood since Cash Money took over around 99-2000. 

    How does this nigga Curren$y have so much music out. JETLIFE!? Hell is that. Saw it on a couple jackets once in my life. Long story short: you can answer that for me. 

    While the bangers stick out it’s Curren$y airlines” schtick on this album that are hilarious and bring energy to the production.

    Here are seven of the best lines from Curren$y latest project. (Non-ranking)

    Rich Uncle Intro (song) #WHOLETHANG

    1. “Full-time job not to kill ’em, somebody else’ll get ’em

    I tried to help some niggas, but I’ma be selfish with it

    That’s more healthier, n***a, that’s self-care, my n***a

    Generational wealth”

    Song- Combination

    2. “Minimize the problems, maximize the money

    I hoped out my Impala, hit switches, makе it sit funny

    Leanin’ to the side, stylе wild drunk monkey
    Gorillas in the mist, and the YNs hungry

    They pull up and get some change and a whole lot more game from me”

    Song- Blog Air (feat. Wiz Khalifa)

    3. “I never conspired with liars, I had me a younger Mariah

    And she was just takin’ me higher, keepin’ my pocket and mind right

    She even told me keep it P, and she never wanted the limelight

    She told me she watchin’ TV, ’cause she know that’s where she’ll find Mike”

    Song- Kush Clouds (feat. Killer Miker)

    4. “It’s been parked up for a month, we can’t find the joints

    I’m finna fire up a joint as I score more points

    Stackin’ up these golden coins, Jet Life I’m enjoyin’

    Errybody can’t go, sucka niggas can’t join

    Song- Saratoga Races

    5. “You better go find a hustle. Rinse and repeat.”

    Song- Store Owners (feat. LES)

    6. Not talking to nobody just enjoying the feeling 

    I’m silent but I’m plotting on dividing a million 

    With my nigga on his 1’s[?] I think I know where to get it

    Song- Due Diligence

    7. “Ganja in a chalice, reclinin’ on fabrics

    Smokin’, anticipatin’ the next challenge

    They went with there’s, we got right back at ’em”

    Song- Vision Board

  • BIA’s Debut Album BIANCA: A Bold, Introspective Arrival [8.7]

    BIA’s Debut Album BIANCA: A Bold, Introspective Arrival [8.7]

    Released October 10, 2025, via BIA

    One thing is for certain BIA’s long-awaited debut album BIANCA unleashes the Massachusetts rapper’s most authentic self after a decade of boundary-pushing features and EPs. A debut album is an artist’s chance to pour their life’s experiences into a singular statement, and BIA delivers with a project that’s raw, introspective, and unapologetically her own.

    Let the internet tell it Lil Jon was only talking about black woman so how did Bianca Miquela Landrau become known professionally as BIA. Luck is finding a radio station today where it is not predominantly dominated by the female-gender artist. FAST FOWARD WITH ME. I will be the bad guy I know some Puerto-Rican blacks but shit they be saying they might just be Latin you let they great-grandma tell it. At 34-years-of-age I stopped asking woman they ethnicity because I mean that might be the next RICO: paranoia of growing up going to Puerto Rican festivals and an old Italian man telling me he ashamed to admit it but OBK might be Sicilian. 

    Her early work, including standout features with artists like J. Cole and Nicki Minaj, set the stage for this moment, though fans hoping for guest appearances on BIANCA may have to wait for a potential deluxe edition.

    Current album: A slew of what happened to the budget or is Unc behind on who he dealing with online. 

    “2 shots in and im thinkin about fuckin,” My type of girl. Sad Party Yung Nigga Classic You not even that freaky though.

    OBK

    BIANCA—trades surface-level bravado for raw vulnerability, elevated introspection, and unpredictable vibes, from the all while sidestepping low-frequency drama to craft a timeless, high-frequency statement of growth. BIA is crystal clear about her boundaries and energy—if you’re fake, keep moving. The beat on NWFA is minimalist and cold, letting her delivery cut through like a knife. It’s the perfect reminder: BIA doesn’t need to shout to dominate. Then comes AWAKE and this one’s a standout. It’s hypnotic and introspective, with a darker, almost trance-like quality. You feel BIA floating in her own lane, addressing paranoia, fame, and self-awareness, all while staying smooth as ever. This is BIA deep in her bag—calm, but never sleeping.

    Being BAD GUY might just be her best flex. She leans all the way into the villain role, unapologetically. This is the artist who doesn’t care for approval, who owns her ambition, and who has absolutely no interest in playing nice. The production slaps, the bars are savage, and the attitude is addictive. Over a delicate yet eerie beat PRAY FOR YOU is haunting. BIA offers verses that feel like quiet vengeance. It’s not angry; it’s composed and cold. She doesn’t curse you out—she lights a candle and keeps it moving. A beautiful balance of pain and power.

    Switching the vibe on SAD PARTY and DADE —melancholic, but still fly BIA taps into emotional exhaustion here. Both tracks feels like a neon-soaked night ride through South Beach. The energy is infectious, the beat flips are wild, and BIA’s flexes come with bilingual flair. It’s global and gritty at once (think CJ from San Andres Screensaver)!

    If you are looking for straight pressure WE ON GO II is straight pressure. This version feels like a sequel with more punch—more confidence, more hunger. The hook is menacing, the drums knock, and BIA rides the pocket like a pro. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to stunt on your ex and then run a few red lights (figuratively, of course).

    It’s giving quiet confidence and expensive taste BIANCA is cold, calculated, and completely in her zone in BIA’s debut. Luxury rap but make it introverted and icy every track feels experimental , bossed up, and unbothered. [8.7]

  • Benny the Butcher’s Money & Power Tour: A Grimy Hip-Hop Takeover Hits the Road Fall 2025

    Benny the Butcher’s Money & Power Tour: A Grimy Hip-Hop Takeover Hits the Road Fall 2025

    Get ready for an explosive night of raw lyricism and unrelenting energy! Buffalo’s own Benny the Butcher is set to storm stages across the East Coast and beyond with his Money & Power Tour, kicking off this week. Don’t miss your chance to witness Benny the Butcher live as he commands the stage with unmatched hustle and heart.

    Presented by BSF, it’s hitting mid-sized venues perfect for that sweaty, up-close vibe. Joining Benny are BSF’s OT The Real and Griselda producer Daringer. 

    Fresh off his Def Jam album Everybody Can’t Go and the May 2025 surprise EP Excelsior Benny’s delivering a live sermon on street wisdom and unyielding hustle.

    Tickets on sale now—grab yours before they’re gone!