MicDrop 19

Hip Hop Weekly Newsletter

In a recent interview with HipHopDX, rapper Benny The Butcher declared J. Cole as the best rapper alive right now.

Benny praised Cole's recent run and his ability to claim the top spot in the rap game.

He also mentioned being at a writing camp with the Dreamville crew, where he saw Cole going "crazy" with his talent.

Benny has previously praised Cole for his leadership role and his willingness to push the culture forward.

Overall, Benny recognises Cole's talent and believes he deserves the title of the best rapper alive.

The year 1994 was a pivotal moment in hip-hop history.

It saw the release of notable debut albums from artists such as Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Outkast, which showcased the genre's diverse and innovative sound.

This article explores how these albums and other trends in rap music at the time changed the game for hip-hop and set the stage for its continued influence in popular culture.

This article explores the relationship between hip-hop music and drug culture, particularly the prevalence of drug references in contemporary hip-hop songs.

It suggests that the culture of drug use in the music industry may be a symptom of a larger issue rather than the primary focus of criticism against new hip-hop.

The article also discusses the historical context of drug references in music, dating back to the Prohibition era.

It poses the question of whether the rejection of new hip-hop is actually based on the subject matter or the way the music is made, often under the influence and improvised.

In honour of Hip-Hop History Month, this article highlights six talented and trailblazing b-girls in the breakdancing community.

Despite women often being overlooked in the culture, these b-girls have made significant contributions and achieved notable success in the field.

As breaking gains recognition in the Paris 2024 Olympics, these women are paving the way for future generations of female breakdancers.

This article explores the concept of "conscious" rap in the modern hip-hop landscape.

It delves into the history of conscious rap and its importance in raising awareness about social and political issues.

While artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are mentioned as prominent figures in this genre, the article also recognises other rappers like Noname, Mick Jenkins, Little Simz, and Danny Brown who use their music to address various societal issues.

Ultimately, the article argues that conscious hip-hop is still alive and evolving, with artists continuing to create impactful music that sparks critical thinking and inspires change.

Get ready for the premiere of the 'James Brown: Say It Loud' documentary on February 19.

This four-part documentary, executive-produced by Questlove and Black Thought, is being hailed as the most complete visual record of Brown's career, offering an intimate look at the man off stage.

Conway The Machine is back with a new single, "Vertino," featuring Joey Bada$$.

This track is the first focus track off of Conway's upcoming project, a second volume of his 2023 album Won't He Do It.

Produced by Camouflage Monk, "Vertino" showcases the lyrical prowess and chemistry of these two talented artists.

Eddie Cheeba, a pioneering DJ and hip-hop artist, has passed away at the age of 67.

Known as a founding father of hip-hop, Cheeba was credited with inspiring Russell Simmons, the founder of Def Jam Recordings, to pursue a career in the genre.

Despite his influence, Cheeba only released one record during his career. Tributes have poured in from the hip-hop community, highlighting his significant contributions to the music genre.

Hip-hop has a long history of controversy when it comes to sampling, with artists often facing legal battles over unauthorised use of samples.

Some notable examples include the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," which used the instrumental from Chic's "Good Times" and led to a settlement with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force's "Planet Rock," which fused the beats from Kraftwerk's songs without permission.