For the majority of hip-hop history, rappers have sold themselves as paragons of authenticity in their music. “I’m living my raps” was the intrinsic sell to most consumers. But in recent years, the justice system has been preying on that dynamic by criminalising lyrics. (Complex)
Gucci Mane Popularised One of Rap’s Most Distasteful Trends. Now He’s Trying to Undo It
Gucci's been known for gleefully mocking the dead in his raps. But now he's showing regrets and urging fellow rappers to follow suit in his latest track, 'Dissing the Dead'. (GQ)
The prolific rapper and streaming star who out-charted Drake last year is back with a new album that reconstructs the Black gospel experience.
(The Ringer)
On his debut album, What I Breathe, Aussie-born, London-based DJ and producer Mall Grab marks a new creative chapter in his journey, far from the lo-fi house sound that shot him into the spotlight in 2015. (DJ Mag)
A Renaissance in American Hardcore Music
A look at the recent burst of bands and how the scene operates as music, ethic and feeling. (NYT)
With his musical moniker Aphex Twin and his indie label Rephlex, Richard James and his early signee Squarepusher ushered in a new direction of U.K. dance music that moved away from the ubiquitous acid house to a mind-bending concoction that still sounds futuristic decades later. (Patta)
For the past two decades, the British singer-songwriter has balanced machine wizardry with startling humanity in her electronic pop. The world has finally caught up. (Pitchfork)
Music supervisors are the reason why songs on shows like Stranger Things go viral. They told VICE how they decide what makes the cut. (VICE)
How Nokia Ringtones Became the First Viral Earworms
The groundbreaking ringtone work at Nokia is largely kept alive by hobbyists who extract ringtones from old firmware. (The Verge)
Barry McGee Heads to Seoul
In Everyday Sunrise, his new solo show at Perrotin Seoul, McGee seems at ease with letting his charcters tell a story of his own development. (Juxtapoz)
The interview explores the process behind the beautiful boards and T-Shirts he put together, his emotional ties to Slam City Skates, first getting sponsored by Slam through to right now, and what lies in store for Isle skateboards. (Slam City Skates)
Customised L.L. Bean tote bags have become blank canvases for a contemporary sense of humour. (NYT)
The designer of Homme Plisse, Pleats Please, and his own eponymous brand has died following a battle with cancer. (GQ)
