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Thirty years after It Was Written changed the trajectory of Nas’ career, the debate over whether it surpassed Illmatic is still raging. Here’s why the album remains one of Hip-Hop’s defining masterpieces. On July 2, 1996, Nas completely silenced any talk of a sophomore slump with the release of his second album, It Was Written. Not only did it serve as a worthy follow-up to the groundbreaking Illmatic, it carved out its own legacy—one that has stood the test of time for three decades. Personally, I’d rank It Was Written among the top three albums in Nas’ catalog. With It Was Written, Nas took a…

Few emcees have ever possessed the storytelling ability of Slick Rick. From his unmistakable voice to his cinematic rhymes, the British-born legend transformed everyday situations into unforgettable Hip Hop classics. Thirty-four years ago today, he reaffirmed that gift with the release of his sophomore album, The Ruler’s Back. Released on July 2, 1991, through Def Jam and Columbia Records, the album arrived under extraordinary circumstances. As Slick Rick battled legal troubles that would ultimately result in a five-year prison sentence, The Ruler’s Back was completed in a relatively short period of time. Despite the pressure surrounding its creation, the project never sounded rushed,…

In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist HUGEL and his brand new album titled Twenty One. Global dance music phenomenon HUGEL has officially released his long-awaited debut album, Twenty One, available now via Make The Girls Dance Records. Marking a milestone 21 years after he first stepped behind the decks as a teenager in Marseille, the 21-track project is both a celebration of his remarkable journey and a bold statement from one of the most influential names in modern dance music. Following a landmark year that saw…

Brooklyn drill rapper Briscoe Bands was shot and killed near the Coney Island boardwalk, leaving behind a rising music career, a 3-year-old daughter and no arrests. Brooklyn drill rapper Briscoe Bands was shot and killed Wednesday morning (July 1), cutting short the life of a promising artist whose family says his music career was finally beginning to take off. According to the NYPD, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 9:20 a.m. near West 28th Street and Surf Avenue, near the Coney Island boardwalk. When police arrived, they found 24-year-old Truron Roach-Martin, known professionally as Briscoe Bands, suffering from gunshot…

Lupe Fiasco is having quite an explosive week after setting social media ablaze with his observation of Kendrick Lamar‘s lyrical ability. In the wake of the initial discussion, Lupe Fiasco and Kendrick Lamar supporters have gone to war over their favorites. Lupe Fiasco sat with former battle rapper Breezy Nice’s KoalaTea Reacts podcast, and the conversation went off the rails early. Much of the discussion centered on Nice’s now-defunct battle rap career and Fiasco’s views of Kendrick Lamar that he framed as “barbershop talk.”In Nice’s view from what we ascertained, Fiasco’s past jabs at Lamar are without true merit, while…

Grandmaster Flash’s new book “Birth of a Culture” dives into the science and math behind hip-hop’s revolutionary origins this September. Grandmaster Flash is dropping a new book that goes way deeper than just reminiscing about the old days. “Birth of a Culture,” co-authored with award-winning journalist Robert “Scoop” Jackson, hits shelves September 22, 2026, through Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins, and it’s not your typical Hip-Hop memoir. This one’s about the science, the math, and the revolutionary thinking that transformed turntables into instruments and changed music forever. Flash’s first book, published in 2008, was deeply personal, exploring his early struggles…

Moneybagg Yo is not playing in the gym, and he’s making sure to remind everyone with his latest post.On Wednesday (July 1), the rapper hit Instagram with a carousel of photos and a video showing off the fruits of his labor–a stark contrast from his stocky build when he got in the game.“IAN GONE NEVER STOP,” he wrote with the post.Bagg has been on a fitness journey for a few years now, telling Men’s Health in a 2023 interview that a big part of his motivation comes from just browsing on social media.”I get jealous because I’ll be on Instagram…

Fans worry something is very wrong with Mariah Carey based on recent performances and appearances. Mariah Carey has spent decades making the impossible look effortless, but lately even some of her most devoted fans are wondering whether the icon is carrying far more than she lets on. Social media has filled with clips from concerts and public appearances where we have questioned her movement onstage, vocal performances and overall energy. Yes, she is 35 years in the game and has endured an extraordinary amount of personal loss. And a new video has people shaken up. View this post on Instagram…

Tiffany Queen continues to establish herself as one of pop music’s fastest-rising independent stars, building momentum with high-profile live performances and chart-topping releases. Following an electrifying performance opening for Yung Miami, Tiffany Queen is preparing for another major milestone as she is set to open for 50 Cent, Boston Richey, and Don Toliver, further cementing her growing presence on some of the biggest stages in hip-hop and pop music. Her breakthrough single, “Make a Move” featuring Jason Derulo, reached No. 1 on Apple Music and iTunes, showcasing Tiffany Queen’s ability to captivate audiences worldwide with infectious melodies and undeniable star…

Eminem loses his trademark battle with an Australian beach brand, gets ordered to pay their legal costs, and has until July 22 to appeal. Eminem lost a trademark battle in Australia that he probably didn’t see coming, and the consequences are real. On July 1, trademark adjudicator Benjamin Goldsworthy ruled that the rapper’s decades-old “Shady” trademarks won’t protect him from a Sydney beach brand called Swim Shady, which means the company can keep selling its umbrellas, towels, and swim bags without legal interference. The decision essentially narrowed Eminem’s trademark protection to exclude clothing and merchandise categories, leaving a massive gap…