The Definitive Guide to DMV Crank Music
An exploration of the visceral, avant-garde street rap scene emerging from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.
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MUSIC NEWS
Zay Liege Keeps It a Hundred on “Calm Talk” — One Hope Is All He Needs
FEATURES
At the Dentist With Mach-Hommy
FEATURES
DaBoii on SOB X RBE, Kendrick Lamar, and Staying True to Himself
Rock to the Rhythm: The Story of Lexicon
The L.A. underground duo Lexicon reflects on their history, their philosophy of 'underground over everything,' and a fateful 1998 encounter with Eminem.
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Zay Liege Keeps It a Hundred on “Calm Talk” — One Hope Is All He Needs
Ninety-nine problems, one hope. That’s the ledger Zay Liege is working with on “Calm Talk,” and somehow he makes it sound like a winning hand. The Brooklyn-Queens MC — born Quentin Conry — has always had a gift for turning pressure into perspective, and this record might be his clearest statement yet. The beat breathes. […]
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The Rap-Up: Can’t Sleep Through the Night
We break down new tracks from Fenix Flexin, Wiki, Navy Blue, and more—plus check in on a rapper unfairly caught in the digital crosshairs.
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The 2001 Project: Revisiting Tech N9ne’s Anghellic
A deep dive into Tech N9ne's 2001 breakthrough album, Anghellic, and its lasting impact on the Midwestern independent hip-hop landscape.
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The Problem with Fakemink: Navigating the Modern Rap Industry
Eli Schoop examines the shifting landscape of the underground rap scene, the role of non-Black artists, and the evolving definition of industry success.
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DeCoster: The Architect of the Long Game in Hip-Hop
In the high-speed ecosystem of modern rap, where trajectories are often measured in fleeting TikTok trends and algorithm-driven spikes, DeCoster operates with the focused intensity of an old-school craftsman. He is a rare breed—an artist who views his career as a marathon rather than a sprint, deliberately shunning the lure of quick-fix fame in favor […]
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Surveillance and Madison Square Garden: An Open Letter to James Dolan
As the Knicks return to the NBA Finals, a plea to release Frederick Wiseman's long-buried documentary on the world's most famous arena.
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How The Providers and Friends Made an EP Worth the Wait
Experience the magic of The Providers & Friends as they redefine live musical collaboration through their signature 'Perfect Day' series.
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At the Dentist With Mach-Hommy
Paul Thompson profiles the elusive artist Mach-Hommy and explores the creative philosophy behind his forthcoming album, 5786 AM: Easy Listen.
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Jeff Parker: Finding Joy and Honesty in Music
Legendary guitarist Jeff Parker discusses his latest live album, 'Happy Today,' and the power of musical improvisation.
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The Rap-Up: Liminal Space
A deep dive into the latest tracks from Tooly?, Fakemink, Veeze, and more as we navigate the surreal landscape of modern hip-hop.
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I Know How Damn Hard It Is: Remembering Sonny Rollins
The jazz world mourns the loss of tenor saxophone legend Sonny Rollins, who passed away at 95, marking the end of an era for the genre.
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Slam on the CDJ: The Best DJ Sets of April 2026
From ambient soundscapes to high-octane club tools, we explore the most compelling DJ sets that defined the month of April 2026.
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Time Doesn’t Matter: Inside the Creative World of HUMAN ERROR CLUB and Kenny Segal
An exploration of the collaborative alchemy between the experimental trio HUMAN ERROR CLUB and legendary producer Kenny Segal.
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The ICE Detention of Frankie Jax No Mad
Indie rapper Frankie Jax No Mad is currently being held in a Washington detention facility following a sudden, warrantless arrest in Portland.
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Domo Genesis on Evolution, Wellness, and the Odd Future Legacy
Domo Genesis reflects on his journey from the early days of Odd Future to his current focus on wellness, running, and artistic independence.
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The Rap-Up: New Tracks from RXKNephew, Quando Rondo, and More
Harley Geffner breaks down the latest releases from RXKNephew, Parkbaby, T9ine, Quando Rondo, and Merck in this week's Rap-Up.
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In Bloomers: Olivia Rodrigo’s Un-Grunge Dilemma
Gabrielle Minoli explores the controversy surrounding Olivia Rodrigo's recent fashion choices and the broader implications of infantilizing femininity in pop culture.
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A Record Doesn’t Have to Mean Something: Reviewing Aldous Harding
Sophie Kemp explores the enigmatic and emotionally resonant nature of Aldous Harding's fifth studio album, 'Train on the Island.'
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The Optimist: Remembering Ryan Porter
A tribute to the late jazz trombonist Ryan Porter, a foundational member of the West Coast Get Down whose spirit and talent left an indelible mark on the Los Angeles music scene.
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We Make a Mean Team: Run-DMC’s Raising Hell at 40
On its 40th anniversary, we revisit the landmark album that transformed Run-DMC into hip-hop's first true blockbuster act.
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Drake’s Triple-Album Gambit: A Study in Stagnation and Cynicism
Paul Thompson examines Drake's latest trio of albums—Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour—through the lens of the artist's evolving sexual politics.
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Beat It: Drake’s Triple-Album Gambit and the Shadow of Kendrick Lamar
Paul Thompson examines Drake's latest trio of albums, exploring how the shadow of his high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar defines the project.
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Certified Copy: Drake’s Triple-Album Gambit and the Weight of Nostalgia
Paul Thompson examines Drake's latest trio of albums—Iceman, Habibti, and Maid of Honour—analyzing his shift toward calculated, engagement-driven artistry.
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DaBoii on SOB X RBE, Kendrick Lamar, and Staying True to Himself
Vallejo rapper DaBoii discusses his solo career, the SOB X RBE reunion, and the importance of maintaining artistic integrity in the music industry.
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The Rap-Up: Exploring Modern Lineages in L.A. and Beyond
Donald Morrison breaks down the latest tracks from R3 Da Chilliman, Mike Sherm, Pz, and Trim, analyzing the evolving sounds of modern street rap.
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The Dream Has Left the Building: An Interview with Meaghan Garvey
Paul Thompson sits down with writer Meaghan Garvey to discuss her new book, the evolution of music criticism, and finding life beyond the internet.
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A Little Deeper Than Usual: Joan Didion on The Grateful Dead
A previously unpublished essay from Joan Didion’s archives offers a rare, intimate look at the Grateful Dead during the height of the Summer of Love.
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Remembering HavinMotion: A Legacy Beyond the Tragedy
Josh Svetz reflects on the life and musical contributions of Dwayne Omar Isaacs Jr., the DMV rapper known as HavinMotion, who was tragically killed at 22.
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