#lyrical-battle

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New York City
fromwww.amny.com
1 day ago

Cardi B helps launch Mayor Mamdani's 2-K jingle contest, with one big rule: no AI | amNewYork

Cardi B will help judge NYC's 2-K jingle competition to promote free child care for two-year-olds, with applications opening June 2.
Writing
fromwww.theguardian.com
20 hours ago

Eminem's 8 Mile helped me survive abuse and opened my eyes to a world outside of orthodox Judaism

Exposure to cinema and Eminem's music provided an escape and connection during a challenging and isolated period of life.
#open-mic
SF music
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

An outdoor open mic event has been celebrating diverse expressions in San Francisco for 19 years, welcoming all forms of art every Thursday night.
Arts
fromFuncheap
2 months ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

Weekly outdoor open-mic at 16th & Mission BART every Thursday 9pm–12am, free and welcoming all performers and languages.
SF music
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

An outdoor open mic event has been celebrating diverse expressions in San Francisco for 19 years, welcoming all forms of art every Thursday night.
SF music
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

An outdoor open mic event celebrating 20 years, welcoming all forms of expression every Thursday from 9pm to 12am.
SF music
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

An outdoor open mic event has been celebrating diverse expressions in San Francisco for 19 years, welcoming all forms of art every Thursday night.
SF music
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

An outdoor open mic event celebrating 20 years of artistic expression takes place every Thursday from 9pm to 12am at 16th & Mission BART.
SF music
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

16th & Mission Open Mic (w/out a mic)

An outdoor open mic event has been celebrating diverse expressions in San Francisco for 19 years, welcoming all forms of art every Thursday night.
#poetry
Books
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

The best recent poetry review roundup

The collection features unrhymed sonnets exploring the relationship between landscape, language, and human experience amidst themes of illness and trauma.
Washington Wizards
fromwww.amny.com
2 days ago

NYC hoopers try to impress Tracy McGrady and Jadakiss for spot in revamped OBL | amNewYork

Tracy McGrady is rebooting the Ones Basketball League, a one-on-one basketball competition featuring teams from various cities.
fromConsequence
3 days ago

Better Than Ezra Launch Contest for Fans to Write New Song with AI

I'm excited to announce something that's never been done before. Better Than Ezra is teaming up with Soundbreak AI to do a songwriting contest. Go on soundbreak.ai, write with me, or write with [bass guitarist] Tom Drummond. Come up with your best idea, your best song.
Music
NYC music
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

From Brooklyn to the stage: Timi Dre brings a global sound to SOB's | amNewYork

Timi Dre blends Afrobeats, Konpa, and R&B, creating a unique sound reflective of New York's cultural diversity and energy.
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Earl Sweatshirt, Mike and Surf Gang: Pompeii // Utility review rap radicals' appealing study in contrasts

Earl has spent the past decade or so immersing himself in New York's underground rap scene, resulting in one of the most unique and unpredictable discographies of his generation.
Music production
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Prosecutors used hip-hop lyrics to help sentence a man to death: This only happens to rap music'

James Broadnax, who is 37, describes how he writes: 'I've been here umpteen days never forgetting To forget the absence of my fate. Sloppy ciphered sentences become rage, Provoking thoughts into words spoken Across this blank page.'
Music
Music production
fromBrooklynVegan
2 days ago

Album Reviews: Earl Sweatshirt / MIKE / Surf Gang, Thundercat, Sunn O))) & more

Andrew is on paternity leave, while notable music news includes tributes to musicians and new album releases.
NYC music
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

I Went to a Hip-Hop Streamer Convention and All I Got Was This Piece of Content

Twitch streamer Tylil James captivates fans at MVP Arena with viral dance performances, showcasing the intersection of online fame and live entertainment.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

Choose Your Fighter in Pitchfork's Bracket Challenge

A bracket challenge featuring 32 favorite albums invites fans to vote for the best in honor of Pitchfork's 30th anniversary.
#jay-z
NYC music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 week ago

JAY-Z adds 3rd Yankee Stadium show, talks Kendrick/Drake beef in new interview

JAŸ-Z announced three shows at Yankee Stadium to celebrate his debut albums and addressed Kendrick Lamar's beef with Drake in a GQ interview.
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

Jay-Z Opens Up About Kendrick-Drake Beef in Rare Interview

Jay-Z reflects on hip-hop culture, the impact of stan culture, and the evolution of rap beefs in the age of social media.
Music production
fromConsequence
1 week ago

JAY-Z Thinks Kendrick Lamar and Drake's Rap Beef Went "Too Far"

JAY-Z believes rap beefs have negative consequences and questions their place in hip-hop culture today.
Portland food
fromPortland Monthly
3 weeks ago

Ripping the City with Bocha, Portland's Genre-Bending Rapper

Bocha blends blog-era hip-hop influences with Bay Area sounds to create a fresh West Coast style while strategically building cohesive visual worlds around his projects and collaborations.
NYC music
fromwww.amny.com
1 week ago

From Coney Island to center stage: Lil Dee Raps is chasing his New York dream | amNewYork

Lil Dee Raps, a 21-year-old rapper from Coney Island, aims to become an icon of New York City with his music and performances.
London music
fromwww.bbc.com
4 weeks ago

Dave review: British star transcends rapper status at hometown gig

Dave performed a sold-out O2 Arena show celebrating 10 years in music, showcasing his versatility across piano, guitar, and rap while promoting his third number-one album.
SF music
fromKqed
1 week ago

Mxka Sings 'R&B Tumbados' for the Lover Girls | KQED

Mxka blends personal experience and cultural identity in her music, inspiring others with her journey in the Latin music scene.
#underground-hip-hop
Education
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

MC Grammar breaks record for largest rap lesson

Sam Parsons, known as MC Grammar, set a Guinness World Record for the largest rap lesson with 859 London school children from 18 schools.
NYC music
fromConsequence
2 weeks ago

Former Rapper Turned Mayor Zohran Mamdani Names His Top 5 Rappers

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a former rapper, lists Notorious B.I.G., JAY-Z, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Common as his top five rappers, reflecting mid-to-late 2000s hip-hop preferences.
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 week ago

Elucid / Sebb Bash: I Guess U Had to Be There

ELUCID and Sebb Bash blend avant-garde elements with controlled production in their collaboration, showcasing unique soundscapes and innovative arrangements.
Music
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

M.O.P.: "Ante Up (Robbing-Hoodz Theory)"

A transformative live performance by M.O.P. at a North Carolina venue in 2000 exemplified the raw energy and cultural impact of East Coast hip-hop during a pivotal moment in rap music's evolution.
#open-mic-night
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

From baby beatboxer to drummer of the year for south London teen

Over the years my main focus has been jazz so bringing that style and rhythm up to the stage, they found really interesting. Ellis thinks his jazz background made him stand out among his fellow contestants, attributing his success to the distinctive musical perspective he brought to the competition.
London music
Music production
from48 hills
1 week ago

On supergroup 1Umbrella's debut, Bay Area hip-hop reigns - 48 hills

1Umbrella is a Bay Area supergroup of five artists creating music from their deep friendship and shared experiences.
fromPaste Magazine
2 weeks ago

Infinite Coles loves himself

I don't even think words can describe it, but it was beautiful. I've been working on myself and my music for a really long time, so to finally just be heard and seen, it feels surreal.
NYC music
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Prison escapee makes second rap song while on run

Done it twice now they think I'm insane. I'm a boss, so I always find my way, I'm that guy, the boss of the UK. The wanted criminal, whose music video is seemingly recorded while he is sitting in the back of a car and holding an inflated balloon, boasts about his ability to evade capture and his status as a criminal figure.
UK news
#denzel-curry
SF music
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

The Scythe / Denzel Curry: Strictly 4 the Scythe

Denzel Curry forms The Scythe supergroup with TiaCorine, BKTHERULA, FERG, and Key Nyata, delivering their debut album Strictly 4 the Scythe with Southern-rooted production and high-energy collaborative rap.
SF music
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

The Scythe / Denzel Curry: Strictly 4 the Scythe

Denzel Curry forms The Scythe supergroup with TiaCorine, BKTHERULA, FERG, and Key Nyata, delivering their debut album Strictly 4 the Scythe with Southern-rooted production and high-energy collaborative rap.
Music production
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

New York hip-hop experimentalist Elucid: I like the harmony of the city. Everybody's got a little solo'

Elucid experiences the Dream House installation's meditative drone composition, which triggers his creative process through sensory immersion and unconscious sound-to-word associations.
Music
fromwww.bbc.com
3 weeks ago

Tributes paid as grime star Dot Rotten dies, aged 37

Grime pioneer Dot Rotten, born Joseph Ellis, died at age 37; he was known for blending hard-edged beats with emotional hooks and produced influential tracks across grime and mainstream music.
Music production
fromPitchfork
2 weeks ago

Slayr: Half Blood (BloodLuxe)

Slayr's BloodLuxe album exemplifies rage rap's evolution toward mainstream accessibility while maintaining genre conventions through technical production, varied vocal delivery, and experimental sonic elements.
NYC music
fromHip Hop Hero
3 weeks ago

Why J Cole considers Queens, New York his second home

J Cole was born in West Germany to an army father, grew up in North Carolina, and moved to Queens for university where he developed his music career with support from his landlord.
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

2charm: star scum city

to goon-the act of masturbating alone for hours or days on end-is to search for ultimate euphoria through a mythologized trance-like state. For some, it is a way of life. This lifestyle is at the center of 2charm's restless and escapist debut record, star scum city.
Music production
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Rockie Rode: Rockie

Rockie does kinda feel like the album Donna Hayward would make if she could pursue her musical ambitions: She'd be influenced by Julee Cruise, for sure, and probably Chromatics, and Sky Ferreira, and what could be more Badalamentian than the cloudburst of synth that opens "On Our Knees"?
NYC music
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Listen to Cash Cobain's New Song "Wish"

Cash Cobain released his first single of the year, 'Wish,' which samples Three 6 Mafia and includes a music video from a ski trip, preceding his upcoming album Party With Slizzy.
Music production
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

22: "How Shit Go"

Birmingham rapper 22's minimalist EP features ambient beats and sparse production that conveys wintertime isolation through deliberately understated soundscapes.
NYC music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago

Baby Keem playing Webster Hall TONIGHT (3/4)

Baby Keem announced a last-minute intimate show at Webster Hall in NYC tonight and begins his Ca$ino album tour next month with dates across North America and Europe through September.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Sk8star: Designer Junkie

Sk8star synthesizes Atlanta rap's collaborative ecosystem into a cohesive debut album that honors foundational influences while establishing his distinct artistic voice.
Music production
fromPitchfork
3 weeks ago

CyHi Tackles G.O.O.D. Music Fallout on New Song

CyHi releases 'The G.O.O.D. Ole Days,' a six-minute song addressing his grievances with Kanye West's label and conflicts with Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, and Pusha T.
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Campaigners urge UK ministers to make music lyrics inadmissible in court

Make music lyrics inadmissible in court except when directly literal to a case, protecting artistic expression and preventing disproportionate harm to young Black men.
fromWGB
2 months ago

Streetdog BMX Review - Skill, Stubbornness, and a Lot of Concrete

Streetdog BMX isn't trying to revive the glory days of BMX games, nor is it chasing mass appeal. It's a deliberately fiddly, skill-focused take on BMX riding, aimed squarely at players who enjoy mastery more than spectacle. And like real-life riding, that first crash is the key moment - because you're either going to toss the fucking thing in the trash, or grind like a madman and try again.
Video games
Bicycling
fromBikeMag
2 months ago

From MTB Commentary to the Mic: Rob Warner's Unexpected Rap Debut With Big Priv

Big Priv (Big James Privlidge) released a Jan. 9, 2026 track with Rob Warner merging mountain biking credibility and hip-hop performance.
East Bay (California)
fromThe Oaklandside
2 months ago

Rapper Philip Bank$ on Hyphy kids, cops, and growing up Black in Oakland

Oakland rapper Philip Bank$ channels deep local knowledge and community collaboration into his debut solo album East Bay Times, rooted in Oakland history and activism.
#bay-area-hip-hop
fromKqed
1 month ago
SF music

Too Short's 'Blow the Whistle' Is 20 Years Old - and Keeps Going On and On | KQED

fromKqed
1 month ago
SF music

Too Short's 'Blow the Whistle' Is 20 Years Old - and Keeps Going On and On | KQED

Music
fromenglish.elpais.com
1 month ago

Hip hop faces its midlife crisis

Hip hop's cultural dominance has sharply declined, losing 24% sales share and 19% streaming share since 2023, with few emerging artists capable of sustaining mainstream relevance after Kendrick Lamar's 2024 peak.
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Luci4 Unleashed a Generation of Glitchy Underground Rap

Luci4, an underground rapper who died at 23, pioneered a distinctive nightcore-influenced sound that shaped the underground music landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Music
fromBrooklynVegan
1 month ago

Notable Releases of the Week (2/20)

Baby Keem ends a nearly three-year hiatus by releasing Ca$ino, announced one week prior and issued with no pre-release singles.
Music
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

Sound of 2026: Rap polymath Jim Legxacy is the runner-up

Jim Legxacy transformed personal tragedy into a boundary-pushing mixtape, Black British Music, earning critical acclaim and second place on BBC Radio 1's Sound of 2026.
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Bby Kell: "SPLURGINBAGS"

Chances are, if the Atlanta rapper sounds like they have a loogie stuck in their throat, I'll probably like them. B5 and Zeeball? Yep-"Heist" might be the biggest omission from our Best Rap Songs of 2025 list. Rroxket? I still listen to his zooted-out regularly. Before I get carried away, let's add Bby Kell to that list. Her new tape, Straight Pop, is cool as hell-it reminds me of Glokk40Spaz back when his bread and butter was belligerent dark plugg.
Music
#elucid
Music
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Sk8star: "Yeannn" [ft. Teezus]

Atlanta's ØWay collective channels chameleonic, Auto-Tuned YSL-style rap led by Sk8star, Tezzus, and collaborators, blending Southern slang innovation with trap production.
fromDefector
1 month ago

Max B Is New York Rap's Best Hope | Defector

The rapper, known on his tax form as Charles Wingate and known by his old Harlem associates as Charley Rambo, made his name in the rap game during an all-too-brief run in the 2000s, as one of the most colorful members of Jim Jones' Byrdgang, his solo offshoot from the Diplomats (although due to his growing up with rappers Cam and Mase, Max is like honorary Dipset).
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Roc Marciano: 656

In a world where plenty of rap elders are content to roll out unchallenging albums to steadfast fanbases, Roc Marciano still knows how to hold your head underwater. Few rappers boast a style so enveloping and detail-rich, every verse stuffed with taunts, velour victories, and nagging regrets rendered in granular, Gordon Parks-like radiance. New albums from Hempstead's veteran rapper-producer unfold like dispatches from a jet-setting uncle popping in for a visit: His tales scan as ridiculous, even a bit silly,
Music
Music
fromVulture
2 months ago

A$AP Rocky Says We 'All Know' Who His Diss Track Is About

A$AP Rocky directly targets Drake on "STOLE YA FLOW," accusing him of copying Rocky's style and referencing Rihanna in provocative lyrics.
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Watch Central Cee Turn Back Time for "Iceman Freestyle" Video

Central Cee has shared a new song "Iceman Freestyle" along with a music video. Directed by Don Prod, the clip tracks the British rapper driving an old Aston Martin, drinks whiskey, and literally digging his own grave. Watch it below. "Iceman Freestyle" is the second solo single Central Cee has released following 2025's Can't Rush Greatness, his debut album on Columbia. The rapper also linked up for a few collaborations last year, including Drake's " Which One " and Sexyy Red's "Guilt Trippin."
Music
#knocked-loose
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

J1: 1 IN A MILLION

J1 uses vivid Fort Myers-specific details and trap-soul production to personalize drill rap clichés and create an immersive sense of place.
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

xaviersobased: Xavier

Xavier is disorienting dance-rap about overstaying at the party, blending psychedelic regional influences with polished major-label production while preserving chaotic humor.
fromPitchfork
1 month ago

Kane West: western beats

What does Comic Sans sound like? What does it feel like? And is it actually kinda good? These were the questions ever-present in the minds of early PC Music acts like Kero Kero Bonito's Gus Bonito, who, to this day, performs DJ sets in front of a strobing projection of his moniker Kane West in the notorious font.
Music
Music
fromDefector
2 months ago

Is Mainstream Rap Dead Or Does It Need Another 2011? | Defector

The best rap thrives outside Top 40 and mainstream radio, demanding active digging because pop charts and nostalgia-driven narratives misrepresent the genre's vitality.
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

xaviersobased Announces New Album, XAVIER

xaviersobased releases a 20-track album, XAVIER, Friday via Surf Gang Records, featuring "iPhone 16" and Riverside Park lamp-and-bench artwork.
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

redveil: sankofa

Redveil demonstrates self-produced versatility and introspective lyricism but still struggles to fully transcend the audible influences that shaped his early sound.
fromConsequence
2 months ago

Maxo Kream and JPEGMAFIA Link Up with Denzel Curry on New Song "Fake Jeezy"

Three of hip-hop's most unique voices come together on "Fake Jeezy," Maxo Kream and JPEGMAFIA's new banger featuring Denzel Curry. Stream it below. Get Denzel Curry Tickets Here True to its title, the song features early 2000s trap production from JPEGMAFIA, as Maxo and Curry try to outdo each other's lyrics. Maxo raps about keeping "three Ks" like "Kim, Kourtney, Khloe," and "corporate thuggin' like Young Jeezy," while Denzel drops a Kardashian reference of his own.
Music
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Lil Tony: Mrs.Key

Lil Tony transitioned from Atlanta drill to faith-centered, romantic, and atmospheric music blending Christian themes with plugg production and candid diaristic lyricism.
Music
fromPitchfork
2 months ago

Nas / DJ Premier: Light-Years

Nas's full-length collaboration centers on retrospective themes, delivering unabashed nostalgia with moments of vintage brilliance and reflection on his storied career.
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