Benny the Butcher’s Def Jam Debut: Everybody Can’t Go
Since the late 2010s, Griselda Records, hailing from Buffalo, NY, has been making waves in hip-hop, led by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher. Among them, Benny stands out as the star, reminiscent of Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan, with his consistent focus on drug trade, street life, and hustler’s ambitions. Yet,…
UK Hip-Hop’s Split Decision: Dave and Central Cee
Last summer’s release of a 4-track EP marked a milestone for UK hip-hop, as Dave and Central Cee, two prominent figures in the genre, soared to the top of the charts with their single “Sprinter.” Setting a record for the highest streams for a hip-hop song on Spotify UK, it underscores a broader trend in…
Soulful Reflections: Exploring J Dilla’s ‘Welcome 2 Detroit Instrumental’
I’ll start off by admitting this might seem like an unconventional choice. Instead of reviewing the original J Dilla album “Welcome 2 Detroit,” I’ve decided to dive into its instrumental counterpart. The reasoning behind this might seem arbitrary, but after recently delving into “Dillatronic,” I found myself craving James Yancey’s beats without the accompanying rhymes.…
Madchild’s Continued Evolution: A Reflection on “Lawn Mower Man”
In his track “Nature of the Beast,” Madchild candidly admits, “I’ve got thoughts in my head and they are not right.” It’s a statement that rings true for fans of the Surrey-born rapper, whether they know him from his solo work or as part of Swollen Members. Known for his demented lyrics and B-Real-esque nasal…
Beyond Borders Exploring Hip-Hop’s Universal Dialect with Retrogott and Fokis
In the presumed 50th anniversary celebration of hip-hop in 2023, the focus predominantly veered toward recorded music, neglecting the deeper roots and complexities of the genre’s history. While many see hip-hop as merely a compilation of greatest hits, its essence goes beyond a superficial showcase. One lens through which to understand hip-hop is its accessibility.…
Unapologetic Resilience Zoey Dollaz’s Journey Through “Sorry Not Sorry”
In 2018, Zoey Dollaz released “Sorry Not Sorry,” showcasing the resilience and determination that define his career. Despite facing adversity, including a drive-by shooting, Zoey continues to thrive. He even launched a ride service with bulletproof cars, a sly nod to his own history and a testament to his hustle. The album features standout tracks…
Navigating Identity The Complexities of Weeaboo Culture and Musical Resilience
The term “weeaboo” is often used to mock individuals, typically white, who exhibit a deep fascination with Japanese culture to the point of caricature. It paints a picture of someone with a shallow understanding of Japan, primarily gained through anime, manga, and video games, who may even aspire to live in Japan and adopt stereotypical…
Resurrecting Ironman A Reflective Reevaluation of Ghostface Killah’s Classic
Years ago, during my college days, I penned a review of Ghostface Killah’s “Ironman” for a precursor to RapReviews called HEADz UP! Reflecting on that time, I admire my ambition in publishing various “e-zine” newsletters during my teens and early twenties, predating the dot com bubble and its subsequent burst. However, revisiting that review now,…
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Welcome to Artist Studio – where music comes to life.
We’re a passionate team of music enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the world of melody and rhythm. From artist features to industry insights, we’re here to share the stories behind the music.
Join us as we celebrate creativity and dive into the heart of the music scene. Let’s keep the beat alive together.
