| The Rap-Up: Week of October 5th, 2018 | October 4, 2018 |
The Rap-Up returns with new bangers from Lil TJay, Kodak Black, and more.
| The Rap Up: Week of November 3rd, 2017 | November 3, 2017 |
The Rap Up Returns with a new author, Lucas Foster. This week focuses on C Struggs, Lupe Fiasco, and more.
| Rich Homie Quan Still Won’t Stop Going In | April 27, 2017 |
Luke Benjamin takes a look at 'Back to the Basics,' the excellent new record from Rich Homie Quan.
| The Rap Up: Week of May 13th | May 13, 2016 |
ScHoolboy Q and Jonwayne emerge from hibernation, Young Thug goes 1-for-2, and more new rappin' rap music!
Titles by Trey Kerby. Illustrations by Brad Beatson.
| Born to Mack: Rich Homie Quan “Too Short” | October 29, 2014 |
Evan Nabavian would settle for Financially Stable Homie Quan From where I’m standing, it looks like we’ve hit the apex of flamboyant, shirtless, caterwauling, lean-soaked, molly-fueled rap. That’s not to say it won’t get bigger, but its stars are experiencing the euphoric, intoxicating high that my seventh grade health teacher warned me about. Rich Homie […]
| Travis Scott’s Discomfort | September 18, 2014 |
When Brad Beatson dies, bury him with velour on Listening to Travi$ Scott is frustrating. He isn’t a great rapper like Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, or Migos—all of whom shine on Days Before Rodeo—but a stylist whose music sounds better in album format. Most of his songs are as scattershot as a random 5-minute sample from my average […]
| Young Scooter x Kevin Gates x Rich Homie Quan “Drugs Remix” | August 18, 2014 |
Jimmy Ness is the enemy at the gate. Young Scooter’s struggle bars ensure the “Drugs” [Remix] won’t be making an appearance on anyone’s song of the year list, but only the heartless won’t appreciate Rich Homie Quan’s sincere croons dedicated to brain altering chemicals. Originally written off as a Future clone, the 24 year old […]
Bonus points afforded to “New Atlanta” for the forcible conscription of Jermaine “Funkdafied” Dupri from whatever gold-plated bunker he’s been hiding in. Points subtracted for avoiding updating the “Welcome to Atlanta” list of popping clubs on any given night. There are people still going to Stroker’s on Lean on Wednesday nights and walking away wildly […]
| How the Sad Robot Became The Dominant Sound in Rap | February 20, 2014 |
Essay by Dan Adu-Gyamfi, art by Brad Beatson and captions by Son Raw. T-Pain’s use of Auto-Tune influenced many to follow their singing dreams even if their vocal chords refused to go along. A new rap subgenre was born: “Sad Robot Music.” The phrase was coined by site founder, Jeff Weiss, and rapper, Nocando, on […]
