Notable Rap Albums of 2025
January 11, 2026
These albums reflect 12 months of listening to and writing about the music that the genre’s artists have to offer.
FEATURED
Notable Rap Albums of 2025
January 11, 2026
These albums reflect 12 months of listening to and writing about the music that the genre’s artists have to offer.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 2005
September 28, 2025
In 2005, Young Jeezy led a Southern trap paradigm shift, marking the beginning of the end of East Coast hip-hop dominance.
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1995
June 18, 2025
Despite standout work by Wu-Tang Clan and others, the rap industry warred with itself, yielding an unmistakable feeling of dread.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 2005
September 28, 2025
In 2005, Young Jeezy led a Southern trap paradigm shift, marking the beginning of the end of East Coast hip-hop dominance.
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1995
June 18, 2025
Despite standout work by Wu-Tang Clan and others, the rap industry warred with itself, yielding an unmistakable feeling of dread.
OPENING ACTS
Black History Through Rap
February 27, 2025
Before she became a “gangsta rap” antagonist, C. Delores Tucker helped assemble a 1985 rap compilation with Philadelphia youth.
Bars for Gaza
October 29, 2024
Over a year after the Israel-Hamas war began, numerous rap songs have appeared that address the ongoing conflict.
Okayplayer’s Future
October 15, 2023
The intrigue surrounding Okayplayer’s future comes amid a dearth of sites that cover hip-hop with journalistic integrity.
Welcome to Rap City
October 15, 2023
Welcome to Rap City explores the history of the much-missed video program with not enough vintage clips and too many talking heads.
BEST OF
Notable Rap Albums of 2025
January 11, 2026
These albums reflect 12 months of listening to and writing about the music that the genre’s artists have to offer.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 2005
September 28, 2025
In 2005, Young Jeezy led a Southern trap paradigm shift, marking the beginning of the end of East Coast hip-hop dominance.
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1995
June 18, 2025
Despite standout work by Wu-Tang Clan and others, the rap industry warred with itself, yielding an unmistakable feeling of dread.
The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1985
February 8, 2025
Thanks to stars like Run-D.M.C. and Roxanne Shanté, rap grew fitfully into a pop culture fixture. But respect for the art remained elusive.
Notable Rap Albums of 2025
January 11, 2026
These albums reflect 12 months of listening to and writing about the music that the genre’s artists have to offer.
The 100 Best Rap Singles of 2005
September 28, 2025
In 2005, Young Jeezy led a Southern trap paradigm shift, marking the beginning of the end of East Coast hip-hop dominance.
The 125 Best Rap Singles of 1995
June 18, 2025
Despite standout work by Wu-Tang Clan and others, the rap industry warred with itself, yielding an unmistakable feeling of dread.
The 75 Best Rap Singles of 1985
February 8, 2025
Thanks to stars like Run-D.M.C. and Roxanne Shanté, rap grew fitfully into a pop culture fixture. But respect for the art remained elusive.