Rap

Rap is a vocal style defined by rhythmic speech and rhyme, emerging in the 1970s Bronx as a foundational element of hip-hop culture. It features lyricism delivered over beats, often addressing social issues, personal stories, and expressions of confidence. Pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Rakim shaped rap’s early sound, while artists such as Kendrick Lamar push its boundaries by blending complex narratives with innovative production. Its cultural positioning comes from rap’s role as a voice for marginalized communities and a platform for storytelling that reflects real-life experiences. Fans return because of the genre’s evolving lyricism and diverse regional styles, from East Coast boom-bap to Southern trap, which continuously reshape hip-hop’s soundscape and influence broader music and culture.

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(L-R) Scarface and 2Pac.
Music

Scarface Revisits 2Pac Milwaukee Incident: 'He Wanted to Fight Everybody'

Face has confirmed he was with the late legend during the 1994 incident, and claimed he had to hold 'Pac in a hotel room to keep him safe.

Trey Alston24 days ago
Afroman.
Music

Afroman Jokes He's the 'Hardest Gangster Rapper' After Making Cops Cry on Camera

The Cali rapper said he's launching a Muhammad Ali-style campaign to proclaim himself the "greatest rapper of all time."

Mark Elibert101 days ago
JPEGMAFIA, in a black leather jacket and hoodie, is surrounded by women in sheer black outfits, all with their heads bowed.
Music

JPEGMAFIA Drops Hard-Hitting New Album 'Experimental Rap'

The genre-blending Maryland-based rapper is back with another solo record after several high-profile collaborations.

Joe Price152 days ago
(L-R) Drake, Russ, Steph Curry, Lil Dicky and Usain Bolt.
Music

Drake's 'Iceman' Gets People Talking as Russ, Steph Curry, Lil Dicky, Usain Bolt and More React

As expected, Drizzy's three-album drop has got a lot of people talking.

Will Lavin158 days ago
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Trueno at the Latin Grammys
Music

Trueno Drops His Genre-Hopping Album ‘TURR4ZO’

The Argentinian rapper returns to his roots on the new project, featuring María Becerra, the legendary Rubén Rada, and more.

Antonio Johri171 days ago
(L-R) The Game and Drake.
Music

The Game Thinks Rap Is in a 'Sad' Space Without New Music From Drake

Lucky for him and the culture, Drizzy is about to drop 'Iceman.'

Trey Alston178 days ago
Future.
Music

Future Reportedly Hit With Paternity Suit in Florida Over Ex's Nine-Year-Old Son

The rapper's ex, Layla Sanad, is seeking child support after claiming he's the father of her child.

Will Lavin187 days ago
(L-R) Jay Electronica and Diddy.
Music

Jay Electronica Calls for Diddy's Freedom: 'They Tried to Hang My Dawg on Some Bullsh*t'

The rapper took a moment during a recent show to voice his support for the disgraced music mogul.

Will Lavin188 days ago
The Game in a Gucci tracksuit, Drake in a leather jacket, and Kendrick Lamar in a suit with a hood.
Music

The Game Argues Hip-Hop Is 'Down 50 Percent' After Drake, Kendrick Lamar Beef

The rapper argues the culture didn’t appreciate “one of the greatest” amid the feud.

Mark Elibert188 days ago
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Essential UK Underground Rap Albums of 2026
Music

UK Underground Rap: Essential Projects of 2026 (So Far)

A regularly updated review column of projects shaping the UK underground.

Antonio Johri191 days ago
Image via Greg Noire
Music

Mustard Talks ‘Sprite Sound’, His Instinct For Hits & Wanting To Work With Skepta

Complex UK catches up with one of hip-hop’s biggest hitmakers.

James Keith209 days ago
(L-R) Chuck D and Gene Simmons.
Music

Chuck D Responds to Gene Simmons' 'Debatable' Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Hip-Hop Claim

The Public Enemy has weighed in after the KISS bassist said that hip-hop "doesn't belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."

Alex Ocho249 days ago

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