raplatest news & developments
J Cole and Burna Boy.

Burna Boy & Tems featured on J Cole’s ‘The Fall Off’

Two of Afrobeats’ most popular exports are featured on what is perhaps hip-hop’s most highly anticipated album of the year

From left: Founders Kevin Reese, Chase Freeman and Gregory K Burton Jr. Photo: Supplied by Milk + Cookies.

More Than A Festival: Inside the Milk + Cookies Music Week Mission

Milk + Cookies Music Week returns to South Africa, thus cementing its status as more than a festival through its commitment to local talent and economic support.

As part of the New York State of Mind Tour Nas performed in front of a sold out audience at Jiffy Lube Live in
Bristow, Virginia on September 16, 2022. Photo: Joe Glorioso / All-Pro Reels / The Vinyl

How hip-hop is aging gracefully

Veteran rappers are thriving, releasing acclaimed albums and winning Grammys, showing hip-hop grows with its artists and fans alike

Inspired: American hip-hop star Lupe Fiasco performs at the Back to the City Festival in Johannesburg

Lupe Fiasco’s mural of purpose, craft and substance

For years, Lupe Fiasco’s music lived softly in my mind – a hum of resistance, a reminder of truth. Then, under Joburg’s stormy sky, I finally stood before the man who wields words like swords

Nomsa Mazwai and Rapsody in studio. Photos: Courtesy of Nomsa Mazwai

Nomisupasta and Rapsody: The collab that took 13 years

When Rapsody finally came to South Africa to record her latest album, something deeply meaningful and long-awaited took shape.

Unprepared: The disproportionate attention paid to the battle between rap stars Kendrick Lamar (above) and Drake is symptomatic of a change of tone in America. Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar vs Drake: Beware of the false prophets

Kendrick Lamar’s win over Drake shows the resurgence of an illiberal racial mood in America

Macklemore/Instagram

Macklemore rages against Israel’s Gaza genocide

Halled over the coals: Rapper Macklemore’s track Hind’s Hall, which criticises Israel’s war, has gone viral.