This article has been handpicked from the Okayplayer editorial archives and included in our Hip Hop 50 collection as a noteworthy inclusion to the genre's rich and diverse narrative. The article has ...

There's nothing quite like nostalgia. Just about anything can trigger a memory of your younger years, whether it's a picture, a fire ’fit or, as often happens, a song. Music, especially hip-hop, is ...

On 'The Almanac of Rap,' Born I unpacks how Buddhist ideas show up in hip-hop and what often gets misunderstood. Since the last one blew up, here’s one you probably didn’t know 👀 #rayymonbeatz ...

Southern hip-hop’s influence continues shaping modern music through strategic sampling, with artists like Future, GloRilla and Sexyy Red drawing from classic Southern tracks. Recently, Juicy J noted ...

In the ever-evolving world of urban music, where beats and samples reign supreme, Dutch record producer Era (real name Jamie van der Velden) is rewriting the rules. The 2026 spotlight is firmly on ...

House music being celebrated in new songs from big-time acts like Drake and Beyoncé has turned into a huge conversation as of late, but the fast-paced, drum and hi-hat-riddled genre has always had a ...

Originating from boroughs like the Bronx, sample-based drill music is going viral and taking over New York rap. Here’s a guide to the rising subgenre.

… Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “Crazy in Love,” from 2003. Turns out it’s the same sample, a sleight of ear designed to trigger warm nostalgia, and also maybe a little confusion. Something sounds very familiar ...