HipHopDx Editorials
SMACK Talk: The Secret Success Of The Rap Battle Industry
Organized Battle Rap leagues have reached a staggering level of popularity. Has the sometimes side show quietly moved into the mainstream?
Beat Generation: DJ K.O.'s Take On The Rise Of Producers In Hip Hop
New Jersey producer/album-maker DJ K.O. submitted HipHopDX a piece on what it means to be a producer within Hip Hop to varying definitions, citing DJ Jazzy Jeff, Diddy and Dr. Dre to illustrate points.
Money Green: $hamrock's Guide To Managing Rap Game Revenue
The winner of ego trip's "White Rapper Show" on Vh1 comes forward to offer insights on how to stay paid in the Rap game, and not be another victim of owing the IRS.
Remembering Chris Lighty
HipHopDX's Editor-In-Chief provides a reflection of his brief dealings with Chris Lighty, and why Hip Hop needs more humanity in life and in death.
New World Order: Hip Hop's Obsession With The Illuminati
Controversial, sometimes even secretive imagery will always have an appeal but that doesn't necessarily mean all the world's evils are orchestrated by a secret society.
Heaven And Hell: Hip Hop's Difficulty With Christianity
From Mase to Lecrae and No Malice, both listeners and emcees often have a hard time reconciling Hip Hop with a message of Christianity.
True Colors: Race, And The Misnomer Of Hip Hop As "Black Music"
If you can remove stereotypes and broad generalizations from the discussion, race becomes a topic many emcees are either ignorant of or just plain afraid to discuss.
Labor Day 2012: 10 Rappers Recall Their First Jobs & Early Working Experiences
Jadakiss, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Keke and others reflect on their early forays into the job force in honor of Labor Day.
The Art Of Storytelling's Epilogue: 10 More Stories Told Through Rap Songs
Following this summer's initial list, J-23 returns with some clarification and 10 more Hip Hop stories told in verses by the likes of Ice Cube, Aesop Rock, The Coup, Big L and Nas.
N.Y. State of Mind: Lil Wayne And Hip Hop Elitism
Making country-fried Rap in 2012 won't automatically make New York emcees better, but open-mindedness is encouraging in a genre with such a deep history of regional bias.
Rhyme Pays: Hip Hop's Value Of Writing, Freestyling And Lyricism
If fewer people buy the product, maybe Hip Hop's philosophy of telling emcees to aspire to lyrical greatness no longer matches up with the realities of our economy.
It Was Written: Nas, Ghostwriting And The Ideal Of Sole Authorship
Your opinion of what Nas represents both as a lyricist and within the context of Hip Hop culture undoubtedly shapes how you view news of stic.man and Jay Electronica allegedly ghostwriting for him.
Technologically Speaking: Masta Ace Talks The Evolution From Fanmail To Followers
Masta Ace pens an editorial looking at how in 22 years, he went from returning letters at a record label to letting fan feedback determine the videos for "MA_DOOM: Son Of Yvonne."
Surviving The Times: The Adaptation Of Nas Through The Eras
"First it was 'Nasty,' but times have changed..." and through all of those changing times, shiny suits to Neo-Afrocentrism, "Oochie Wally" to "Daughters," Nas has never lost fans' attention.
10 Things We Learned From Reading "Rap And Religion: Understanding The Gangsta's God" by Ebony A. Utley
The professor at California State University, Long Beach has some powerful theories about Hip Hop and God in her new book. We decided to share 10 that struck us.
Hip Hop Dance Experience: How A Video Game Hopes To Capture Hip Hop's Love Of Dance
A new video game, Hip Hop Dance Experience, looks to blend old with new to bring gamers and fans enthusiasm for dance. We break down some of the songs featured on the game.
Recession Era Rap: Hip Hop And Fiscal Responsibility
With a growing list of broke and or indebted emcees, it appears that basic financial literacy ideals that Hip Hop as a whole still struggles with.
Frankly Speaking: Hip Hop's Move Towards LGBTQ Tolerance
Hip Hop's stance on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community seems to be changing for the better - a positive sign for those ostracized by some of Rap's most vile and homophobic works.
Station Identification: The New Reality For Hip Hop And Terrestrial Radio
As radio stations fight each other, the Internet and sometimes artists, many enterprising emcees are discovering they don't need or care for radio exposure anymore.
The Nicki Effect: The Return Of The Female Rap Movement
Iggy Azalea, Azealia Banks and Kitty Pryde are dominating headlines and playlists in 2012 with outrageous lyrics, viral visuals and unique musical styles, while others are emerging.
