Jayson Buford

Every 10 years there is a boogeyman in rap – someone that the old heads can moan about in the hopes that the younger generation is discouraged enough to stop making music they deem to not be “hip-hop.” It’s a dirty trick. By deploying the kind of stratagem that leads people to ask ridiculous questions such as “Why haven’t you,  » Read More

The contradictions of a single man can be many, and Gary, Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs has more than most. Lately, he’s been in a tight spot, although he has been in tighter spots throughout his life and career. His profile is getting bigger, but he can’t stop posting about his rivals, particularly Griselda rapper Benny The Butcher.  » Read More

In 2001 – having successfully launched Def Jam South, still dealing with his lifelong battle with clinical depression and a DEA agent called Jack Schumacher – Scarface decided to retire from recording music. With the money he made running Def Jam South, it wasn’t a bad choice. He had just helped make Ludacris into a star.  » Read More

To be a fan of hip-hop in New York is to be in a constant state of nostalgia. What is being a rap fan without hearing from OGs, counselors, and cousins about the first time they heard 36 Chambers? Being a New Yorker into rap is remembering 9/11 for The Blueprint and not George Bush’s Osama Bin Laden’s violent pledge.  » Read More