Sway & King Tech's Wake Up Show made the freestyle a mandatory calling card for any MC who wanted to promote something. That tradition goes back to the '90s. In the 2010s, Sway In The Morning's 5 Fingers Of Death challenge is what keeps some MCs up at night. The stage has... Read more

In April, Dee-1 recruited Big K.R.I.T. and Lupe Fiasco for the remix to his song "Against Us." With lyrics like "I ain't in this game to prostitute my soul for dollar bills" and "What you rappin' about, killing folks? You don't see the times we in? You ain't real,” the... Read more

For years to come, April 2016 will be remembered as the month that brought purple snow in the form of Prince's death. In the wake of his departure, there have been countless tributes in the form of covers of his songs, new releases dedicated to him, and vaulted gems that... Read more

New Orleans, Louisiana MC Dee-1 has been grinding for years. Now backed by RCA Records, Dee has a knack for making music that knocks in the headphones and trunks, but still packs tremendous fodder for the mind. Fresh off of his club-tinged student loan-inspired "Sallie Mae Back" (a play on... Read more

Hip-Hop is at its best when it carries a message of authenticity that is relatable to the masses. And, while some might enjoy flying in private jets and owning multiple time pieces, many more are struggling to make ends meet. Ironically, one of the greatest contributors to financial woes is... Read more

New Orleans, Louisiana MC Dee-1 has the respect and support of some of the Bayou City's masters of Bounce. Mannie Fresh and Juvenile both clamored to work with the RCA Records-backed artist. In his recent appearance in "106 & Park's" The Backroom, Dee delivers lyrics with substance and flare at... Read more

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards featured a variety of artists and different styles. From up and comers to grizzled veterans, each had something to prove. Many also had something meaningful to say, with references to the killing of Mike Brown and the protests in Ferguson manifesting throughout several verses.... Read more