FBG Butta: Navigating the Complex Tapestry of Chicago’s Drill Scene

Natalia Privalova Feb 27, 2025

In the intricate and often perilous world of Chicago's drill music scene, few figures embody its raw realities as authentically as FBG Butta. Born Rakeem Wilton on September 21, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, Butta's life narrative is a compelling blend of personal tragedy, street affiliations, musical ambition, and legal entanglements. Early Life and Formative Years Growing up in Chicago's South Side, Butta faced adversity from a young age. The loss of his father in 2004, when Butta was merely ten years old, left an indelible mark on his upbringing. This…

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Miami Rapper K. Charles Announces New EP ‘GUESS WHOO’ with DJ Whoo Kid

Natalia Privalova Feb 27, 2025

MIAMI, FL — K. Charles, a prominent figure in Miami's rap scene, has officially announced the release of his upcoming EP, GUESS WHOO, in collaboration with renowned DJ Whoo Kid. The EP is slated for release on March 7, 2025, and is expected to showcase K. Charles' dynamic style and lyrical prowess. The announcement was made through K. Charles' official Instagram account, where he shared the EP's title and release date with his 20,000 followers. This collaboration with DJ Whoo Kid marks a significant milestone in K. Charles' career, aligning…

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‘Island Boys’ Rapper Franky Venegas Arrested on Gun and Drug Charges

Natalia Privalova Feb 27, 2025

NAPLES, Fla. — Franky Venegas, widely recognized as one half of the viral rap duo the "Island Boys," was arrested on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Naples, Florida. The 23-year-old faces charges of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number. Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest The incident began around 10 p.m. when deputies from the Collier County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on a yellow Corvette that failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign…

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Raptology radar: Top 10 Best Rap songs of 2025 – Drake, Gunna, Doechii, Travis Scott, GloRilla, SexyyRed, SZA, Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar

Natalia Privalova Feb 27, 2025

1. "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" stands out as a monumental track, renowned for its sharp lyricism and direct commentary. The song has achieved remarkable commercial success, leading the Billboard Global 200 chart for three non-consecutive weeks and breaking multiple streaming records. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, it secured five awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. pitchfork.com 2. "30 for 30" – SZA and Kendrick Lamar A dynamic collaboration between SZA and Kendrick Lamar, "30 for 30" blends hip-hop…

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Oran Juice Jones II Challenges Hip-Hop’s Materialism with ‘Ready 2 Live’

Natalia Privalova Feb 5, 2025

Houston-born artist Oran Juice Jones II is making waves with his latest album, Ready 2 Live, a soulful R&B-infused project that dares to question the integrity of modern hip-hop trends. As a partner at Esclave, Jones has carved out a lane of his own, blending smooth melodies with thought-provoking themes that challenge the genre’s obsession with wealth and status. Featuring an impressive lineup of collaborators—including Charles & Jermaine Paul, Anhayla, Ellis Dodi, Justin Kim, and Kelly Fragle—Ready 2 Live goes beyond catchy hooks and radio-friendly beats. It serves as a…

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Doechii Makes History: Wins Best Rap Album at 2025 Grammys with “Alligator Bites Never Heal”

Natalia Privalova Feb 3, 2025

The 2025 Grammy Awards were a night of groundbreaking moments, but one of the most significant highlights came when Doechii won Best Rap Album for her critically acclaimed mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. With this victory, she became only the third woman in history to take home this prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Her win marks a pivotal moment in hip-hop, further solidifying her status as one of the most influential voices in the genre today. Breaking Barriers in Rap History Hip-hop has…

a group of people standing in front of a statue

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“Rappin’ Max Robot” Sculpture Brings Hip-Hop Legacy to Mill Pond Park Before Heading to Paris

Natalia Privalova Feb 3, 2025

Bronx, NY – The Bronx, widely recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop, has just added another monumental tribute to the culture with the unveiling of Rappin' Max Robot. This striking 18-foot-tall sculpture, currently on display at Mill Pond Park, is a bold celebration of hip-hop's influence and history. The installation will remain in the Bronx for a limited time before making its way to Paris in the summer of 2025, further solidifying hip-hop’s global impact. A Tribute to Hip-Hop’s Roots The Rappin’ Max Robot sculpture is a visually stunning piece…

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Lil Xelly Murder: Rising Maryland Rapper Killed in Double Homicide

Natalia Privalova Feb 3, 2025

The hip-hop community is mourning the tragic loss of Marcell Jordan Hebron, known professionally as Lil Xelly. He was fatally shot on January 16, 2025, in Rockville, Maryland. At just 24 years old, Lil Xelly had established himself as a prolific figure in the underground rap scene. He left behind a vast discography that showcases his unique sound and a legacy of collaboration and innovation. His music, characterized by its raw energy and emotional depth, resonated with many fans, making him a beloved figure in the genre. The Incident On…

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Substantial

Natalia Privalova Jan 23, 2025

Prince George’s County, Maryland born MC, producer, artist and educator, Substantial, debuted in 2000 collaborating with the late Japanese producer, Nujabes, who later worked on the popular show Samurai Champloo. Legendary rapper and activist, Chuck D of Public Enemy referred to Substantial as “One of the great MCs of our time.” His soulful and introspective brand of Hip Hop music has received critical acclaim from The Source Magazine, HipHopDX, Ebony.com, DJBooth.net and Raptology.com. His music videos have appeared on MTV, VH1 and BET. In May of 2018, Substantial released his…

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Fr33 Tha Sinner

Natalia Privalova Jan 21, 2025

Fr33 Tha Sinner is an up and coming hip-hop artist hailing from The Bronx, NY. He currently has two albums under his belt and has accumulated over 200’000 streams online. His hard hitting bars, that combine the street life with his own inner spiritual journey, continue to hook listeners worldwide. Inspired by artists like J Cole and Meek Mill, Fr33 finds that perfect medium between the old-style of lyrical boom box type rap with heavy trap beats. The talented rapper is beginning to take over already, with songs like his…

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Sosiety: Unapologetically Black

Natalia Privalova Jan 21, 2025

Songwriter/Rap Artist Sosiety (pronounced Society) has been a student of the recording industry since a teen. Born and raised in Toronto’s east end Scarborough, raised by an immigrant single mother from the South American country of Guyana, Sosiety has been creating a new lane of “Unapologetically Black” rap in Toronto’s music scene. Starting off by helping pen songs for other artists, Sosiety dropped the mixtape “Close To The Sun” on Soundcloud showcasing his diversity, weaving through complex flows and polarizing beats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TgY63G1Hk0 In 2019, Sosiety dropped three visuals: the polarizing…

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Ryan Glover`s New Single, “All Chillows Eve” details the tough urban reality of life in Chicago

Natalia Privalova Jan 20, 2025

Chicago has a history of talented rappers. Very few artists bridge the gap betweensocially conscious artists such as Common Sense, the tongue-twisting style ofTwista and drill artists such as Lil Durk and Chief Keef. Recently released from a11-month prison sentence, Ryan Glover who was previously known as “KaisorSosa” has released a new song “All Chillows Eve” which details the arduous urbanrealities of life on the Southside of Chicago. He has caught the attention of themusic industry and years of grinding could finally pay off. An artist who hasopened for groups…

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SHAN: Toronto’s latest rising star

Natalia Privalova Jan 19, 2025

SHAN is Toronto’s latest rising star on the up and coming artists you should know. Raised by a single mother, the Sri Lankan-born artist grew up influenced by the hip hop, old school R&B, and dancehall heard in Canada’s largest and most diverse cities - Toronto, Scarborough, and Montreal. Chasing the dream since he was 16-years old, over the years, SHAN has become a mainstay of Toronto’s hip hop community. Be sure to check out SHAN’s latest single featuring Hollywood Savage "GENERATIONS.” Available on all streaming platforms. https://open.spotify.com/track/29Ko1HhRK07xzoNi6N59No https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsBSTSKf30U

Luclover rapper in urban outfit and white sneakers

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Houston Artist Luclover Releases New Single “Waste of Time”

Natalia Privalova Jan 17, 2025

Luclover is a 14-year-old rapper and musician based in Houston, TX, his family is originally from Morocco. Music wasn’t Luclover’s first passion, basketball was. He first picked up a ball at the age of 4, and his parents helped him to develop his skills and excel to an advanced level by taking him to practice, personal training and playing with him in the backyard. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1o_HuTBVLV/ In January of 2019, Luclover found that his drive to play basketball was gone and that he wanted to take a different path and create…

Interview

For DJ Khaled, It All Comes Down to Love

Natalia Privalova Jan 17, 2025

The musical mastermind discusses fatherhood, how he thinks about success, and why jumpsuits are sexy. Some people speak in tongues. Some people speak in metaphors. Some people speak in riddles. DJ Khaled speaks in italics. Pop’s musical quilt-master is a serial emphasizer. His latest album, Father of Asahd, he tells me, was an impossibility—getting that many stars on one album, you try it—and yet, “I DID it.” So far as why he believes the album was so potent, he adds, “Because everybody comes with their A Game, or MORE than…

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Pockets & Tex “Say Less” a street anthem describing the counterfeit lifestyle that some portray on social media

Natalia Privalova Jan 16, 2025

by Drug Music Ink ( Produced By Boger ) The Brooklyn duo from Gowanus Houses met in fourth grade, developing a brotherhood that would last the test of time. The two started freestyling together by 7th grade & would begin the metamorphosis into MCs. Destiny would separate them as Pockets would move to Cali in 1995, this allowed the two to develop their craft as solo artists. Fate would reunite the team in NY by 2001 & by 2002 DMI was established. RX represents the harsh realities of poverty, the…

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Ohio based recording artist Mr. Smith is building a global fan base and getting noticed by the right people at the right time.

Natalia Privalova Jan 13, 2025

As a result of winning numerous contests and live video showcases with Coast2Coast, Mr. Smith will have the opportunity to compete for $50,000 in Coast2Coast’s World Championship Round Qualifying in Miami July 25th, 2020. Networking with industry producers and A&R’s through Coast2Coast, Mr. Smith has gone on to work with platinum producer Duane DaRock. Mr. Smith has two singles produced by Duane DaRock titled “Guru” and “Go Back Remix”. https://youtu.be/HCBRU36p5bk In October of 2019, Mr. Smith was nominated by the Ohio Entertainment Awards for Best Collaboration for his single "Go…

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Jeremiah Kingston’s ‘You’re Not Gonna Like This’ has something for everyone

Natalia Privalova Jan 12, 2025

Although 2022 has seen the return of many of hip hop’s biggest names, it has also been a year for unearthing some of the greatest unheard talent, with Jeremiah Kingston being the next to add to the illustrious list. The Charlotte, NC based artist has released his debut EP ‘You’re Not Gonna Like This’, with each of its five tracks displaying different sides to Kingston’s skillset. Opener, ‘Icarus’, portrays Kingston’s ear for production, as the jazz interlude illustrates a landscape that sets the scene for the rest of the EP…

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How Snoop Dogg Became the Biggest Smoker in Rap Music

Natalia Privalova Jan 10, 2025

Snoop Dogg, the iconic figure in the rap industry, is known for more than just his music. Over the years, he's become synonymous with a particular lifestyle. Yes, we’re talking about his reputation as the biggest smoker in rap. But if you’re a fan of his music, it’s not necessary that you conform to his smoking habits. You can get away with something as simple as snus to pay your respects. If you’re not sure where to get them, try Europesnus. In this post, let’s explore Snoop’s journey to becoming…

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DARKFACE SQUATTA BRINGING CHANGE TO THE RAP GAME

Natalia Privalova Dec 30, 2024

Mix discipline and dedication with raw talent, and you get the next rapper to take over hip-hop, Darkface Squatta. Coming out of the streets of Carbondale, Illinois, up and coming rapper Darkface Squatta has been steadily building his fanbase from the ground up. With a track record in the game for sixteen years, Darkface Squatta has expanded his reach throughout the Bootheel Missouri region, Southern Illinois, Tennessee, and other outside states. His fanbase has grown accustom to a level of lyricism and musical composition that has placed him in the…