Jermaine “J. Cole” may be an elite MC on his albums, but when he’s a featured guest on another artist’s song, he’s a criminal who verbally commits homicide. For an artist to ask Cole for a feature verse is like inviting a world-class thief into their home. As evidence, below…

Hip Hop has created records that will outlive us all. These tracks play in our playlist at every BBQ, block party, or random shuffle mix. However, is there a discredit of the performer if someone else wrote the lyrics? Check out these masterful musical bangers believed to have been written by a ghostwriter(s)…. allegedly. Click link below for the full article: Mic Check: 9 of the Greatest Hip Hop Songs Allegedly (or Not) Written by Ghostwriters Culture critic and writer, J. Hall, presents a list of hit hip hop songs that were not written by the artists behind…aurn.com

The present era of women in hip hop is the most impressive it’s ever been. From the days when there were just a few at a time to now countless female MCs making their voices heard, and Lady London is next up to separate herself from the pack. Click link below for the full article: On the Come Up: Lady London, the Next Queen MC Continuing his NextUpMicUp series, culture critic and writer, J. Hall shines a spotlight on up and coming rapper, Lady…aurn.com

Twenty-five years ago, Juvenile’s 400 Degreez debuted on Cash Money Records as a groundbreaking instant classic, pioneering the southern New Orleans bounce sound and ushering in Cash Money as one of Hip Hop’s most iconic record labels. Click link below for the full article: https://aurn.com/juvenile-on-fire-400-degreez-and-the-rise-of-cash-money/ J Hall is a Detroit bred Howard Bison multimedia culture critic. An abstract thinker who believes “You ain’t wrong when you’re right,” and that his mother’s cupcakes are legendary. Check out his slight worldwide view here: https://linktr.ee/jhall

It’s the Halloween season of goblins, ghouls, and everything that goes bump at night. It’s a time when folks walk in haunted houses for the thrill and see slasher/monster films to celebrate gore on screen. Yet, the most significant and overlooked aspect of the horror holiday is its musical soundtrack. So below, check out the Hip Hop songs (in no order) that deliver rhymes guaranteed to bring chills.

Underground rappers are known for making stereotypical “backpacker” music. The type with extra wordy rhymes rapped over one-dimensional basement beats that caters to contrarian fans who feel they represent “real” hip hop. It’s a rarity for such rappers to evolve from gifted wordsmiths into sophisticated artists — unlike Larry June, an MC who’s graduated from backpacker school into promising artist on the rise.

Today, Jay-Z is a billionaire hip hop mogul, married to a legendary singer wife with children (including a more-famous-than-us oldest daughter), who travels as a millennial imitation of Basquiat. But in early 1998, his rap career stood at a crossroads. Under his belt, Jay had a classic debut album that…

Twenty-five years ago, Outkast created a perfect Hip Hop composition with the release of Aquemini. The album represents how two opposite worlds, in personality, can create genius art in unison. Click link below for the full article: A Tale of Two ATliens: Outkast and the Perfection of Aquemini 25 years later, content creator, J. Hall breaks down the genius of Outkast's Aquemini and the album's impact in…aurn.com

Troy, a Black male in his late 30s, has been in a dark place for months. He lost his job earlier in the year, and unemployment has run out. Despite several interviews, he has yet to secure a job. His wife has been a stay-at-home mom, caring for their… It's Like a Jungle Sometimes: Black Men and Suicide In this anecdotal article, culture critic, J. Hall explores the cogent issue of suicide as it relates to Black men in…aurn.com