Song Of The Week
On “One,” JSWISS Models Self-Belief Over Cynicism
The NC-schooled, NY-based rapper continues his stellar string of jazz/experimental collaborations, this time with saxophonist/producer Marcus Strickland.
Ryan Cocca
A light that can never be extinguished
Remembering Joshua "J. Rowdy" Rowsey
Features
Bury Me At The Casa Bacardí
Super Empty goes to Dreamville Festival 2024
Q&A
Did J. Cole Do The Right Thing?
A baker's dozen of NC hip-hop artists and media personalities react to "The Apology."
Song Of The Week
Song of the Week: "Other Side" - Kooley High
The Raleigh quintet leans away from Earthly matters like sales and streams, and into mortality and eternal life.
Song Of The Week
Song Of The Week: “7 Minute Drill” - J. Cole
The Dreamville leader's attempt at fiery, pre-festival fireworks pulls punches and leaves numerous opportunities on the table.
Features
Dreamville Preview: Three NC Artists to See in 2024, and Three to Hope for in 2025
Plus, a roundup of Dreamville-adjacent Friday events to fill out the weekend in Raleigh.
Opinion
The Devil(s) on Dreamville's Shoulder
What the courting of headliners like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj says about the contradictions facing Dreamville Fest — and its leader, J. Cole.
Song Of The Week
Song of the Week: "Hello" - Shirlette Ammons ft. Amelia Meath
Durham’s consummate collaborator pens an uplifting tribute to community, and as usual, brings others along for the ride.
Song Of The Week
Song of the Week: "Stand Tall" - Rapsody
The new single from her first album in five years hints at some of the best, most personal music of Rapsody’s career.
Song Of The Week
Song of the Week: "New Fragrance" - Lxnny
In his first self-produced release since 2022, the Charlotte emcee/producer takes a break from his usual indulgences. Mostly.
Song Of The Week
Song of the Week: "Penmanship" - Kooley High
The Raleigh/Brooklyn stalwarts give the first glimpse into their forthcoming collab album with producer Tuamie.
SE. Vault (2015-2019)
An NC Hip-Hop Gem Forgotten, Then Remembered
A letter to Lute's debut mixtape, "West1996."
Song Of The Week
Song of the Week: "My Bad" - Cyanca
The genre-hopping Charlotte native channels Missy Elliott — and gets a cosign from her, too. Plus: Kooley High, Nance, and chlothegod.
Song Of The Week
Song Of The Week: "Call On" - Mez ft. Kurtis Wells
Mez's trademark eeriness reaches a new stage of evolution. Also: Charlie Smarts drops a remix, and Shame and Reuben Vincent debut new videos.
Features
Back "In The 336," Pt. I
A 2011 time capsule, a tribute to collaboration, and a needle worth finding in the NC hip-hop haystack.