Ryan Cocca

Raised in Chapel Hill, NC, Ryan Cocca covered hip-hop for INDY Week before becoming a full-time furniture entrepreneur. He has since returned to music writing as Founder/Editor of Super Empty.

Features

Super Empty's Best Of 2024, Pt. 1

Top albums from an emotive, soulful year of North Carolina hip-hop and R&B.

Song Of The Week

The Rest Is History

"End Times," courtesy of Angelo Mota, leroy and Mez, is a somber reckoning with our overwhelming reality — and a late-2010s NC hip-hop family reunion.

Q&A

The Restless Yet Unhurried Ambition of Ayinde Anderson

The Los Angeles-based cinematographer talks about growing up in Raleigh, working with Vince Staples, honoring his love of music through film, and the self-imposed pressures that keep him growing.

Song Of The Week

Godric Pops Out In Pink

"Tiffany Mink" embodies the confidence and sophisticated extravagance that sets the Durham-based artist apart.

Song Of The Week

The Gospel According to Cheeno Ghee

"God Don't" is a showcase of the Charlotte rapper's versatility and precision — and her unflinching sense of self-confidence.

Song Of The Week

With "For You," NANCE Focuses on His Most Important Audience: Himself

Prioritizing personal fulfillment over external validation, the Raleigh rapper sounds sharper than ever, and genuinely at peace.

Q&A

Erick Lottary Wants to Remind You That He Raps, Too

Heading into his first major release since becoming a social media golf sensation, the Charlotte rapper talks celebrity friendships, authenticity, and trusting his vision.

Song Of The Week

Suzi Analogue and Blu's "Best 16" Sounds Like The End of the World

A UNC professor and a West Coast rap legend combine to make a fitting soundtrack for unnerving times.

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.

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.

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.

Members only

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.

"Members Only"

The power of an email address.

Sunday Best

Recapping the past before we leap into the future.