Jack Riedy reflects on the original Brat summer in the form of Prince's summer takeover with the release of his iconic Purple Rain album 40 years ago.

Steven Louis has the latest Rap-Up. New music from Mike Shabb, Khary, Pookie F’n Rude, Capolow and Malik Elijah, with the unauthorized Cecil Fielder outro.

For the last 60 years, Swamp Dogg has been one of the most original, surreal, and eclectic soul musicians on the the planet. Now, he's finally getting the documentary treatment he deserves.

Michael McKinney returns to highlight the best sets of the past month, including entries from Introspekt, King Doudou, Physical Therapy and others.

Harley Geffner delivers this week's Rap-Up, featuring new tunes from Benji Blue Bills, Khantrast, Nino Paid and more.

Reflecting on his double-decade career of complex lyricism and subtle evolution, Will Hagle ranks Lupe Fiasco's nine studio albums after the recent release of the conceptual Samurai.

William Reed examines the shifting facades that Drake has employed throughout his career, his various identity crises' and how "Push Ups" might be the sassiest diss in hip-hop history.

Michael McKinney speaks to the lowest voice in Roomful of Teeth / the group’s co-artistic director about singing into trash cans, installation work, pushing against stylistic boxes and more.

The latest Rap-Up — Steelz and G Perico do a scene from Swingers, Bart Oatmeal and ICB are caucusing, and FCG Heem descends the cold spiral staircase.

Jayson Buford analyzes the sudden rise of new-wave stars Nettspend and Xaviersobased, whose music is indebted to the culture of internet forums and not yet consistent enough to cross generations.