Articles by Soren Baker
In Conversation: Isaiah Rashad on Accepting Critical Feedback and Representing Southern Rap Icons
As he prepares for a pair of exclusive live stream events with Moment House, the TDE artist explains his musical mission.
In Conversation: Belly’s New Perspective
With a new LP and a new outlook, the genre-bending rapper/singer-songwriter removes himself from the limelight to share what he’s learned.
In Conversation: GZA’s Musical Mastery
GZA returns to the stage Saturday in New York’s Central Park for the free JBL True Summer event with Funk Flex.
In Conversation: BbyAfricka Leaves Sad Songs Behind on Her New Two-Part LP “BigAfricka”
The Inglewood artist has graduated from somber “alternative R&B” to assured rapping—and people are starting to notice.
In Conversation: YehMe2 on Pushing Rap Forward by Returning to His Roots
With his new single “Dog Eat Dog” out now, the former Flosstradamus producer prepares an EP of trunk-rattling, energetic beats made for the club.
In Conversation: Story Time with J.PERIOD
With the innovative “Story to Tell (Chapter One),” famed producer/DJ J.PERIOD delivers one of the most ambitious rap projects of the year.
Remembering the Intensity, Passion, and Compassion of DMX
Soren Baker recalls two late-’90s interviews with the rapper, who passed away last week at 50.
In Conversation: Morris Day On His Life in Funk with The Time and Prince
The legendary Minneapolis singer/musician is featured on the season debut of TV One’s “Unsung” series, highlighting his remarkable career.
In Conversation: Marlon Craft’s Intentional Grounding
With his new LP “How We Intended,” the New York rapper examines the beauty he sees in the struggle to achieve artistic and personal peace.
In Conversation: Pharoahe Monch Leads th1rt3en’s Magnificent Musical & Cultural Exorcism
The three-man band of Pharoahe Monch, Daru Jones, and Marcus Machado channel rage and musical amorphism on the stark “A Magnificent Day for an Exorcism.”
In Conversation: Slatt Zy’s Sleepless Nights
Fueled by a desire to make life better for himself and his family, Slatt Zy drips emotion on his charged new collection “East Lake Projects.”
In Conversation: Keedron Bryant Is the Voice of the People
Producer Dem Jointz and the thirteen-year-old vocalist discuss Bryant’s powerful viral hit “I Just Wanna Live” and collaborating on a full EP.
In Conversation: Chuck D Is Rebelling Against America’s New Gridlock
The Public Enemy rapper expounds on America’s technological dependency and how people on both sides of the fence may be getting duped.
Dinner Party Make Room at the Table
Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Terrace Martin on how their new supergroup is fit for the post–George Floyd world.
In Conversation: Toosii Invites Listeners Into an Inspirational and Aspirational World with “Poetic Pain”
The North Carolina–based rapper shares how his past shaped second album of 2020.
In Conversation: Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Terrace Martin Invite You to Their Dinner Party
The four artists want the music of their self-titled debut to bring people together.
In Conversation: RZA on Ol’ Dirty Bastard: “He Gave Up Fear”
The Wu-Tang Clan architect explains why ODB’s fearlessness contributed to his magic.
Kobe Bryant: For Love of Music, For Love of the Game
Reflecting on Kobe’s long relationship with music and the industry’s profound appreciation of him.
The 2010s: Another Decade of Hip-Hop Dominance
What the genre has been through in the last ten years.
Pink Sweat$ Is Doing Things His Way
David Bowden talks the compromises he’s refused to make with his chart-topping, guitar-driven R&B.
Kari Faux Addresses the Shit That Makes Her Uncomfortable
The LA rapper discusses the bad friends and desire for solitude that inspired her recent EP “Cry 4 Help.”
Cey Adams: Blue Ribbon Treatment
Pabst Blue Ribbon commissioned the muralist to create limited edition beer packaging. Today—the inaugural National Mural Day—marks the pair’s next collaboration.
Adrian Younge Is Pushing Music Forward By Recreating its Past
The Los Angeles–based producer learned the value of his music after being sampled by JAY-Z, leading to collaborations with Ghostface Killah and Black Thought.
Wu-Tang Clan: Twenty-Five Years Ain’t Nuthing Ta F’ Wit
Our FLOOD 9 cover story on Wu-Tang Clan, the rap group with a religious following.
