“Definition” is the first single from Black Star‘s 1998 album by the same name. It is produced by Hi-Tek, who samples “The P Is Free” by Boogie Down Productions for the track’s beat as well as “Stop the Violence” for the hook. The song’s lyrics in general deal with the necessity to stop violence in hip hop, and the lyrics also mention the recent […]

Hieroglyphics are an American underground hip hop collective based in Oakland, California. The collective was founded in the early-1990s by rapper Del tha Funkee Homosapien. The collective is currently composed of rappers Del the Funky Homosapien, Casual, Pep Love, producer/manager Domino, DJ Toure, and the four individual members of the rap group Souls of Mischief: Phesto, A-Plus, Opio, and Tajai. The Hieroglyphics combine fundamentally sound deliveries and lyrical content with original and sometimes jazzy or funky beats and samples. Since their inception, Hieroglyphics […]

“Ridin’” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chamillionaire, released as the lead single from his debut studio album The Sound of Revenge (2005). The song, produced by Play-N-Skillz, features a guest appearance from fellow American rapper Krayzie Bone, of Bone Thugs n Harmony. The lyrics concern racial profiling and police brutality, as well as the stereotyping of African-Americans driving vehicles with drugs or other contraband. The music video attempts to create a sense of the police abusing their powers for […]

Things Fall Apart is the fourth studio album by American hip hop band The Roots, released February 23, 1999 on Geffen Records. According to Spin magazine, the album is a landmark moment for The Roots and the collective, as it “swelled the Roots clique into a movement-style posse.” The album has also been considered by music writers as The Roots’s breakthrough album, earning praise from major […]