Jhené Aiko’s latest single “Maniac” is the first taste of her forthcoming sophomore album, and she’s never sounded more fearless. In anticipation of her big 2017, the singer/songwriter linked up with Rob Markman at Luxe Lingerie in Beverly Hills for the latest episode of Genius' in-depth interview series IRL.
Lloyd made a triumphant comeback late last year with his 5-track EP titled Tru. The project—featuring appearances from Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and 2 Chainz, is helmed by its title track, produced by ...
Although Charly Black’s “Gyal You A Party Animal” first dropped in his native Jamaica back in 2014, it only hit the United States last year—and blew up thanks to the memeing of his line “flip it li...
Kodie Shane has no problem feeling blue and that’s what her hit single “Sad” with Lil Yachty is all about. The 18-year-old Atlanta singer/rapper wrote the track when she was 13 although she doesn’t...
Rising Atlanta star 6LACK burst onto the music scene last year with the Soundsbynova-produced song “PRBLMS.” After Kylie Jenner spun the track twice on her Snapchat, “PRBLMS” clocked in over 17,000...
El Paso-based singer/songwriter Khalid has had a whirlwind year thanks to the success of his song “Location,” a youthful song about love and loss. The 18-year-old artist’s track, produced by Smash ...
British singer/songwriter James Arthur won the X Factor UK back in 2012 and promptly released his self-titled debut album the next year. Although he found early success in his career—his debut hit ...
Brooklyn rapper PHresher’s viral hit “Wait A Minute” got a nice bump thanks to a remix featuring 50 Cent and Remy Ma late last year. All eyes were on Remy’s verse, which the internet thought might’...
The Chainsmokers‘ hit single “Don’t Let Me Down” was inspired by a crazy few days of getting separated from friends at Coachella, according to writer Emily Warren. But for featured singer Daya, the...
Kyle’s “iSpy” is a song about finding cuties online that don’t have too many followers yet, but as the California-based rapper tells Genius, there’s a lot more going on too. The track is a goofy co...
Ab-Soul’s “D.R.U.G.S” is a reference to the acronym coined by Lupe Fiasco that stands for “Don’t Ruin Us God Said”. The cut is off Ab’s latest project DWTW and features background vocals from Mac M...
Zara Larsson’s hit single “Lush Life” was originally released back in June 2015 but it took a full year for the song to start to buzz. It ended up debuting at No. 97 on the Hot 100 in July 2016—and...
Canadian rapper and songwriter Belly released his highly anticipated Another Day In Paradise album last year—and part of that paradise, for Belly, is hitting the strip club. On his standout track “...
Although Lil Wayne had been releasing music since 1999, his 2004 classic “Go D.J.” marked a major turning point in his career. The second single from his fourth album Tha Carter was the icon’s firs...
Joey Bada$$‘ “Land Of The Free” was released on the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration. On the track, produced by Kirk Knight and Adam Pallin, the Pro Era MC critiques the current state of American...
Big Sean’s current heater, “Bounce Back,” is all about resiliency. But the Detroit spitter lyrically takes no L’s over Metro Boomin’s bouncy beat. Sean finds a pocket and settles into it, rhyming a...
Nas’ 1996 single “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” is widely considered to be one of the best rap songs of all time. The legendary Queens-bred MC’s densely packed rhymes and vivid imagery combi...
When Eminem is on the mic, flows become lyrical exercise; extended metaphors become short stories of their own. Check his rhyme on Dr. Dre’s 1999 track “Forgot About Dre” for proof—Slim Shady spits...
For every millennial quick to hand Nicki Minaj the crown for rap’s G.O.A.T. lady lyricist, there’s an ‘80s baby who will chime in by name dropping Lauryn Hill.
Migos‘ sleeper hit “Bad And Boujee” has become the trio’s s highest charting track yet, which hit No. 24 after charting for four weeks in a row on the Billboard Hot 100.
Nearly eight years ago, when the ink was barely dry on his Roc Nation recording contract, J. Cole pictured the future: himself as one of hip-hop’s kings. The Fayetteville, N.C. lyricist projected c...
Carrol City, Florida-based rapper Denzel Curry has been making some serious waves in the last year. He released his sophomore album Imperial, landed notable features from Rick Ross and Joey BADA$$,...
Big Pun’s opening verse on “Twinz (Deep Cover ‘98)” accomplishes a lot in under half a minute. Over a sample of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “Deep Cover (187),” the Bronx bomber sets the scene for a qu...
Jay Electronica didn’t even need a hook to drop an all-time rap purists' favorite track. His 2009 song “Exhibit C” helped the elusive rapper build his legend, especially the quote-worthy final vers...
Minutes before the official release of his Blank Face album, ScHoolboy Q dropped the Black Hippy remix of his song “THat Part” On the Cardo, Cubeatz, Kanye West and Yung Exclusive-produced track, K...