EDITORIAL

They have one of the most unforgettable names in Hip-Hop and have made some of the most notable and important songs in the 34-year history of recorded Rap music. They are called Ultramagnetic MC’s and 25 years ago they released one of Rap’s greatest and most influential albums, Critical Beatdown.

As September draws to a close we experience more and more hints that Fall is near. Regardless, there are still some constants that we can count on: There were a gang of excellent Rap/Hip-Hop albums that dropped and Hip-Hop Wired will let you know what they are.  

Many will write about the 15th anniversary of the last great release date in Rap history. But few truly overstand why it earned that designation and why after it there may never be another great day on par. Since they can’t, I will. Not only do I remember the day well and what it signified […]

On September 21st, 1993, De La Soul released their third LP, Buhloone Mindstate, on Tommy Boy Records. De La Soul and Prince Paul produced yet another magnum opus in the vein of the their first two albums but like their previous efforts it was completely different. Twenty years since its release, it is still a high watermark for […]

The onset of September signifies many things. The temperature steadily drops, the sun becomes scarcer, the seasons begin to change and with it all comes a brand new wave of independent and underground Rap releases to listen to. Which means picking the next 10 independent and underground Hip-Hop/Rap releases featured on this particular edition of […]

In 1987, EPMD (credited as EPEE MD) debuted with their groundbreaking 12” “It’s My Thing/You’re A Customer” on Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records. While it was just one of numerous classic singles to drop that year it would have even more impact the following summer when both songs were on the 10 song opus Strictly Business.

August has drawn to a close and the weather has gone from days in the 90s where it’s a nonstop parade of sundresses to days barely breaking the 70s where jeans, windbreakers & pullovers are the outfits of the day. As we enter the Fall Choosing Season, the precursor to Cuffing Season, will be underway. […]

The ripple effects of Kendrick Lamar’s “Control (HOF)” verse are still being felt throughout the Hip-Hop community. Struggle rappers are coming out of the woodwork with response records, so called culture critics are applauding as if they have previously been championing the resurrection of quality lyrics and radio personalities are running the topic into the […]

August is already 3/4ths of the way through and before you know it t shirt and cargo shorts weather will yield to pants and pullovers weather again (Unless Kendrick Lamar can stop the seasons from changing, that is…). Before that happens, we here at Hip-Hop Wired have 20 indie & underground Hip-Hop albums from this […]

Hip-Hop culture just celebrated it’s 40th anniversary earlier this week and shortly afterwards an interesting event happened that highlighted the disconnect between Rap listeners, Hip-Hop fans and its individual contributors & participants. There are those that are too young to remember when verses like Kendrick Lamar’s on Big Sean’s “Control” were a common occurrence and […]

We’ve reached the end of July and August is just under way. The Summer is coming to an end but it doesn’t stop the new wave of hot underground & independent Hip-Hop albums from dropping at a high rate. The frequency with which more and more potential Album Of The Year contenders cross my desk […]

The first half of 2013 is now behind us and we have been plunged into a heatwave as the Hip-hop releases fly out at an alarming rate. There was a reason Stevie Wonder named one of his albums Hotter Than July and 33 years after the fact it still holds true. As we expected, Pusha […]