Rap City Tha Basement was one of the top shows to be on in the early 2000's. The show originally started in 1989, helmed by Chris “The Mayor” Thomas. When Tigger took the helm, the show became Rap City: Tha Basement, a format inspired by his mom's house in the Bronx. Back in the early 2000's when BET actually had hourly music television shows, one of the more popular show's was “Rap City Tha Basement“. BET's Rap City is the network's signature music program that embraces authentic hip-hop culture in every shape, form and fashion. Click the links below to see official videos.
How do one put a label or tag someone as the king of rap? How do you mix classic rap tracks with today's style of music? Tupac would probably be the most influential rapper of all time, while Eminem holds the record as the highest selling artist. The first “Rap” song to ever hit the radio was a joint called “Rapper's Delite” by a group called the Sugar Hill Gang. Rapping first gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s as a kind of street art, especially among African American teenagers. Rap music is cited as the biggest music genre in the world with some of the best selling artists ever. From MC Hammer to Biggie, the Beastie Boys to Eminem, these are the best-selling rap albums to hit music stores.
The Wrap-Up Magazine wants to debate with you on who is the greatest rapper. Everyone has their own opinion on who is the best. Leave a comment below and be sure to share. Whether it's spitting a flow on the stage or competing for the No.1 spot on the Billboard charts, hip-hop artists are always getting into some type of battle. While some people are still debating who the king of R&B is, Gucci Mane is mulling over who is the king of rap, and according to him, it shouldn't be the genre's previous champion Eminem. Like it or not to be the king of rap you have to achieve both commercial and artistic success, and it really matters how much a rapper has sold. More Articles: Eminem Is Rap God Not Rap King Has Rock-N-Roll Always Been Apart Of Hip-Hop Music Industry Tips Is R. Kelly King Of R&B Or Usher?
Hip hop is more than music; it’s a cultural movement that incorporates different elements of art. Before there was Lil Yachty, Young M.I.A., or YNW Melly, there was a world of hip hop artist who's name rain supreme even still today.
Back when music was real, artist had the opportunity to shine in their own distinctive way. Rap is one of the most distinctive features of hip-hop. Rappers use rhythm, lyrics, and vocal tone to express themselves. The best rappers are distinguished by their “flow” – the way the words run together without the performer getting tongue-tied.
Gangsta rap or Gangster rap is a style of hip hop characterized by themes and lyrics that generally emphasize the "gangsta" lifestyle. The genre evolved from hard rap into a distinct form, pioneered in the mid-1980s by rappers such as Schoolly D and Ice-T, and was popularized in the later part of the 1980s by groups like N.W.A.
It's time to put this debate to rest. Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly had one of the best rap battles that took place in 2018. Since September, the Internet has been buzzing over who won the rap battle. Battle rap is a type of rapping that includes bragging, insults and boasting content. Eminem has even been rated one of the best rap battlers of all time. When it comes to MGK and MM beef, this is how we measured it. 1. Best lyrics goes to Machine Gun Kelly for the way he ate Eminem in "Rap Devil." Not only did the lyrics go off, the video was way more entertaining than Eminem's response.
Gucci Mane got things twisted up. Eminem did not say he was the king of rap to let things be known. He is the Rap God of music and it is what it is. Eminem is an all-time great rapper. Known as the Rap God, he can freestyle some killer verses on the spot. When it comes to being the "King of Rap" Atlanta Hip-Hop favorite Gucci Mane thinks Eminem doesn't deserve to be in the conversation. Instead, The Wrap-Up Magazine thinks that the God of Rap deserves a spot for the work that has been put in. Not only was it easy to press a button to hit millions of followers in hours, Eminem sold records that almost put him at levels of Kid Rock. The movie "8 Mile" also set a major stepping stone for Eminem after the grand debut of "Marshall Mathers LP"
Every since rapper Nas did the album Hip Hop Is Dead that's when you saw hip hop/rap became more dumbed down than ever with more lack of commercial raps on the media or on radio stations, at the time real rap was unheard of unless if you was really a hip hop head that was looking for rap on mixtapes or searching on YouTube. In 2010 an empire of hip hop has begun and that's with Griselda Records with artists like Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher.
When you hear songs like Legend, Forever Ft Lil Wayne and Big Sean, Roy Jones Ft Dark Lo,
Every now and then, a hip-hop music group breaks through the barriers to the big screen. Run-DMC's place as the most influential rap group and undeniably one of the greatest hip-hop acts of all-time.
Fans Favorite created this thread for hip-hop lovers and viewers of the Wrap Up Magazine to engage on. "We want to know which rap group is your most favorite?"
Kendrick Lamar has won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album with Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The rapper took home the award over fellow nominees Pusha T (It’s Almost Dry), Jack Harlow (Come Home the Kids Miss You), Future (I Never Liked You), and DJ Khaled (God Did). Cardi B presented the Grammy Award to Kendrick Lamar.
The So So Def founder talks his new Lifetime show "The Rap Game" and goes into detail about the contradiction Hip Hop fans notoriously face everyday. Five emerging young hip hop artists, ages 12 to 16 years old, are given the opportunity to rhyme and flow with highly sought after producer +Jermaine Dupri.
Jermaine Dupri talked exclusively to HipHopDX about the pros and cons of kid rappers on his new Lifetime show "The Rap Game." Jermaine Dupri currently has his hands full creating the next big rap star on his reality show The Rap Game. But, he also has his sights set on catapulting the career of another young artist.
MrWalkinLick was born in Miami, Florida. MrWalkinLick grew up in the heart of the City of Miami. He attended several schools before he finally moved in with his mother in North Miami. His father on the other hand was a well respected man in Africa, so much that when he died, his remains were buried in Ode-Itsekiri AKA Big Warri, a city in southern Nigeria.
After settling down in North Miami with his mother, MrWalkinLick was enrolled in North Miami High School which was where he first gained popularity as a rap artist in 2006, particularly for his remix of “Hustlin’” a song by the Hip Hop artist – Rick Ross which he called “Animal”. It was only a matter of time before Curtiss had every school student in Miami and Broward County rapping along to his song. Soon afterwards, he began performing in high schools across North Miami. In 2006, encouraged by how well he was doing on the hip hop scene for a youngster in the industry, MrWalkinLick decided to pursue a rap career full time.
The first gangster rapper in rap was Kool G Rap giving you facts from him making reality rap into a gangster rap, speaks on the legend Schooly D giving him his respect and DJ Marley Marl.
French rapper Lejetski melds spirituality with heart and soul of hip-hop on energetic debut single
PARIS, FRANCE – Spirituality meets hip-hop and rap with upbeat vibes on new music from Parisian artist Lejetski, co-founder of the label French Slime Rich with Issa Smith. With a punchy vibe filled with lots of energy ready to get fans all over the world turnt up, this 20-year-old artist’s fresh new sound is paving the way for a whole new niche within the hip-hop genre. His latest single “Univers ++ Banger” is his introduction to the world, and brings to light his mission to bring spirituality to the world of hip-hop and rap. It’s his debut single – and when it comes to debuts, this is one of the most outstanding to hit the music industry in a long time.
Texas rapper Arabb Redd releases his new video for the song, "Play It Safe" ft Chucky Trill. The track is produced by B Don And G Luck of G and B production and the video was directed by DJ Films Productions.
In the video, Arabb Redd is faced with the dilemma of whether or not to cut off a business partner that is potentially jeopardizing the whole movement. Inhaling heavy smoke and flipping his words while being surrounded by his constituents that offer advice Arabb Redd delivers an introspective visual for the ages.
After getting his start with friends in the 9th grade when his friend's dad built a studio, a passion and desire to make music was born in Arabb Redd that still continues to this day.
"Back then life really hit me from adolescence to adulthood. I could be having a horrible day and this music really helped me calm down. When I started I didn't take it as seriously and was trying to deal with life issues and going back and forth. Then a few years ago I really feel like I found what I wanted to do. I really started getting into the business, it made me want to give up at times, but it's a field where if you don't know and don't ask noone will tell you."
Also being born and raised on the Northside of Houston, Arabb Redd was inspired to take rap seriously after seeing one of his childhood favorites J-Dawg rap live in the studio.
"The first time I heard him rap, I was like, this is what I want to do. The way he was expressing himself it sent chills up my spine and we kind of just played with it and it always stuck with me," he said.
For Arabb Redd, music goes well beyond wanting to be a rap superstar, its deeper than rap for red after seeing the impact that Nipsey Hussle had on his community.
"It's kind of like my healing right now, and with each new song and the more I keep recording the deep and deeper I get, the more true I feel to myself. It's really like a healing for me. Like I can fall in love with it," Arabb Redd said. "I feel like I'm making the realest type of music - storytelling. It's like a mood and that's what I'm going for. I want it to be a vibe that hits home with all my songs and I think if you sit there and listen to it, I think that's what it does. It's not just for people who have money, it can touch all the races and people out there no matter who you are.
Going forward fans can look forward to Arabb Redd's single, "Snitches" coming in July.
V-Lo The Maestro has had a lifelong passion for music. Like so many independent rappers, his dream was to be able to see his music video on BET television, a goal that he’d held on to ever since he was a child in his rural hometown of Washington, Louisiana.
With a population of roughly 943, Washington, Louisiana is a small town with one stoplight and no Walmart. Here, students are transported by yellow school buses to the nearest city for classes. Washington is the place where V-LO The Maestro, as an independent rap artist, began to think outside of the box and reach for opportunities beyond what he was limited to locally.
“I always knew if I made the music and produced a quality product, I’d find a market. The Internet has made it possible to take the sound out of the country, around the world, and bring it back home.”
V-LO has been able to build his music audience organically, through grassroots efforts and an active Social Media presence. He’s grown his Instagram to over 100,000+ followers and his collaboration, “Tipsy,” featuring Kevin Gates, the impassioned rapper from Baton Rouge, earned 25,000 Spotify downloads while the music video reached over 1 million views on V-LO The Maestro’s Facebook artist page. V-LO’s music has made its way into rotation by famed DJs, including DJ Flex. These milestones helped pave the way for what had been V-LO’s dream for quite some time.
Directed by Majacul, footage for “Can’t Phase Me” was filmed with permission at Nissan Stadium and features a string of exotic race cars—the Ferrari F430, Rolls Royce Ghost, Corvette, and BMW i8. The video tallied 200,000 views on Youtube. On April 4th 2019, the music video for “Can’t Phase Me,” by V-LO The Maestro made its BET television debut, an achievement that is also a monumental first for the residents of Washington, Louisiana.
In recent years, New Orleans had become the state’s pipeline for rap talent, introducing Cajun flavor to rap music lovers through the likes of a bevy of artists, including Master P and son Romeo, Silk the Shocker, Mystikal, Birdman, and Lil Wayne (Weezy). They are among the most influential rappers in the industry, and their signature sound has become coveted by audiences worldwide.
According to Nielsen Music reports, Hip-Hop/R&B is now the most dominant genre in the United States. Music streaming has now become the preferred medium, with rap artist Drake shattering music streaming records with an astounding 8.2 billion plays. One added benefit of digital distribution is that it also opens up opportunities for focused, independent music artists. A rap artist like V-LO The Maestro from Washington, Louisiana, a rural area nowhere close to New Orleans, could create and promote music from his hometown that reaches audiences in major cities, as well as in other countries.
“Not everyone is going to believe in your dreams,” says V-LO. “Some might even come out and tell you your ideas are crazy because they don’t believe what you are trying to do is even possible. But whatever your talent, do it well. Do it with passion. Own it. And be bold enough to represent. I’m from a small town, but I didn’t let that stop me. I am so grateful that BET television has given me this opportunity.”
FTL (“From the Land”) Jaii releases self-made success story on his witty rap anthem “Kim K” featuring fellow Cleveland-native and rap powerhouse Ezri. Produced by Loko La’Flare, “Kim K” is chalk full of silky, luxurious piano beats and melodic percussion. FTL Jaii rises above the track as an empowered rap force to be reckoned with at the young age of only sixteen.
Directed by Joni Spielberg, the music video for “Kim K '' follows FTL Jaii and Ezri as they deliver an explosive performance in dark alleyways and graffiti-stroked stairwells. It’s a hard-hitting single that discusses the recognition of greatness in oneself. FTL Jaii writes, “They keep on sayin’ I’m chosen/ I tell them I know it.” The hook of the song is a pop culture reference to Kanye and Kim as FTL Jaii says, “Like Ye bro can’t go without his K like Kim.” “Kim K” is a modern, prolific, celebration of the self as FTL Jaii and Ezri emerge with a power-punching new rap single.
FTL Jaii is a sixteen year old rap artist from Cleveland, Ohio. He has been acclaimed by Talk of the Land and won Rookie of the Year in Hot Music Cleveland in 2021. His latest single “Kim K” will be featured on his EP Hottest Youngin this November.
This is the first single off of 38 Spesh & Kool G rap album Titled
"Son Of G Rap" . "Son Of G Rap" has Production from Dj premier, Alchemist, Pete Rock, Showbiz, & Daringer. With features from Cormega, Ransom, Vado, N.O.R.E, Benny the Butcher, AZ, & Anthony Halmilton. "Son Of G Rap" is scheduled to be released 6/8/2018!
Although 50, and Jay-Z may wear the crown as kings of New York, there surrounded by a number of thriving rappers like Nas who could make the claim and not be far off.
The Big Apple can also count on Biggie, Rakim, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, KRS-One, Mos Def, Slick Rick, Nikki Minaj, Run-D.M.C., Mase, and Wu Tang among its influential children, and that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rappers from New York.
In 2002, Nelly was one of hip-hop's biggest stars. His 2000 breakout debut, Country Grammar, sold nine million records. Old school boom-bap rap pioneer, KRS-One, who had earned a reputation not just for his community-conscious lyrics but for never shying away from a lyrical showdown, called Nelly out. KRS— who by that time had already proclaimed himself to be a keeper of classic hip-hop— voiced his discontent with Nelly on the track "Clear Em Out" from the compilation The Difference.
The song was aimed at pop-rap, and given his success as hip-hop's reigning top-seller at the time. Nelly took offense. He'd just dropped the track "#1" from the Training Day soundtrack, where he was defending his right to reign on top of the charts. "He had to defend himself. He's like, 'My career probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for KRS-One,' that's what Nelly is on. My man got tired of critics and made a song '#1.' He wasn't specifically talking about nobody, but if the shoe fits, wear it." KRS claimed he even sent an email to Nelly's camp, explaining there was no beef and he wasn't interested in getting into it with the St. Louis star. Nelly didn't get the memo, however, and in response, recorded a verse on the Freeway's "Roc the Mic" remix, on which he called out the veteran rhymer, letter by letter.
KRS responded by calling for an actual boycott of Nelly's album, Nellyville, which was scheduled to drop that June 2002, dramatically declaring himself a "sovereign power" in the process. Nelly challenged a sovereign power. Needless to say, the whole boycott thing didn't exactly pan out the way KRS had hoped. June 25, 2002, rolled around, Nelly dropped Nellyville, and the entire world danced to the album's monster hit, "Hot in Herre." Nellyville ended up selling over 6 million albums and it stands as the 14th best-selling rap album of all time.
Chaos Theory lives up to its name, from the transition between the title track and Billy Joel to the fervent trapmetal screams and massive drops on VILLAIN right before capping it off with hip-hop-head vibes. Touching on deep, introspective topics with lyrical precision & reaching deep to unearth the rawest, dopest, crazy sounds.
Lil Wayne did a freestyle on the show when Wayne was at his prime. (CLICK HERE) TO WATCH THE FULL FREESTYLE
Big Tigger had T.I. Harris on his show Rap City Tha Basement for a freestyle never before heard. (CLICK HERE) TO WATCH THE FULL FREESTYLE
New York's great DMX and Drag-On visited Big Tigger show Rap City Tha Basement and blessed him with a freestyle to kick the show off. (CLICK HERE) TO WATCH THE FULL FREESTYLE
Detroit rapper Eminem appeared on Big Tigger's Rap Basement several times. (CLICK HERE) TO WATCH THE FULL FREESTYLE
Big Tigger's Rap City Tha Basement had a previous feature from the legendary group Dipset. (CLICK HERE) TO WATCH THE FULL FREESTYE
