There’s something like a renaissance, we’ve been told, in Los Angeles hip-hop right now. The success of good kid, m.A.A.d. city sparked renewed interest in hip-hop’s second-oldest metropolis.

A gangster-themed project would be typecasting for Al, who not only starred in the ultimate gangster films of all time, but also had roles in Carlito’s Way, Scarface, and more. Al’s rep reportedly ...

Guns are recurring characters in American life. They sit front and center in some versions of rap music, whether to be glorified or denounced (Nas’ “I Gave You Power” comes to mind). They play key ...

In the rhythmic realm of music, there emerges a distinctive voice that echoes not only individuality but also the resilience to rise above life’s authoritative orchestrations. Original Gangster, born ...

Gangsta music has been in the offing since the mid-80s, with the earliest pioneers said to be Schoolly D, Ice-T and N.W.A. In the early 90s, the sub-genre became mainstream with the likes of Dr Dre ...

The best for-one’s-car rap mixtape of 2010 since Yelawolf’s “Trunk Muzik” is Starlito’s “Renaissance Gangster.” Having played out the former, I’m making the not-so-difficult transition from Alabama to ...

Cardi B is not done with the rap game. The reality television personality has released her sophomore project titled Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 2. The new mixtape features 10 tracks from the sultry ...

For fans and critics who intellectualize it, gangsta rap, or “reality rap,” is serious business. For them, the defining genre of West Coast hip-hop represents true stories from the ’hood as told by ...