Paul Thompson
Remembering Things
The Crushing Despair of Notorious B.I.G's 'Ready to Die'
Twenty-five years after its release, the album's greatest legacy is Biggie's intuition about his future.
Paul Thompson
9.23.19
movies
There Will Never Be Another War Movie Like 'Apocalypse Now'
In the 40 years since Francis Ford Coppola's groundbreaking film came out, Hollywood has given up on capturing the depravity of war.
Paul Thompson
8.16.19
we saw this
Kanye West's Sunday Service Is Not a Redemption Story
What happened at the religious spectacle Kanye staged on the last morning of Coachella.
Paul Thompson
4.22.19
we saw this
Escape the Room with Kevin Gates
We followed the Luca Brasi 3 rapper into the depths of his new trap house-themed escape room (yes, that's a thing that exists) in Los Angeles.
Paul Thompson
10.31.18
Essays
Kanye West Vs. Fame
Yikes.
Paul Thompson
10.4.18
Essays
Young Thug's 'On the Rvn' Is the Rapper Near His Best, but Is That Enough?
Despite mounting pressures, the rush of a ticking clock is mostly imagined by fans and critics alike. Thug is home, and he has plenty of time.
Paul Thompson
9.26.18
Essays
Eminem’s 'Kamikaze' Is a Stale Misfire
The rapper's ninth studio album reveals an Eminem who's frustrated with the narrative, but seems to misunderstand the beast he’s up against if he wants to confront his detractors.
Paul Thompson
9.4.18
Remembering Things
'Straight Outta Compton' Is the Most American Album of the 20th Century
Thirty years later, we remember how N.W.A Trojan Horsed gangsta rap into suburban homes.
Paul Thompson
8.8.18
Essays
So Is 'Culture II' Any Good?
The new Migos project—stretched out over 24 tracks that clock at an hour and 45 minutes—is proof you can never have too much of a good thing.
Paul Thompson
2.1.18
Eminem's Greatest Battle Is With 2017
On his new album 'Revival,' Eminem grapples with privilege and political correctness—which gets a little messy.
Paul Thompson
12.19.17
PROFILES
Makonnen Still Loves You
Following the chaos that overnight success brings, iLoveMakonnen opens up about the next chapter in his life, finally able to become the artist he always was—and wanted to be.
Paul Thompson
11.21.17
16 project
Marquan Rivers and the Kid Pin Kings
Southern California's Keystone Lanes fosters a community of kids who can flat out roll.
Paul Thompson
11.9.17
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