Articles by Ryan B. Patrick

Pharoahe Monch

PUBLISHED Apr 14, 2011

The initial thought of Pharoahe Monch dropping a new album seems as quaint as the '80s Monchhichi toys the hip-hop artist is partially name...

David Banner and 9th Wonder

Death of a Pop Star

PUBLISHED Jan 23, 2011

You likely aren't ready for David Banner and 9th Wonder's Death of a Popstar, but listening to Banner's Mississippi-baked drawl sans his be...

Nicki Minaj

Pink Friday

PUBLISHED Nov 22, 2010

On one level, it's hard not to root for Nicki Minaj. Much has been said about the lack of female MCs in hip-hop (blah, blah, blah, ad lib t...

Bilal's Vengeance

PUBLISHED Sep 26, 2010

"It's been a long ass time," Bilal says with a pensive laugh. The Philly-born soul singer-songwriter has put behind any bad vibes over 2006...

Slum Village

Villa Manifesto

PUBLISHED Sep 23, 2010

Slum Village are closing up shop. Or not, depending on how much the people dig Villa Manifesto, notes founding member T3. Probably the most...

Felonious

Live City

PUBLISHED Jul 25, 2010

It is apparent that MC Dan Wolf (aka d.wolf of Felonious) fervently subscribes to the "hold the mic like a grudge" school of MCing. But it...

Drake

Thank Me Later

PUBLISHED Jun 15, 2010

"My 15 minutes started an hour ago," Drake opines on "Fireworks," the lead track from arguably the most eagerly awaited rap record of 2010....

Shad Gets It

PUBLISHED May 23, 2010

"I'm a cynic but I try to keep my heart warm." Amid all the bueno bon mots, mesmerizing metaphors and tasty turns of phrase on Shad's third...