This list will introduce you to some of the most influential and famous rap blogs in the business.
Rap music is a constantly evolving genre with a die-hard community of fans and critics surrounding it. If you want to stay in the loop, you’re going to need a helping hand from those who are generally the most switched-on – rap bloggers.
The rap blogs featured on this list come with our approval. At Pink Wafer, we publish a lot of content about hip-hop and rap, but part of that process involves consulting others in the industry who may be quicker off the mark, or more knowledgeable in certain areas.
The following hip-hop and rap blogs are some of the best out there, showcasing both mainstream and underground rap talent, as well as offering industry news and gossip. So whether you’re a rap addict looking to discover new artists, if you’re a rapper yourself looking for blogs to submit your music to, or if you just want to keep up with the latest industry news, you’ll definitely find some relevant sites here.
Let’s dive in and check out some of the best rap blogs in the business today.
The Word Is Bond
Founded in 2010, The Word Is Bond is one of the oldest grassroots rap blogs on the internet. The blog was formed in response to the commercialisation of the industry – the team’s vision was “to promote the underground emcees we loved and share music which was underexposed.”
One of the most-respected hip-hop blogs in the niche, the team are still continuing to achieve that mission today.
RapReviews.com
RapReviews is one of the best-established rap blogs on the web. They publish artist interviews, lists, and other content, but as the name suggests, their focus is reviews – with over 7,500 on the site and counting.
As they put it, “the ultimate goal of RapReviews is to be the internet’s definitive one- stop resource for any rap album, ever.” They do accept artist submissions, but make sure your presentation is tight as the volume of submissions they receive is no doubt through the roof.
The Source
A mainstay of the hip-hop media scene, The Source is a news and entertainment site with extensive coverage of the mainstream rap scene. Founded in 1988 as a newsletter, The Source first went online in 1998.
Today, the site is focused on entertainment, culture, and gossip from the world of hip-hop. Not the place to be discovering anything groundbreaking from the rap underground, but definitely a great source of the latest hip-hop gossip.
Pigeons and Planes
Pigeons and Planes was an indie and rap blog that was acquired by the Complex media empire in 2011. Complex is now a subsidiary of Buzzfeed.
Hosted on the Complex domain, and somewhat far away from its origins, Pigeons and Planes has nonetheless remained a respected site within the world of rap.
The site features reviews, features, and a steady stream of fresh new talent, making it well-worth checking in with – the artists they feature are quality. Aspiring rappers, beware, however – you won’t get featured in here unless you know someone.
Worldstarhiphop.com
Everyone knows Worldstarhiphip.com – a mainstay of the rap blogging world. Launched in 2005, the site aggregates content from around the web.
The site became known, in its early days, not just for music videos, but also for posting shocking and violent video content. It hasn’t fully shaken that reputation of being a little bit “trashy.” Today, you can use it to keep with the latest gossip from all the biggest players in the rap game.
HipHopDX
Founded over twenty years ago, HipHopDX is one of the biggest names in rap media. The site mostly covers the big names in the genre, but does feature emerging artists too.
In 2020, the site was acquired by Warner Music Group. It continues to big one of the best known rap blogs on the internet.
If you’re a rapper looking for coverage, HipHopDX does feature some new music, but does not accept requests directly from artists.
SOHH
SOHH, which stands for Support Online Hip Hop, was founded in 1996, making it one of the oldest blogs on this list.
The site features quality coverage of all the latest news in the world of rap, including releases, industry news, and gossip.
An essential name in the world of rap media – SOHH is a blog you need to know about.
XXLMag
One of my personal favourites, XXL is a website and print magazine. Founded in 1997, they publish interviews, features, and industry news.
They’ve interviewed many of the biggest names in the industry over the years, and they are pretty much the first to go with any news in the industry.
Rap Up
Founded in 2001, Rap-Up is an online and print magazine focused on hip-hop and R&B. The site predominantly features interviews, industry news, and gossip from the world of rap and hip-hop.
Over twenty years after its launch, it remains one of the best-known rap magazines in the world.
HNHH
HotNewHipHop, better known as HNHH, is one of the leading rap blogs out there today. The site is known both for its coverage of rap and hip-hop, as well as streetwear and sports.
The site’s best feature is its database of artist profiles, which links out to reviews of their latest releases, news, and pretty much everything you need to know about the biggest in the biz. It’s a veritable goldmine.
The site accepts submissions from artists, although it’s certainly not easy to get featured.
HipHopSince1987.com
HipHopSince1987 is a Philadelphia-based blog that features a great selection of emerging talent. The name of the blog plays on Hip Hop Since 1978 – a management and production company associated with Roc-A-Fella Records.
The site welcomes submissions from new and emerging artists – make sure to read their guidelines and put a quality pitch together.
The Boombox
The Boombox is a huge rap blog owned by Townsquare Media. The website publishes features, lists, photo galleries, and industry news from the world of hip-hop, as well as covering sneakers and streetwear.
The site focuses on established artists, generally exploring existing releases, rather than new or emerging artists. This blog doesn’t tend to publish reviews or interviews.
AllHipHop.com
AllHipHip.com was launched in 1998, making it one of the most historic and well-established rap blogs in the game. It has become one of the most trusted sources for hip-hop news on the web.
The site specialises in the latest industry news, and also features artist interviews. Sign up for their email updates to stay in the loop with one of the hottest and most reliable hip-hop news sources.
UndergroundHipHopBlog.com
UndergroundHipHopBlog offers exactly what the name suggests, and it does it better than almost any other blog out there. With massive visibility, the site attracts underground hip-hop artist submissions and fans from far and wide.
The site publishes news, reviews, and interview from the underground, and has a dope YouTube channel featuring exclusive video content.
CentralSauce
CentralSauce is something special. This is a music blog that really succeeds in prioritising passion and quality. As the state on their site, “Everything our collective creates has one primary goal: to help people deepen their relationship with music and become more knowledgable fans.”
The team at CentralSauce only feature artists that they love, and comes through in the writing. Check out their “essential & unheard” category to uncover hidden gems.
The blog welcomes submissions from new artists, consistently shining a light on emerging talent.
Hip Hop Wired
Established over a decade ago, Hip-Hop Wired covers a range of topics relating to hip-hop culture. The site features new and established rap artists, offering interviews as well as news from the world of rap.
The blog also ventures into wider issues, including technology, as well as social and political issues as they relate to hip-hop culture. They tackle some interesting and insightful topics, going that little bit further in their analysis.
Fantastic Hip Hop
One of the newer blogs on this list, Fantastic Hip Hop covers new and emerging rappers, as well as established names in the rap game. They mostly publish reviews and lists.
This blog welcomes submissions from new artists, with a category on the blog dedicated to rising stars.
Detroit Rap News
First and foremost a promotional channel for rappers, Detroit Rap News provides a continuous stream of new and underground rap music, especially through their YouTube channel.
The site is not so much a place for critics, reviews, and commentary, focused instead on commercial and promotional services to artists, at a relatively affordable price. If you’re looking to build your audience, take a look and see if Detroit Rap News can help you.
2DopeBoyz
2DopeBoyz was founded in 2007 by former HipHopDX editors Meka Udoh and Joel “Shake” Zela. The blog became especially well-known in the late 00s and early 10s as an influential hip-hop blog.
The site continues to publish news, reviews, and features, and remains one of the most respected rap blogs in the scene today. Check out their “weekly dope” section for a consistent stream of top-notch recommendations.
Beats, Rhymes & Lists
One of my favourite blogs on this list, Beats, Rhymes & Lists publish detailed and thoroughly researched pieces on all aspects of rap music. They cover in-depth profiles, facts and figures, and music industry information.
As they put it: “This is for the hip-hop heads out there who love this culture. This website is here to celebrate everyone who have contributed to the culture: from rappers and producers to DJs and industry executives to promoters and journalists.”
Trench
Trench publishes reviews and features about (mostly) UK (mostly) rap artists. Mostly focused on music, they showcase new and emerging artists, as well as featuring music history write ups in their “heritage” category.
Trench describes itself as a “music, style, and culture platform based in London dedicated to uncovering and uplifting the voices of now.” The online magazine has definitely made a name for itself as one of the most-respected in the scene today.
Hot97
Hot97.com is the website of Hot97FM. The legendary New York radio station began in 1992, and has been a stalwart of hip-hop culture ever since.
On their blog, Hot97 cover rap releases, news, and industry gossip. Hot97 pretty much has the power to make an overnight success of any artist, and they encourage artists to submit their music via their website – check out the “who’s next” section.
Rap Radar
First and foremost a podcast, the quality of Rap Radar’s content is second to none. The knowledgable hosts broadcast from New York, interviewing up-and-coming stars and covering industry news.
Check their blog for the latest write ups and reviews from new and establish hip-hop artists. As they say, “If It Happened In Hip-Hop, It’s Here.”
Indie Hip Hop Blog
IndieHipHop.net is a fantastic community-minded blog that shares new music, as well as insight on the music industry.
The site is bursting with opinion pieces and valuable information about the music industry, perfect for aspiring rappers and producers. It also features dope unique artwork!
An essential blog for aspiring artists in the hip-hop world.
UpcomingHipHop
UpcomingHipHop.net is all about providing exposure to new artists, and connecting artists with new audiences. The website owners offer marketing services, as well as hosting an active blog that highlights new releases from upcoming artists.
Describing themselves as “more than a hip-hop blog” they state, “We hope to work with all of you that are trying to make a positive impact on the world with your music. Music really does have the power to save and change lives. Why can’t it be ours?”
Ride
RideMusicBlog.com is a UK-based blog founded by Newcastle Upon Tyne-based journalist Johnathan Ramsay. Founded in 2016, the blog features passionate write-ups on new releases from both the US and the UK, but with a focus on the UK hip-hop and rap scene.
A great blog for surfacing and showcasing quality lesser-known artists – you’re guaranteed to discover something new here.
Header image: Elliott Wilson and Brian “B.Dot” Miller of Rap Radar
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