RapStation

Today marks 20 years since the day Tupac died, but for many fans and followers—myself included—it was as if time stood still, as one of Hip-hop’s most prominent figures passed away.

And indeed, the day stood still, and several accounts documentaries would attest to that phrase. But to break the familiarity, may we imagine a different notion, for although time stood still, Tupac has not—and he’s continued in shaping the Hip-hop scene we realize today. That is what I wish to relay.

Who could forget his controversial T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E., which asserted the notorious “The Hate U Give Little Infants F*cks Everybody”, and the controversies he stirred with other work. That being said, it became inevitab

 Everyone needs a rest day--a day when you can just kick your feet up, enjoy the moment, and listen to some good music!

That being said, I have just the right music for your throwback playlist. So why not take this opportunity and relive its memorable release date and just bask an hour or so of good Hip-hop music.

The first is Kanye West’s Graduation. This is the third studio album released under Roc-A-Fella Records, and debuted September 11^th, 2007. Produced for the most part by Kanye himself, the project features collaborations from Mos Def, Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayme, DJ Premier, and even Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Onto the music, you’ll find yourself nodding to a refreshing indie vibe, with a hint of Chic

For many, Hip-hop and rap music is just a mix of raving electronic music, explosive beats, and ever-aggressive rhymes. Stereotypically, that may all be true, but at the core, Hip-hop is all about storytelling, and perhaps stories come nowhere near as heartfelt as today’s birthday celebrant—Bizzy Bone.

Byron Anthony McCane II, born in Columbus, Ohio, played no stranger to a dysfunctional childhood. In several occasions, Bizzy relayed the dark chapters connecting his traumatic childhood, to his wayward adolescence.

At age thirteen, Biz moved back home under the parentage of his older sister. It was during this particular chapter when the young Biz met Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-n-Bone—eventually leading up to the formation of the

Using his Xperience or “XP” moniker, Seattle-based artist Tyler Andrews is making a name for himself touring the world with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, while consistingly pushing his solo material. His new album,Chasing Grace, takes “a little bit church, a little bit gangsta, and a little bit of conscious [hip-hop],” and weaves them into one, cohesive fabric. The first single, “Not Today,” has received a warm reception from fans and critics alike. As he continues pushing Chasing Grace and performing, he was able to take a few moments to discuss the origin of his name, growing up in the Midwest, and what he’s learned from the “Thrift Store” rapper. Visit 

Back in 2013, a young rapper by the name of K Roosevelt broke out from the Underground scene with a notable R&B track, titled “Do Me Now”. After a few collaborations and indie projects, the drummer-turned-singer/rapper seemingly disappeared.

It appeared Roosevelt’s hiatus, however, proved good reason; Today, the young artist breaks his silence and presents his debut album Neon Haze.

The album contains three-years’ worth of production—and quite frankly, the finished product speaks nothing short of that. Roosevelt’s work features a blend of his familiar Rhythm & Blues style crossing over with some sonic garnish. On top of its spacey tracks, Roosevelt has some smooth guitar licks, some Sunday morning keyboard run

For fourteen seasons, many fans came to recognize, and perhaps even respect, Allen Iverson’s iconic street style basketball.

In his rookie year, Iverson rocked NBA crowds with an unforgettable crossover on the legend himself Michael Jordan. Iverson’s distinct play style would eventually motivate the league itself to reinvent its dress code.

On the night of September 9^th, Iverson was officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In his induction speech, Iverson emphatically delivered his heartfelt thanks to several Hip-hop artists who inspired him throughout his years in the NBA.

“I wanna thanks Biggie Smalls, Redman, Jadakiss, [and] Tupac… for being my theme music throughout my career,” add