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Disclaimer: This post is purely my opinion on who are some of the illest writers in Hip Hop. I have been writing for about two years (I’m 19 now) and the following people have been my inspiration to keep striving for success in music journalism. Trust me, it’s hard to finish inspiration within a profession where well-paying jobs are more rare than a mint condition Andy Pafko card. So comment, crucify, and cry all you want but this is my list and I can blog it if I want to.)
Davey D
A true historian of the culture, Davey D is a legendary journalist, activist, orator, and radio host. Daveyd.com is one of the web’s most ancient hip hop sites (yep, check the old lay out if you think I’m being disrespectful) and also one of its most cited; I say this from firsthand experience seeing as I have used his site as a resource for my own writing.
Dallas Penn
This quirky yet bold blogger has developed his own brand of writing and visual humor that has left readers and viewers like me coming back for more. Often satirical, Dallas has become a staple on these here “internets” through colorful blog posts and
hysterical YouTube videos. Plus, the new-heads like me are forced mess with Mr. Penn for being an old-head with respect for freshman emcees like Asher Roth and Kid Cudi.
SIDEBAR: I was going to choose Penn’s IHipHop colleague Combat Jack for this post, but in the end I figured it had to be one or the other. I love Combat Jack’s site (
https://daily-math.com/weblog/) and consider him an honorable mention. Sorry Reggie.
Jon Caramanica
Ok, name a music publication. Got your list ready? Ok cool. (Reads your list) Yep, Jon Caramanica has written for all of these. VIBE, XXL, New York Times, Spin, Village Voice, Blender, New York magazine, Rolling Stone, you name it, he’s wrote in it. This Harvard grad has the rare ability to combine vivid imagery with insightful material and although his topics span into numerous musical genres, Caramanica has been a sworn ally to the hip hop and R&B community.
Miss Info
The beautiful Minya Oh has been a staple in the hip hop community for years now under the moniker Miss Info. During all periods of hip hop’s progression, Miss Info has proved herself as a force to be reckoned with. Oh wrote and reported (for outlets such as the Source, BET, Rolling Stone, and XXL) with such accuracy and detail that it’s no wonder why “Info” is her last name. In addition to Miss Info’s numerous gigs as a writer and radio gossip queen, she also maintains a blog that is more reliable than Dave Chapelle for a laugh.
BONUS POINTS: I can’t front. I always had a thing for Miss Info but it’s honestly because nothing gets me more hot and bothered than a dame who reviewed "Illmatic" and even had the foresight to give it 5 Mics in the Source.
Maurice Garland
This one was another tossup. I was going to give this spot to Gyant but personally, when I am looking to get new exclusives from the dirty South, I go to Mo’. With a raw writing style that is to-the-point yet still conversational, Mr. Garland is the new authority in the A.
LC Weber
I am a frequent visitor over at the house that Gotty built (
www.smokingsection.net) and while I am always impressed with HIS writing, another contributor has captured my heart. LC Weber, a music connoisseur and friend to Mayer Hawthorne, swept me away in one read with her blog “
Where in the World is Jay Electronica?”. Not only did she get me hip to the mysterious MC way back when, but she did it in style.Her writing is like Ramen noodles: good base information serve as the noodles, but then she drains that excess water out and adds that flavor packet to make for a tasteful read.
Modi:
Shout out to
Complex Magazine, you guys just picked up the John Wall of music blogging. A DC native and Boston College grad, Modi began writing on blog DCtoBC.com. His excellent writing form, knack for aesthetics, and unique tastes propelled Modi’s site and brand into national prominence without a major co-sign; which, these days, is harder to do than Miley Cyrus. With posts like “
Shy Guy in the Club”, DCtoBc.com has branded itself simply as a trill blog that never strays far from its roots and doesn’t post the same damn thing as every other hip hop site.
Elliott Wilson
The O.G. of hip hop journalism in my opinion. The man they call YN (look at a picture of him to guess why) started his own magazine and brand (Ego Trip) early in the ‘90s and went on to serve as the editor of The Source mid-decade. He also released one of hip hop’s most popular books and one of my favorite reads: “Book of Rap Lists”. Oh, and how could we forget Wilson’s reign as editor and chief of XXL when he helped the magazine become rap’s hottest print via editor’s letters, exclusive interviews, and excellent instincts. A seminal character in hip hop writing, YN blazed a trail that not many will ever travel again. No wonder he keeps laughing, HA! (Shout out to
www.Rapradar.com)
So that’s my list! Hate it? Love it? I don’t really care, but if you have a problem with it, hit me up (
www.twitter.com/interviewq). Don’t be shy! I always have time for friendly debate.
Love, Quentin
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