eoy_2021: Digicore takes shape
In 2021, digicore grew from its underground sprawl into a substantive genre. Here are 15 songs that set the tone.
Mano Sundaresan
eoy_2021: The year plugg took over
An online rap scene bloomed again in 2021. Here are some of the albums and singles that defined the new wave.
Bells & Whistles, Vol. 2: dltzk szn
On the magic of dltzk’s Frailty, the rise of dariacore and some music writing I’m thankful for.
Bells & Whistles, Vol. 1: Pitchfork haters
On Pitchfork critics getting beaten down, Channel 5’s trip to a Utah rap festival, and new music from YL, DJ Lucas, and RealestK.
How to be a popular loner with Hyperpop Daily
Mano Sundaresan talks to the creator of the Instagram account Hyperpop Daily about SoundCloud lore, getting blocked by Playboi Carti and more.
That Time When Don Q Rapped Like He Belongs On Every Mt. Rushmore
On its fifth anniversary, Mano Sundaresan revisits the legendary A Boogie/Don Q Funk Flex freestyle.
An Interview with DJ Phat
All roads on SoundCloud lead to DJ Phat. For the last half decade, the tastemaker from New Jersey has hosted countless songs by some of the platform’s most talented rap … Read more
Music isn’t sports
Most people who appreciate music eventually start to speculate about it. “How did they make this song?” becomes “How did the song do?” Albums are suddenly not only pieces of … Read more
Duwap Kaine, DolphinGod
Before changing how a wave of rappers rapped, before dropping his SoundCloud classic Underdog at the age of 16, before walking in smelly traps and remixing Spongebob songs and mesmerizing … Read more
It’s 2021 and I can’t stop listening to PLUGG
Where were you the first time you heard “Broke Boi”? For me, Playboi Carti’s entrance on that song paired with producer MexikoDro’s seismic drop opened the doors to a world of online … Read more