Archive
Houston's Griot: How Scarface Made The Diary
In 1994, while New York owned the conversation, Scarface made the album that proved Southern rap could carry the full weight of human experience. The Diary, reissued now for Rap-A-Lot's 40th anniversary.
Read the StoryKeep Reading
Dillagence: Busta Rhymes and J Dilla's Vault
Mick Boogie brought Busta Rhymes and a vault of unreleased J Dilla beats together for the most important tribute the producer ever received. Rare, out of print, now streaming in the archive.
Paper Route: How Dolph Built His Own Empire
Young Dolph never left Memphis and never signed away his music. The story of Paper Route Empire and the independence that outlasted him.
DJ Drama Built the Blueprint
Three Philly kids moved to Atlanta and built Gangsta Grillz, the hosted mixtape blueprint that made Wayne, Jeezy, and Meek before the labels caught up.
We Got It 4 Cheap, Vol. 2
Jive wouldn't drop Hell Hath No Fury. So Pusha T and Malice moved into Pharrell's mansion and made the tape that changed everything. Eighteen tracks, hosted by Clinton Sparks, now streaming in the archive.
Eli's Rotation
Every week, my 15-year-old son Eli picks the track that's got his generation talking. This is what's on repeat in the halls, the group chats, and the car rides home from school.
This Week's Pick
Joshua Raw
Blowing Steam
Joshua Raw lets off. Blowing Steam is all pressure and release, and Eli had it running back all week.
Last week: Prettifun - Touch The Sun
See All Rotations →Now in the Vault
Dreamchasers 3
Meek Mill
Meek Mill and DJ Drama released the blockbuster the Dreamchasers series had been building toward. 500,000 downloads in 48 hours, every guest earned their spot. All 16 tracks streaming in the archive.
Listen Now →Visuals
Scarface tells the Rap-A-Lot story in his own words. The Geto Boys, Def Jam South, and a Houston career built on independence, the same independence that runs through The Diary.
Scarface on Drink Champs — The Geto Boys, Def Jam South & More