Articles by Phil Smith
‘Dying To Live’: Behind The Album That Secured Kodak Black’s Bid For Immortality
Reflecting on prison, religion and destiny, ‘Dying To Live’ reframed Kodak Black as a fresh-faced pickpocket disarming marks at will.
All I Ever Wanted: The Story Behind Basshunter’s Breakout Song
With the 2008 hit All I Ever Wanted, Swedish DJ Basshunter laid claim to his place among the noughties’ EDM giants.
‘Sound Of Silver’: How LCD Soundsystem Brought Disco Home
Forcing the US to contribute to the global dance-music phenomenon it had instigated, ‘Sound Of Silver’ was LCD Soundsystem’s richest work yet.
Who Shot Ya? The True Story Behind Biggie’s Landmark Hip-Hop Song
A vicious song that fuelled tension in the hip-hop community, Who Shot Ya? put The Notorious B.I.G. in the crosshairs of controversy.
‘Victory Lap’: How Nipsey Hussle’s Debut Album Secured His Track Record
Nipsey Hussle’s sole album, ‘Victory Lap’, may have taken home the medal, but fans still mourn the loss of the much-missed victor.
‘Heart Break Kodak’: Shining A Light On Kodak Black’s Dark Love Letter
Valentine’s Day offering in name, Kodak Black’s ‘Heart Break Kodak’ mixtape takes its listeners on a journey through darker terrain.
‘Dutty Rock’: How Sean Paul Took Dancehall Into The Mainstream
Featuring the hit Gimme The Light, the ‘Dutty Rock’ album elevated Sean Paul beyond all other dancehall artists.
Player’s Anthem: Behind Biggie And Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s Meisterwerk
Under guidance from The Notorious B.I.G., Junior M.A.F.I.A. made their mark with Player’s Anthem, a classic slice of 90s hardcore hip-hop.
‘No Way Out’: How Puff Daddy Found Freedom With His Debut Solo Album
Released in the wake of Biggie’s death, ‘No Way Out’ found Puff Daddy reckoning with a mounting crisis in hip-hop.
‘Just A Little More Love’: How David Guetta Stole Club-Goers’ Hearts
A sign of things to come, David Guetta’s debut album, ‘Just A Little More Love’, blended French house music with a growing pop sensibility.
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