Explore artists, records, scenes and the ideas that shape sound. The Staimusic blog connects music stories with the listening archive.
Kittie are a unique rock band, whose sound is hard to classify. As one of the first all-female metal bands, they have made quite an impression on the genre and left their mark in music history. However, while Kittie have found success with adrenaline filled live performances and crunchy riffs backed by powerful drumming beats, n…
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Killer Mike may not be the most popular musician out there, but he has made a huge impact on hip-hop and rap music. With his thought-provoking lyrics and conscious rhymes, Killer Mike has given listeners something to thi…
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While Juvenile has certainly earned his place in hip hop history for crafting some of the most influential rap songs of all-time, he’s received equal amounts criticism over the years. Some view him as an unrefined thug w…
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Jeru the Damaja has had an esteemed and celebrated career in the music industry. Since his emergence onto the rap scene in 1993, he's continually pushed boundaries with thought-provoking lyrics and imaginative beats. Des…
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Jay Z is one of hip hop's longest-lasting and most successful artists, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide. But he has also been the subject of controversy during his career, critics have pointed to perceived h…
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In an age of hyper-digitized music, Jay Electronica stands out for his unique sound that blends hip-hop and jazz. His taste for experimentation has resulted in a flurry of criticism surrounding the artist—with many label…
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Everyone’s heard of Jadakiss, the Bronx-bred rapper who has been a staple in the hip-hop scene since releasing his debut album back in 2004. As an artist, Jadakiss inspires admiration from some and criticism from others,…
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When it comes to giving a two-sided critique of the unique music artist, Immortal Technique, no one can deny that his hard and edgy sound demands attention. But beneath the controversy of his lyrics lies an influential s…
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The critically acclaimed American rapper, songwriter, actor and record producer Ice Cube has been a powerful figure in hip hop culture for decades. Since emerging onto the scene in 1987 alongside his rap group N.W.A., th…
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Hollywood Undead has shaken up the music industry with their in-your-face, genre-breaking blend of rap rock, hip hop and heavy metal. Their edgy lyrics have conquered both alternative and mainstream music lovers alike, p…
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GZA is considered one of the most influential hip-hop artists to ever grace the mic. Normally when we think about GZA, adjectives like conscious or lyrically profound come to mind. While he certainly deserves accolades f…
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No matter where you turn, one of the most iconic musicians to have emerged in hip-hop over the past decade is Gucci Mane. Although some may criticize him for his relentless ability to craft hit-after-hit or for failing t…
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When talking about Guano Apes, criticism and acclaim go hand in hand. The German rock band has been praised for their skilled musicianship and distinctive style, while at the same time being faulted for recycling ideas a…
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Godsmack is one of the most prominent and successful alternative metal bands, but they are not without criticism. Some argue that their sound and style have grown dull over time, becoming just another example of a heavy-…
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Politically driven and pushing lyrical boundaries, the Geto Boys have undeniably made their mark on the hip-hop music culture. Through controversial references to politics, racism, gun violence and more throughout their…
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annalisa balestrieri
emma
Isabella Rose
julie morris
kashi
sammy d
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