November 14, 2003: with nothing left to prove, Jay Z releases The Black Album, a project billed as his last. Fifteen years on, we reflect on the production … Dive In about Behind “The Black Album”: Production & Sampling Deep-Dive
Main Content
Fresh Sauce
Best Songs of 2018: Uzi’s Defiantly Long “New Patek” (that’s it that’s the list)
Beyond the Beats
Beats & Bars: The Complete History of Dual-Discipline Artists in Hip-Hop
Tyler, the Creator. J Cole. Mac Miller. Childish Gambino. Kid Cudi. Hip hop's new generation seems to be filled with artists that wear the hat of both … Dive In about Beats & Bars: The Complete History of Dual-Discipline Artists in Hip-Hop
Tha Dogg Pound (Daz & Kurupt): G-Funk Pioneers
Tha Dogg Pound’s influence is often overlooked by those who aren’t familiar with the culture of West Coast gangsta rap, but as Pusha T says: if you know, you … Dive In about Tha Dogg Pound (Daz & Kurupt): G-Funk Pioneers
“Gnossos” – The Story Behind Earl Sweatshirt’s Lost Album
Earl Sweatshirt has hinted at new music arriving at some point this year, but before we can properly receive any new offering we need to finish digesting what … Dive In about “Gnossos” – The Story Behind Earl Sweatshirt’s Lost Album
Dissecting No I.D.’s Production Masterclass on “4:44”
In a genre often preoccupied with youth culture, an album exploring the trials of adult relationships and responsibilities is like a breath of fresh air. That … Dive In about Dissecting No I.D.’s Production Masterclass on “4:44”
Abhi the Nomad Takes Hip-Hop Outside Its Comfort Zone (“Marbled” Tour Interview)
We sat down with Abhi the Nomad for his very first interview on his first ever national tour. Our conversation explored his experiences with tour life, the art … Dive In about Abhi the Nomad Takes Hip-Hop Outside Its Comfort Zone (“Marbled” Tour Interview)
Essential & Unheard September: Kilo Kish
“Essential & Unheard” is a collaborative content series between the CentralSauce Creators that highlights awesome music that flew under the radar each … Dive In about Essential & Unheard September: Kilo Kish
Triumph & Tragedy: Eminem’s Journey from the ‘Slim Shady LP’ to ‘Kamikaze’
At the tail end of his career, Eminem is at a crossroads between legacy and longevity. We revisit his meteoric rise from trailer parks to superstardom to make … Dive In about Triumph & Tragedy: Eminem’s Journey from the ‘Slim Shady LP’ to ‘Kamikaze’
![Dissecting Jay-Z’s Forgotten Classic Album “Vol 2… Hard Knock Life” [20th Anniversary]](https://centralsauce.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/jay-630x350.jpg)
Dissecting Jay-Z’s Forgotten Classic Album “Vol 2… Hard Knock Life” [20th Anniversary]
Today marks 20 years since the release of Jay-Z's third studio album, Vol 2... Hard Knock Life. While the album's legacy is often overlooked in favor of other … Dive In about Dissecting Jay-Z’s Forgotten Classic Album “Vol 2… Hard Knock Life” [20th Anniversary]
The Creation of “Flower Boy”: A Track-by-Track Visual Guide
This past summer, Tyler, the Creator unveiled a secret Instagram account that he'd been hiding for years. The account held hundreds of never-before-seen images … Dive In about The Creation of “Flower Boy”: A Track-by-Track Visual Guide
Behind Drizzy’s Most Essential Album, “Nothing Was The Same”
The months before the release of Nothing Was The Same, the third studio album by Canadian hip hop titan Drake, were dominated by the emcee’s hit singles. The … Dive In about Behind Drizzy’s Most Essential Album, “Nothing Was The Same”
All Eyez on Tupac: Remembering Hip-Hop’s Immortal Emcee, 22 Years Later
Twenty two years after his death, we pay homage to the most influential rapper of all-time. The man who inspired millions and changed hip-hop forever. This … Dive In about All Eyez on Tupac: Remembering Hip-Hop’s Immortal Emcee, 22 Years Later
Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Drake or Kanye West: Who Was the Most Self-Obsessed Lyricist in 2018?
Back in 2017 it was discovered that Nicki Minaj mentioned herself on wax significantly more than her contemporaries. To recap, 11.5% of Nicki Minaj’s … Dive In about Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Drake or Kanye West: Who Was the Most Self-Obsessed Lyricist in 2018?
![The Evolution of Malcolm McCormick, As Told By Mac Miller [with Playlist]](https://centralsauce.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/malcolm_mccormick-630x350.jpg)
The Evolution of Malcolm McCormick, As Told By Mac Miller [with Playlist]
Malcolm McCormick started rapping at the age of 14, dropped his debut mixtape at 15, and signed his first major record deal before his 19th birthday. As a … Dive In about The Evolution of Malcolm McCormick, As Told By Mac Miller [with Playlist]
The Complete Visual History of Frank Ocean’s “Blonde”
Frank Ocean's sophomore studio album has received massive acclaim from far and wide. Critics, fans, and fellow artists have lavished so many accolades upon … Dive In about The Complete Visual History of Frank Ocean’s “Blonde”
Does Nicki Minaj Empower Female Rappers? Here’s the Data
In the eleven years following her debut mixtape, Nicki Minaj has released 164 songs, 4 albums, and 2 additional mixtapes as a lead artist. Strangely enough, it … Dive In about Does Nicki Minaj Empower Female Rappers? Here’s the Data
Producing Doris: Every Sample from Earl Sweatshirt’s Debut Studio Album, Analyzed
Doris, the first of Earl Sweatshirt’s two studio albums, was released on August 20, 2013. In the five years since, the Los Angeles-based rapper has become one … Dive In about Producing Doris: Every Sample from Earl Sweatshirt’s Debut Studio Album, Analyzed
While Nicki Minaj Raps More and More, Her Album Sales Plummet – Why?
The age-old debate: "Pop Nicki" vs "Rap Nicki"? Fans and critics alike have been divided on Nicki Minaj's musical duality since her debut album was released … Dive In about While Nicki Minaj Raps More and More, Her Album Sales Plummet – Why?
Power & Podcasts: How Joe Budden Became the Most Indispensable Voice in Hip-Hop
How did a one-hit wonder avoid fading into obscurity to become arguably the most important voice in hip-hop media today? We examine Joe Budden’s transition from … Dive In about Power & Podcasts: How Joe Budden Became the Most Indispensable Voice in Hip-Hop
“QUEEN” of Rap: Nicki Minaj Defends Her Throne with the Most Rap of Her Career
QUEEN has arrived with the fanfare reserved for both Pop Stars and Hip Hop’s Elite, a duality that Nicki Minaj has spent her career cultivating. Nicki stoked … Dive In about “QUEEN” of Rap: Nicki Minaj Defends Her Throne with the Most Rap of Her Career
The Numbers Behind Nas and Jay-Z’s Iconic Beef: “Ether” vs “Takeover”
The “Nas vs. Jay-Z” beef is now a legendary entry into the lexicon of hip-hop history. The beef is so permanently iconic that when the two artists both drop new … Dive In about The Numbers Behind Nas and Jay-Z’s Iconic Beef: “Ether” vs “Takeover”
The Extraordinary Heir of Tyler, the Creator: Meet Tierra Whack
If Tyler, the Creator founded Odd Future in 2018, what would the collective look like? Who would he draft? The admittedly easy and popular first pick would be … Dive In about The Extraordinary Heir of Tyler, the Creator: Meet Tierra Whack
Featured Sauce: Staff Pick
“Gnossos” – The Story Behind Earl Sweatshirt’s Lost Album
Earl Sweatshirt has hinted at new music arriving at some point this year, but before we can properly receive any new offering we need to finish digesting what he’s already given. Here we unpack the complexity of Earl’s discography and life through his lost album: "Gnossos". The irony of Earl Sweatshirt’s elusiveness has always … Continue Reading... about “Gnossos” – The Story Behind Earl Sweatshirt’s Lost Album
The Creation of “Flower Boy”: A Track-by-Track Visual Guide
This past summer, Tyler, the Creator unveiled a secret Instagram account that he'd been hiding for years. The account held hundreds of never-before-seen images and videos from the "Flower Boy" sessions, chronicling the album's creation from its earliest stages. We went through the entire account, from top-to-bottom, to collect every … Continue Reading... about The Creation of “Flower Boy”: A Track-by-Track Visual Guide
Power & Podcasts: How Joe Budden Became the Most Indispensable Voice in Hip-Hop
How did a one-hit wonder avoid fading into obscurity to become arguably the most important voice in hip-hop media today? We examine Joe Budden’s transition from rapper to mogul – and why his unexpected ascent is a victory for creators everywhere. The Joe Budden Podcast When my Lyft driver pulled up to the Regent Theater in downtown … Continue Reading... about Power & Podcasts: How Joe Budden Became the Most Indispensable Voice in Hip-Hop
Wyoming: Breaking Down Kanye West’s 42 Samples One-by-One
From the hook on Pusha T's "Come Back Baby" to the quasi-unreleased Kurt Cobain demos on "Cudi Montage", the five-chapter Wyoming series produced by Kanye West contains some of the most iconic samples of the year. We break them down one-by-one to gain a glimpse behind the creative process of one of the most talented producers of a generation: … Continue Reading... about Wyoming: Breaking Down Kanye West’s 42 Samples One-by-One
