Colin Mahar

Q-Tip Introduction Q-Tip is a founding member and the primary producer of the seminal alternative hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Considered among hip hop’s most influential creative minds, Q-Tip is the rare artist acknowledged for his production skills and rapping ability. Q-Tips’ production style and laid-back flow influenced an entire generation of artists and […]

Killer Mike is a legendary Atlanta MC, and half of the popular alternative hip-hop duo Run the Jewels. Mike has made a name for himself as a respected lyricist for his politically charged songs and real-world activism. He’s been a constant fixture in the Atlanta hip-hop scene and has always continued to innovate, which has

Redman is one of the most underrated rappers from the East Coast. From teaming up with Method Man from Wu-Tang to appearing in dozens of films and TV shows, Redman has established himself as an entertainment icon who has left his mark on pop culture. My favorite Reman solo project has to be his debut

Big Boi is one half of the legendary rap group Outkast and was instrumental in bringing Southern hip-hop into the mainstream. He had a legendary run with Outkast that lasted for nearly 20 years, and he’s since gone on to have a successful solo career. Big Boi has helped create some of the most iconic

Introduction Too $hort is one of the Godfathers of West Coast hip-hop and one of the most controversial rappers of all time. His lyrics about pimps, drug dealers, and the street culture of California helped create a cult-like following and laid the foundations for the emergence of West Coast gangsta rap. But it also attracted

Jadakiss is a New York hip-hop legend who is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists of all time. From his work with the LOX to his successful solo career, Jadakiss has been a dominant force in hip hop since the late 90s. Twenty years into the game, he’s still dropping quality projects and

Raekwon is one of the founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan and has contributed to some of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. From his work with the Wu-Tang to his prolific solo career and partnership with Ghostface Killah, Raekwon has a talent for crafting grandiose street epics that set him apart from many

Mos Def, now known as Yasiin Bey, is among the most celebrated MCs of the early 2000s. From his pivotal collaboration with Talib Kweli, Black Star, to his massive solo career, to his successful transition into acting, Mos Def has continuously proven his talent and versatility. Although he’s taken a step back from the public

Scarface is a legend in Texas hip hop who helped bring the Houston sound into the mainstream. From his work with the Geto Boys to launching a successful solo career, Scarface has had incredible longevity in the industry and has consistently been ranked among the top 5 lyricists of all time by many hip hop

The Game is one of the most influential West Coast rappers of the early to late 2000s. From his debut, The Documentary, to his 2022 release Drillmatic, the Game has cemented himself as an LA icon who is still highly relevant more than 15 years into his career. I’ve been listening to the Game for