DXBreakdown

With five consecutive #1 albums, over 75 million records sold worldwide and a legitimate Hollywood movie career, DMX is one of the most successful emcees in history. Tragically, his drug addiction derailed it all. Thank you to Russell Simmons for providing insight into X’s impact and what he brought to Def Jam Recordings. More than just DMX, this week’s Breakdown opens a conversation on mental illness.

New Kendrick Lamar. Compton’s king appeared on a new Maroon 5 track this week. It’s called “Don’t Wanna Know” and it’s dope. Last week Kendrick presented Snoop Dogg with the I Am Hip Hop Award during the BET Hip Hop Awards. One West Coast legend saluting another. It was a beautiful moment. Snoop reminded new artists to be themselves and not worry about what critics and outsiders say and think about them or their craft. Which got me thinking, Kendrick Lamar might be the greatest rapper of all time. Let’s break it down.

Rappers like Lil Yachty, Lil Uzi Vert, Desiigner, and the rest of today's Mumble Rappers are being vilified by Hip Hop purists. Pete Rock has been the latest, most vocal opponent to the new Rap trend. His e-beef with Young Dolph and Lil Yachty has provided plenty of social media entertainment. But is this a fresh conversation? This week we dig into the Mumble Rap controversy.