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Shawn Setaro

5 posts
Shawn is a freelance writer, reporter, and podcaster who has contributed to Complex, GQ, the Sondheim Review, and many more. He is the author of the book ‘Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods’ (Kingston Imperial), and the host and creator of the hip-hop podcast The Cipher.
Biggie King Of New York Illustration 2

When Did New York Lose the Hip Hop Crown?

For all of the arguments over whether August 11, 2023 was really hip-hop’s 50th birthday, one thing about the culture remains clear. No matter when you think its beginnings took place, or who was responsible, hip-hop’s creation was…
Jay Z Nas Who Won

Who Won the Rap Battle: Nas vs. Jay-Z?

Battles have been an integral part of hip-hop since the beginning. In fact, since before the beginning. Uprocking dance battles, which began in the late 1960s, were closely tied to street gang fights. Long before rappers were throwing…
Jay Z Illustration New York

Jay-Z Songs: The Top 50 Best of All Time

Jay-Z stands unrivalled as the rapper with perhaps the strongest claim on GOAT status . His undeniable flow and top-notch lyricism, coupled with his unparalleled catalogue, uncanny knack for storytelling and longevity in the rap game has elevated…
2pac Illustration

The Top 50 Best 2Pac Songs of All Time

Tupac Shakur is the most influential rapper of all time , that’s just a fact. The late rapper’s unique blend of raw emotion, incisive societal commentary, and narrative mastery propelled him to the zenith of the rap game,…