Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign: Vultures 2 review – some of Ye’s most jaded, degraded moments
The lyrics veer from nihilistic provocation to drunken messages to his ex-wife, and the music is equally erratic and confused
Killer Mike: Michael & the Mighty Midnight Revival: Songs for Sinners and Saints review – hard-won life lessons
The Run the Jewels rapper follows up last year’s Grammys-sweeping Michael with an album addressing a tumultuous few months
‘Your favourite rappers are only alive because of our sacrifices’: the secret life of rap bodyguards
From 2Pac in the 90s to XXXTentacion and more in recent years, murder is frequent in the US rap scene. The men trying to protect the artists explain the physical and psychological toll
Four arrested in shooting death of Florida rapper Julio Foolio
Authorities allege members of two different gangs were involved in the killing, with one suspect still at large
Womad festival review – wildly entertaining treasure trove for adventurous music fans
Radically inclusive global lineup includes Sampa the Great’s feminist pizzazz, Young Fathers’ twisted genre-splicing and Bixiga 70’s full-tent conga
Post your questions for LL Cool J
As he prepares to release The Force, his first album in over a decade, the rapper and actor will take on your questions
Childish Gambino: Bando Stone and the New World review – a frenetic farewell
Donald Glover’s final album as his maverick hip-hop alter ego suffers from overstuffing, with a blend of genres and guests that muffles its impact
Ice Spice: Y2K! review – a masterclass in outrageous party trap
It’s all killer, no filler on the Bronx MC’s long-awaited debut album
Mustard: Faith of a Mustard Seed review – lacking in spice
The fourth album from Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us producer features cloying love songs, odes to Mom and thanks to God
Ice Spice: Y2K! review – wilfully trashy wordplay from wily new rap star
The US star’s subject matter is lightweight and this debut album only lasts 23 minutes, but funny, snotty lines abound and the music is often viscerally exciting
Mercury prize 2024: Charli xcx, the Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons among nominees
The British music industry’s award for outstanding albums features eight debuts, from the likes of Nia Archives and Barry Can’t Swim, as the prize fails to find a sponsor
Megan Thee Stallion review – positivity bootcamp with a rapper on fire
Despite her well-documented troubles and more than a few empty seats, the American star rises above it all with a skilful, celebratory show and seemingly endless pyrotechnics…
One to watch: Bad With Phones
After a car crash and a two-year break, the south London bassist and producer releases his trippy, redemptive debut album
Drake’s Toronto mansion seriously flooded amid record-breaking storms
Rapper films muddy water pouring through 50,000 sq ft home, quipping ‘this better be espresso martini’
Wireless festival review – Ice Spice, Asake and Doja Cat triumph on gappy bill
With some regrettable absences and a premature close, the weekend is redeemed by explosive sets and starry surprise guests such as Central Cee