Song of the summer 2024: writers pick their tracks of the season
From Sabrina Carpenter to Kendrick Lamar, Guardian writers pick out the songs that will be soundtracking their barbecues for the summer
Critic’s pick: Agung Mango, the genre-smashing rapper leaping through time and space
The Melbourne artist belongs to new wave of psychedelic Australian hip-hop – and his new album excavates his cultural lineage in profound, explosive ways
Kings From Queens: The Run-DMC Story review – incredibly honest and raw TV
This look at the hip-hop legends spares no effort in telling their tale exactly as it was, from substance abuse to their darkest hours. It’s intelligent, nuanced TV – even if it could be more open about Russell Simmons
Eminem: The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) review – guess who’s back, with less bite than ever
The return of the rapper’s nihilistic alter ego makes his 12th album feel like a confused, conflicted attempt to recreate his 00s success – his flow is perfect as ever, but he can no longer provoke true outrage
Travis Scott review – rap’s commander puts the mosh pit through its paces
The crowd-pleasing ham holds court to thrill his audience of ‘ragers’ with a combination of brawny bangers, force of will and a big box of fireworks
Berwyn: Who Am I review – should be on the national curriculum
With devastating directness, the Trinidad-born London artist depicts his struggles with UK immigration, fusing visceral poetry, dark humour and a crackling R&B croon
Skepta review – grime royalty broadcasts London to the world
The Tottenham-born rapper transmits forceful hits and ferocious lesser-known cuts to the inaugural Big Smoke festival crowd
Headie One: The Last One review – rueful memoir with party tunes attached
The north London rapper’s gritty honesty is his strongest suit on a guest-packed second album that juggles dance tracks with his troubled past
‘Theresa May made the whole country rally against migrants’: UK rapper Berwyn on poverty, perseverance and hostile politics
He moved from Trinidad to Romford and was almost lost in the drug trade. Now Mercury-nominated and on a major label, the musician explains the trauma of those years – and his anger at being demonised by the Tories
Rapper BG ordered to have all future songs approved by US government
Ruling leads to claims that BG’s right to free speech unfairly challenged in another case putting rap lyrics on trial
Killer Mike will not face charges after Grammys arrest
Rapper was booked for misdemeanour battery over altercation with security guard, but will not be charged after completing community service
Body Count ft Ice-T review – an explosive love letter to heavy metal
The seven-piece’s first London show in six years sees them tear through tributes to Slayer and the Exploited, while Ice-T’s son and daughter join him on stage
Three things with Tkay Maidza: ‘My goal was to be the next Serena Williams’
In Guardian Australia’s weekly interview about objects, the tennis hotshot turned rapper shows off her trophy collection – and sings the praises of Epsom salts
Megan Thee Stallion: Megan review – rap skill showcase is a sour sermon on superiority
The feelgood fun of Hot Girl Summer and WAP has been replaced by icy tales of false friends, adultery and incessant betrayal in a broadly humourless, navel-gazing album
Stefflon Don: Island 54 review – seamless summer playlist
This long-awaited debut uses dancehall as a springboard into global styles, from electropop to South African amapiano