After some lower-stakes projects, Jeshi properly returned with 2025’s “Airbag Woke Me Up,” which shows his embracing of English rap traditions, such as grime and UK drill, while making it his own ...

In 50 years, rap transformed the English language, bringing the Black vernacular’s vibrancy to the world. “Dave, the dope fiend shootin’ dope.” — Slick Rick, “Children’s Story ...

The English rapper Slowthai grew up listening to American musicians. “Rappers coming from Memphis, SpaceGhostPurrp, Raider Klan, even Elliott Smith,” says the 26-year-old, born Tyron Frampton ...

ESSENCE.COM: So we understand that you taught yourself to speak English by listening to rap music and perfecting eight bars. Do you think getting hooked on phonics might have been an easier study?