"What happened to rap?"

I participated in a conversation on hip-hop in the age of Obama with a couple other Atlantic affiliates. The N.W.A. clip from the Arsenio Hall show that I link to on the last page is highly recommended.

Speaking of which: Rap Radar recently unearthed this incredible 20/20 special from 1981 on this new thing called hip-hop.

And I simply love Arshavin's description of Barca (though I reject his conclusion):

That is why I hope Barcelona beat Manchester United in the Champions League final. United look very solid but they play like machines, whereas Barcelona are dreamers, they are more creative. Sometimes United kill everything and I like Barcelona's football more.

Andrei Arshavin, on the upcoming Champions League final

This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2009/05/-what-happened-to-rap/17884/