Phil Smith

Articles by Phil Smith

In Depth

Reflecting on prison, religion and destiny, ‘Dying To Live’ reframed Kodak Black as a fresh-faced pickpocket disarming marks at will.

In Depth

With the 2008 hit All I Ever Wanted, Swedish DJ Basshunter laid claim to his place among the noughties’ EDM giants.

In Depth

Forcing the US to contribute to the global dance-music phenomenon it had instigated, ‘Sound Of Silver’ was LCD Soundsystem’s richest work yet.

In Depth

A vicious song that fuelled tension in the hip-hop community, Who Shot Ya? put The Notorious B.I.G. in the crosshairs of controversy.

In Depth

Nipsey Hussle’s sole album, ‘Victory Lap’, may have taken home the medal, but fans still mourn the loss of the much-missed victor.

In Depth

Valentine’s Day offering in name, Kodak Black’s ‘Heart Break Kodak’ mixtape takes its listeners on a journey through darker terrain.

In Depth

Featuring the hit Gimme The Light, the ‘Dutty Rock’ album elevated Sean Paul beyond all other dancehall artists.

In Depth

Under guidance from The Notorious B.I.G., Junior M.A.F.I.A. made their mark with Player’s Anthem, a classic slice of 90s hardcore hip-hop.

In Depth

Released in the wake of Biggie’s death, ‘No Way Out’ found Puff Daddy reckoning with a mounting crisis in hip-hop.

In Depth

A sign of things to come, David Guetta’s debut album, ‘Just A Little More Love’, blended French house music with a growing pop sensibility.

Sign up to our newsletter