Instagram story viewer> @rapuntold> Posts

Rap Untold

@rapuntold

297.9K

followers

45

following

the stories rap didn't tell you. 🎤
bars. visuals. culture. no filter.
New drop unlocked daily ✦
Follow 👉 @rapuntold

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

56

1

8 hours ago

In 2017, Power 106 radio host J Cruz sparked a viral internet craze when he challenged hip-hop artists to rap the children's book Llama Llama Red Pajama over iconic beats.

Broadcast out of Los Angeles, The Cruz Show had become a premier destination for breaking talent and legendary artists looking to display raw freestyle abilities. With children's book author Anna Dewdney's rhythmic rhyming meter serving as the foundation, Cruz handed the illustrated picture book to visiting guests live on air. What began as a spontaneous comedic warm-up quickly evolved into a high-stakes test of an MC's improvisational flow, breath control, and ability to adapt complex rhyme meters.

Artists ranging from Ludacris and Migos to young phenoms like JID, NLE Choppa, and GloRilla stepped up to tackle the challenge over diverse instrumental backdrops. Kali Uchis delivered a silky, melodic interpretation that pulled in over 6.6 million views, while That Mexican OT deployed rapid-fire, southern-chopped cadences directly from the pages. The format forced MCs to strip away pre-written verses and rely solely on their fundamental rhythmic instincts, often leading to spontaneous studio laughter and viral social media moments.

The series amassed tens of millions of collective views across YouTube and TikTok, turning a modest morning show segment into a global digital franchise. It reinforced the natural, poetic connection between children's literature meter and the foundational cadence of hip-hop delivery. Even years after the trend began, fans still circulate the clips as definitive proof of an artist's natural rhythmic versatility and mic presence.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

231

6

10 hours ago

In 1997, legendary hip-hop duo Gang Starr reaffirmed the pure essence of boom-bap culture with the release of their commanding single 'You Know My Steez'.

Composed of Massachusetts-born lyricist Guru and legendary producer DJ Premier, the group served as the spiritual compass of East Coast hip-hop on No Ryhmes / Virgin Records. At a time when commercial rap was rapidly embracing shiny suits and glossy pop samples, Gang Starr took a principled stand for underground authenticity. Serving as the lead single for their critically acclaimed 1998 fifth studio album Moment of Truth, the record aimed to restore substance and raw lyricism to the forefront of the genre.

DJ Premier built the iconic beat inside Manhattan's famed D&D Studios, slicing a horn hit from Joe Simon's 'Drowning in the Sea of Love' and combining it with crisp, swinging drums. Guru stepped up to the microphone to deliver his calm, monotone rhyme schemes, delivering a clinical rebuke of shallow commercial posturing. Premier then constructed the legendary scratch chorus, manually cutting up classic vocal lines from Method Man, Real Live, and Biz Markie on dual turntables to create an indelible hook.

The single peaked inside the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed into the top ten of the Hot Rap Singles chart, carrying Moment of Truth to a gold certification. Fans and music historians widely regard the song as a masterclass in hip-hop purity, balancing DJ Premier's unmatched production precision with Guru's timeless wisdom. Decades later, the track stands as a gold standard for genuine East Coast hip-hop craftsmanship.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

1k

18

10 hours ago

Drakeo the Ruler's family has reached a settlement with Live Nation, bringing a new update to a case that has been followed closely by fans.

Drakeo was one of the most unique voices in Los Angeles rap, known for his smooth, unusual flow and his creative style. Songs like "Flu Game" helped build his loyal fanbase, and his project "Thank You for Using GTL" is still considered one of the highlights of his career.

In December 2021, he died at just 28 after being attacked backstage at a festival in Los Angeles. His death shocked the hip-hop community, and his family took legal action afterward.

Years later, his music still lives on, and fans continue to keep his legacy alive.

#DrakeoTheRuler #LiveNation #MusicNews #MusicHistory #Music by @rapuntold

3

1

11 hours ago

In 2020, Chicago rapper King Von revitalised the art of narrative street rap with the release of his gripping viral single 'Took Her To The O'.

Emerging from the South Side of Chicago's O-Block, Von signed to Lil Durk's Only The Family imprint and Empire Distribution following his release from incarceration. While modern rap had largely moved toward brief melodic loops and mood music, Von chose to focus on vivid, chronological storytelling drawn directly from urban realities. He teamed up with producer Chopsquad DJ, who crafted a haunting, piano-driven instrumental that felt more like a dramatic film score than a standard club trap beat.

Von recorded the track with meticulous attention to pacing, narrating a fateful late-night encounter in Chicago verse by verse without ever losing the rhythmic pocket. Chopsquad DJ built the production around Von's organic speaking cadence, dropping out percussion during pivotal plot twists to heighten the listener's suspense. In the studio, Von treated his lyrical recording sessions like screenwriting, pacing around the vocal booth while refining every punchline to ensure the narrative felt utterly cinematic and authentic.

The track quickly exploded across streaming platforms, peaking at number forty-four on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a triple-platinum certification from the RIAA. The single pushed his acclaimed project Levon James into the upper tiers of the charts, establishing Von as one of the finest storytellers of the modern drill era. His work on the song remains an enduring reminder that compelling, character-driven lyricism will always hold a vital place in the evolution of hip-hop.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

572

4

11 hours ago

Blueface just got his face tattoos touched up, and fans are already talking about the new look.

The rapper has become just as famous for his bold style as for his music. His face and neck tattoos, including the large portrait on the side of his face, have made him one of the most recognizable names in the game.

He first went viral in 2018 with "Thotiana," a song that took over social media and became his biggest hit. Since then, he has stayed in the spotlight for his music, his personality, and his tattoos.

Love it or hate it, Blueface always gets people talking.

#Blueface #Thotiana #MusicNews #MusicHistory #Music by @rapuntold

3

55

12 hours ago

In 1996, Lauryn Hill cemented her status as a generational talent with an unforgettable vocal performance on Fugees' soulful rendition of 'Killing Me Softly'.

Hailing from South Orange, New Jersey, Hill alongside group members Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel sought to blend raw hip-hop beats with deep Caribbean soul and classic rhythm and blues on Columbia Records. Coming off their overlooked 1994 debut Blunted on Reality, the group retreated to a humble basement studio named Booga Basement in East Orange to craft their follow-up album The Score. Their bold decision to reimagine Roberta Flack's classic 1973 soul ballad became the centrepiece of an album that redefined the boundaries between singing and rapping.

The track was produced by Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, who ingeniously anchored the gentle melody over a chopped drum break sampled from A Tribe Called Quest's 'Bonita Applebum'. Hill laid down her vocals in just a few takes, infusing the vintage melody with raw urban vulnerability and flawless gospel power. The band intentionally kept the arrangement sparse with minimalist bass and Jean's signature ad-libs, ensuring Hill's nuanced vocal delivery remained the emotional driving force of the recording.

The single became a colossal global smash, hitting number one in over twenty countries, including the UK, and earning the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The Score went on to achieve seven-times platinum certification in the United States, selling over twenty-two million copies worldwide. Hill's iconic performance paved the way for her historic solo masterpiece The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, proving hip-hop and soul could unite to create timeless pop perfection.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

242

1

12 hours ago

In 2014, Chicago innovator Chief Keef shattered traditional song structures with the release of his raw, influential anthem 'War'.

Having already pioneered the explosive global drill movement with his 2012 major label debut Finally Rich, Keef began breaking away from corporate expectations to experiment freely on independent mixtapes. Recording at the peak of his transition away from Interscope Records, he embraced an increasingly aggressive, unhinged delivery that startled critics and mesmerised underground fans. The track, later housed on his tape Back From The Dead 2, completely bypassed traditional radio formats to thrive on the raw energy of early internet video culture.

Produced by Chicago beatsmith T-G-U-T, the track discarded the conventional verse-chorus formula entirely in favour of a single, continuous, high-octane lyrical onslaught. Keef recorded the vocals while experimenting with punch-in techniques, allowing his voice to distort slightly to emphasise the chaotic fury of his lyrics. The accompanying music video, filmed inside an empty underground parking garage with his Glo Gang associates, captured a stark, unfiltered aesthetic that young filmmakers and rappers across the world quickly adopted as the new standard.

The song amassed tens of millions of views on YouTube with zero commercial radio backing, becoming a legendary staple in underground hip-hop history. Critics and fellow artists now credit Keef's fearless mid-2010s output as the foundation for modern SoundCloud rap, rage beats, and aggressive underground trap. More than a decade later, the track remains one of the rawest testaments to Chief Keef's status as a generational visionary who completely reshaped hip-hop culture.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

1k

3

12 hours ago

In 2003, Memphis rap legend Project Pat delivered an unforgettable, street-certified performance on Three 6 Mafia's hypnotic anthem 'Ridin' Spinners'.

As Hypnotize Minds ruled the underground tape trading circuit and began asserting mainstream dominance, Pat's unique rhyming style stood at the forefront of the Memphis movement. Released through Columbia Records and Hypnotize Minds, the song arrived on Three 6 Mafia's pivotal sixth studio album Da Unbreakables. Producers DJ Paul and Juicy J crafted a signature eerie soundscape laced with rolling cowbells, menacing piano stabs, and heavy 808 bass, framing Pat's distinctive lyrical timing.

Pat's verse showcased his iconic, staccato delivery where he deliberately dragged syllables across the off-beat, creating an addictive groove that influenced generations of future rappers. His sharp, observational street lyricism was written directly from the perspective of North Memphis street corners, combining dark realities with effortless swagger. DJ Paul and Juicy J intentionally left his vocals loud and dry in the final mix, ensuring every bar cut cleanly through the dense, heavy bass frequencies.

The single became an immediate southern staple, driving Da Unbreakables to a gold certification and establishing Memphis rap as a foundational blueprint for modern trap music. Decades later, artists like Drake, Cardi B, and 21 Savage would openly sample and emulate Pat's rhyming cadence on multi-platinum hits. The record stands as definitive proof of Project Pat's enduring legacy as one of hip-hop's most influential and imitated stylists.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

5k

57

16 hours ago

In 2006, Atlanta lyricist Young Dro delivered one of the most quotable verses in southern rap history on his breakout smash single 'Shoulder Lean'.

Emerging from Bankhead, Atlanta, Young Dro had recently signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint under Atlantic Records, finding himself at the center of the city's rapidly expanding cultural reign. The mid-2000s saw Atlanta redefine mainstream hip-hop, transitioning from crunk energy to infectious, dance-driven radio hits anchored by sharp lyricism. Producer Cordale "Lil C" Quinn provided a soaring, synthesised instrumental that allowed Dro's colourful vocabulary and smooth drawl to shine alongside label head T.I.

Dro recorded his verse with remarkable speed, famously loading every bar with vibrant sartorial references, car customisation details, and hyper-specific colour palettes. His effortless internal rhyming patterns and southern slang created an unforgettable contrast against the booming 808 percussion, turning everyday phrases into regional gospel. The track inspired a viral dance move that swept across high schools, skating rinks, and clubs nationwide, cementing Dro's reputation as one of the south's most charismatic wordsmiths.

The single peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and soared all the way to number one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart. Propelled by the song's massive momentum, Dro's debut album Best Thang Smokin' entered the Billboard 200 at number three, eventually securing gold certification. Decades later, hip-hop fans still celebrate the track as a masterclass in southern swagger and flawless lyrical delivery.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

5k

58

17 hours ago

In 2013, Harlem native A$AP Ferg exploded onto the national hip-hop landscape with the release of his high-octane breakout anthem 'Work'.

As the collective energy of the A$AP Mob began reshaping New York hip-hop's aesthetics through fashion and gritty lyricism, Ferg stepped into the solo spotlight via RCA Records and Polo Grounds Music. The track was originally featured on the crew's collaborative project Lords Never Worry before receiving an unstoppable push across clubs, radio, and skate culture. Producer Chinza//Fly crafted an abrasive, minimalist instrumental built around relentless percussion and distorted basslines, providing the perfect vehicle for Ferg's jagged cadences.

Inside the studio, Ferg wrote the chorus as an aggressive rallying cry reflecting his blue-collar work ethic and early struggles selling handmade fashion accessories in Uptown Manhattan. His unorthodox vocal inflections and dynamic syllable chops caught the ear of hip-hop heavyweights, prompting an official remix featuring A$AP Rocky, French Montana, ScHoolboy Q, and Trinidad James. The music video, shot in an abandoned factory and around the streets of Harlem, captured the raw energy that revitalised New York street culture during the early 2010s digital blog era.

The single became a commercial runaway, earning a triple-platinum certification from the RIAA and leading directly to Ferg's acclaimed debut album Trap Lord. That debut peaked inside the top ten of the Billboard 200, proving Harlem could maintain its traditional sonic dominance while embracing contemporary trap rhythm. The track remains a quintessential summer festival anthem whose infectious hook continues to ignite mosh pits across the globe.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

341

1

18 hours ago

In 2005, Curtis Jackson, known globally as 50 Cent, made his feature cinematic debut in the semi-autobiographical crime drama Get Rich or Die Tryin', bringing his real-life Queens survival story to Hollywood.

Following the massive nine-times platinum breakthrough of his 2003 major label debut album, Interscope Records and Paramount Pictures teamed up to build an expansive multimedia empire around the rap superstar. Directed by six-time Academy Award nominee Jim Sheridan, the film dramatised 50 Cent's transition from street hustler to chart-topping recording artist under the character name Marcus. The production paired the rapper with seasoned actors like Terrence Howard and Bill Duke, cementing the gritty mid-2000s era where New York street rap dominated mainstream cinema box offices.

During filming, 50 Cent insisted on performing his own verses on camera, including raw acapella delivery sessions that captured the unpolished intensity of his early mixtape days. Renowned music supervisor Dr. Dre oversaw the sonic direction of the film, which featured standout original tracks including 'Hustler's Ambition' and 'Window Shopper' that quickly flooded global airwaves. Producers carefully preserved the rapper's distinct southern-influenced Queens cadence, turning simple dialogue pauses into authentic moments of rhythmic storytelling that mirrored his actual studio work ethic.

The accompanying soundtrack debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling over 317,000 copies in its first week alone before earning a platinum certification. It reinforced how hip-hop narratives could seamlessly cross over into high-budget cinematic releases during the peak CD retail era. Decades later, the film remains an essential time capsule of early 2000s rap royalty bridging street folklore with global pop culture supremacy.

Follow Us @rapuntold for more music content by @rapuntold

432

24

19 hours ago