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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The cover art for “Alfredo 2,” the latest album from rapper Freddie Gibbs, features a hand holding chopsticks above a bowl of ramen noodles. Editor-in-Chief Edison Miller argues that "Alfredo 2" deserves Album of the Year recognition. (Freddie Gibbs under Fair Use)

Freddie Gibbs’ ‘Alfredo 2’ deserves AOTY recognition

By Edison Miller, Editor in Chief | August 25, 2025

Released on July 25, hip-hop artist Freddie Gibbs and producer The Alchemist blessed fans with the release of “Alfredo 2.” Serving as the second edition of their “Alfredo” series, Gibbs’ smooth yet aggressive flow matches perfectly with The...

An artists depiction of Kendrick Lamar shows him sitting on the phone; to his right are two panels representing J. Cole’s album “2014 Forest Hills Drive” and Drake’s album “Views.” The recent beef between the three hip hops artists is an example of how rivalries in lyrics can benefit the music industry. (Gabriel Fiorini | Northern Star)

Beef enhances hip-hop

By James Bennett, Opinion Columnist | April 8, 2024

Hip-Hop’s history has been defined by numerous things – artist's creativity, ability to push boundaries with their lyricism and production styles, the social commentary with real-world effects. Of all these defining characteristics of the genre, one...

(left) Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dog perform at Yankee Stadium to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. The two artists are a part of dozens who have shaped the hip-hop genre into what it is now. (Scott Roth/Invision/AP)

Honor 50 years of hip-hop with generational artists

By Nick Glover, Editor In Chief | September 19, 2023

2023 is the 50th anniversary of DJ Kool Herc’s house party, the house party that started hip-hop as we know it today. Because of this momentous occasion, let’s look back at some underrated hip-hop artists from the past 50 years – one for each decade.  GRANDMASTER...

Spotify logo on a computer with a blurry background.

Lifestyle’s weekly Spotify playlist #38

By Lifestyle staff | February 6, 2022

Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3bMvz05t9MJVmEZjUXM393?si=YkYRwvGXTti0L3VBC9Gbew  Madelaine’s picks Yeah Yeah Yeahs - “Maps” Rebounder - “Japanese Posters” Lorde - “A World Alone” Formed in...

Some of the best hip-hop/rap albums of the past decade, including albums from Kanye West and Drake.

Top 5 hip-hop/rap albums of the past decade

By Zulfiqar Ahmed, Media Editor | February 3, 2022

Hip-hop/rap has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Multiple subgenres have spawned from development of platforms like Soundcloud, that have allowed people from every corner of the world to share their music and build communities. Mumble rap, jazz...

Spotify logo on a computer with a blurry background.

Lifestyle’s weekly Spotify playlist #37

By Lifestyle staff | January 30, 2022

Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2v9fWHABVMEKx0QJKxZXCM?si=yiKjEO4RQnmcJwM9AZxccA  Madelaine’s picks Swimming Tapes - “Tides” The Black Keys - “Fever” alt-J - “Breezeblocks” Pop band Swimming...

Spotify logo on a computer with a blurry background.

Lifestyle’s weekly Spotify playlist #36

By Lifestyle staff | January 23, 2022

Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4LGqiEhqTbWXxwbOm2spl1?si=b03594c64eb24ef0  Madelaine’s picks Pinback - “Loro” Billy Joel - “Vienna” The Beatles - “Don’t Let Me Down” Pinback is an alternative...

Pexels

That time I…was a videographer for a high school rapper

By Anthony Parlogean | November 6, 2019

I thoroughly enjoy hip hop music and the culture that follows this genre. Unfortunately, I have not been endowed with the necessary rhythmic abilities and mic skills needed to succeed in the rap game. I understood this in high school, and compensated...

J. Cole's eighth studio album, "4 Your Eyez Only,"  was released Dec. 9 and is projected to sell 550,000 units in its first week according to Billboard.

J. Cole releases powerful album

By Darius Parker | December 19, 2016

J. Cole's eighth studio album, "4 Your Eyez Only,"  was released Dec. 9 and is projected to sell 550,000 units in its first week according to Billboard.

Pass/Fail: Country concert scheduled for February; Tickets for shows at Convo too expensive

By Carl Nadig | November 20, 2014

Pass: Country concert scheduled for FebruaryIt’s beneficial for students and efforts to boost university engagement when there’s a concert booked at the Convocation Center.Earlier this week, singer-songwriter Brad Paisley announced a performance to...

 

What happened to the music industry?

By Colin Remes | March 20, 2012

The music industry has certainly changed over the past 15 years, and in my opinion, not at all for the better. The advancements of technology have allowed digital distribution to expand exponentially, in particular illegal downloading, and it has caused...

Lizzie G take ova

By Jessica Cabe | September 16, 2011

Breaking into the world of hip hop is no easy task, but senior composition major Elizabeth Elie, better known as Lizzie G, is up for the challenge. "I want to work extra hard to please everyone," emphasizing that her main goal is to get her music out...

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