Lucius Pham
/
Iowa Public Radio
For hip-hop lovers in search of a good concert, 2025 did not disappoint. Tyler, The Creator, Rick Ross and That Mexican OT were some of the many national artists who left Iowa audiences with hoarse throats and brag-worthy music memories. But the music coming out of Iowa caused an "EARFQUAKE" all its own this year, with local artists doing everything from performing On The Radar to blowing up in South Sudan. Here are some of our favorite rap and R&B moments of 2025, and the homegrown hip-hop you may have missed!
It's no question that De La Soul is one of the most important acts in the history of hip-hop. Cabin In The Sky is the group's ninth studio album and is a reminder of their brilliance.
Blvck Bunnie started THOT SQUAD as a joke. Now, it's anything but. Flint, MI's raunchy rap sensation reflects on her Iowa debut at Alternating Currents, providing catharsis and making music with her husband.
-
Tyler, the Creator is back (did he ever leave)? His latest album, Don't Tap the Glass, is just further prove he's one of the best in the hip-hop game. -
Teddy Swims, That Mexican OT, Mavis Staples, Riff Raff and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram were the stars of Saturday In The Park in Sioux City July 5. The free music festival marked 35 years of grandeur this summer. -
The Chicago-based rapper’s newest album Magic, Alive! is an abstract jazz tour de force — featuring Iowans Teller Bank$, Bank$'s kids and Elizabeth Moen. -
Love can make people do crazy things. Here's our list of 10 of the creepiest love songs, including tunes by The Police, The Beatles, Tyler, the Creator, Neil Diamond and more. -
The 2000s saw the complete digital age of music. MP3s became commonplace, and the entire music industry went into a panic as a result. Social media more or less was born in this decade as well, with humanity becoming more "plugged in" than ever before. -
From rap and R&B to dance and lo-fi, here's a playlist of the best Iowa hip-hop of 2024. Consider this a catalogue of our favorite tracks of the year, from the albums and EPs you need to hear! -
The 1990s were a unique time for music. Walkmans, CDs and boomboxes were everywhere. Grunge saved rock 'n' roll from hair metal oblivion. Hip-hop grew to be mainstream with acts like Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G, and Cher released the mega hit "Believe." Here is my list of 10 underrated songs from the 1990s.
