rap | Unfortified Castle

Benjamin Kassel

"B.O.B": misunderstood frantic goodness

Outkast's magnum opus has taken on quite an interesting life since its 2000 release.

Benjamin Kassel

"Bulls on Parade" is timeless for the unsavory truths it tells

...as is pretty much every Rage Against The Machine song.

Benjamin Kassel

As a production, "Otis" has blown me away for more than a decade

You don't sample and rap over Otis Redding and get away with it... right? Unless you're Ye and Jay.

Benjamin Kassel

"California Love" was a perfect soundtrack to this year's Super Bowl Sunday

...especially considering the halftime's West Coast hip hop theme perfectly matched the game's outcome.

Benjamin Kassel

Dissecting why I love "King Kunta"

Kendrick Lamar's funky 2015 single remains a personal favorite for a slew of reasons, many of which come back to what I like in older music.

Benjamin Kassel

"3005" is an inner monologue on "real" friendship and love

Through his celebrity lens, Childish Gambino questions the trustworthiness of, frankly, anyone who seems to be a friend in the digital age.

Benjamin Kassel

Tracking Jon Batiste's influences on "FREEDOM"

The R&B and jazz virtuoso's artistic voice is shaped by multiple iconic inspirations — including some from his hometown.

Benjamin Kassel

The whole of "Shook Ones, Pt. II" is far greater than the sum of its parts

From insane samples to hard-hitting rhymes and a splash of motivation, Mobb Deep's signature track is an all-time great rap cut.

Benjamin Kassel

In its various forms, "Beggin'" has been a standout song for over a half-century...

...and I had to figure out which one version I liked / wanted to write about the most.

Benjamin Kassel

"DEAD RIGHT NOW," a reflection on fake friendship and love in the wake of stardom

One of the many highlights on Lil Nas X's debut album, its personal narrative stands out to me.