COGNICURRENT

The UMK music competition in Finland saw mixed reactions with critical comments about the rap performances, leading to a defense from popular podcast host Aki Linnanahde.

March features a vibrant lineup of rap shows in São Paulo, showcasing rising female artists and established names.

Sayf, a young artist loved by the new generation, achieved second place at the Sanremo Festival with his song 'Tu mi piaci tanto' and a popular cover of 'Hit the Road Jack.'

The social media podium for the 76th edition of the Italian Song Festival has already been determined, with Sayf, Nayt, and Samurai Jay leading the way.

The alternative rock band 'R.A.P.' has released their first concert EP featuring five songs from their reunion concert held in March 2025 at the 'Palladium Riga' venue.

Several popular Finnish rappers will perform at the second interim show of UMK, including the renowned artist Turisti.

While overall audience ratings for the second evening of the Festival show a decline, the social media accounts of competitors continue to thrive with increased interactions and followers.

Welo, a 26-year-old rapper from Lecce, has been chosen to perform the official jingle for the 2026 Sanremo Festival after impressing the artistic director, Carlo Conti, during the previous edition.

Czech rapper Athena Chlebová, known for her humorous and candid artistry, is set to perform her first concert abroad while joking about the scheduling conflict with a Slovak Olympic hockey match.

Two young Swedish men convicted of a bombing attack in Norway are now implicated in the murder of a rapper in Sweden.

Juliano, a Brazilian sertanejo singer, surprised fans by performing a rap cover during a horseback riding event in São Salvador do Tocantins.

A 32-year-old rapper is brought to trial for attempted murder of his two-week-old baby and the assault of the baby's 26-year-old mother.

Nanda Tsunami, a rising Brazilian rapper, fuses themes of sexuality, spirituality, and therapy in her music, gaining popularity with her hit 'P.I.T.T.Y' that has over 25 million streams.

A rap program at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre aims to reduce recidivism among young offenders by providing a creative outlet through music.

The 'Unreleased' series brings emerging hip-hop and rap artists to the stage, recently hosting its first event in Frankfurt with performances from various young talents.

An Icelandic minister engages in rap, showcasing a new creative approach to communication.

American rapper Lil Poppa, known as Janarious Mykel Wheeler, has died at the age of 25.

Puerto Rican rap artist Bad Bunny is set to play the lead role in a drama film titled 'Puerto Rico', alongside actors Javier Bardem, Edward Norton, and Viggo Mortensen.

Rapper Lil Poppa passed away at 25 shortly after releasing his latest single, prompting tributes from fans and fellow artists.

The 102 Boyz, a rap crew from Leer, Germany, embody a celebration of excess and party culture, similar to their counterparts in Hamburg.

The article reflects on Dave's recent concert in Stockholm, contrasting it with his earlier performance four years ago, highlighting his growth as an artist.

Rapper Genka reflects on his humorous first experience performing on stage in 1994 in the USA, where he received guidance from young students due to his lack of skills.

Milan Jaff, recently deported from Finland, shares his thoughts on the country in an interview with Kurdistan's Rudaw Media, reflecting on his life experiences and legal troubles.

Tredici Pietro, also known as Pietro Morandi, is an emerging singer-songwriter who will perform at the Sanremo Festival with his surprise hit 'Uomo che cade,' which challenges the norm in pop music.

Nigerian artist Cruz Of Life has launched his first official project for 2026, a two-track EP titled ON IT, featuring collaboration with actor Ray Emodi.

The article highlights the initiative 'Talent Kaché' by young Senegalese migrant Bolon Sylla, which aims to promote emerging rap and RnB talents through 'Open Mic' events in France.

Belinda expressed her condolences on social media following the death of rapper Milkman, who succumbed to an internal hemorrhage after weeks in the hospital.

The article discusses Bad Bunny's impactful Super Bowl halftime performance and its implications for American politics, particularly in relation to Donald Trump and immigration.

Wu-Tang Clan will perform in Łódź, Poland, as part of their European tour 'Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber', showcasing their legendary rap music alongside other artists.

In an interview, veteran rapper Lord Kossity critiques the current state of rap, expressing concern that the younger generation is straying from the genre's authentic roots.

The article examines the state of rap music in the U.S. and France, noting its decline in popularity in the former while remaining strong in the latter, although concerning trends are emerging.

The rap group L2B is nominated for Male Revelation of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique, following the success of their album 'Nés pour briller' and several popular singles.

A new wave of American rap artists, known as 'MAGA rappers,' is emerging in support of Donald Trump, challenging traditional expectations in the music industry.

The article highlights the return of Malmö rapper Knut€ and the release of Dina Ögon's fourth album 'Människobarn', along with selections from notable albums by Hannes and Beverly Glenn-Copeland.

Russian rapper Husky's lyrics and videos capture the feelings of hopeless men, including those resigned to being used as mere materials in war.

Italian-Tunisian rapper Ghali surprises fans with the release of his new single 'Basta' on the night of February 5-6, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Olympics and stirring discussions.

Rapper Hungria will debut his street carnival block in Belo Horizonte this Friday, joined by several other festive options for revelers.

During a concert at Movistar Arena, rapper Delaossa fell from a height of 20 meters due to a harness failure, leaving fans in shock and concerned about his health.

The article describes a visceral rap music scene characterized by a repetitive minor chord, chaotic soundscapes, and intense emotional expression.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, rapper Kendrick Lamar won five Grammys, including Record of the Year with SZA for 'Luther', further establishing himself as one of America's most impactful songwriters.

The music and rap world mourns the death of Codi, the granddaughter of hip hop icon Snoop Dogg, confirmed by his daughter Cori Broadus on social media.

ASAP Rocky reflects on his personal growth, family life with Rihanna, and his return to the music scene.

Moreno Vukojević, a Croatian musician residing in Munich, has made waves in the music scene with his new love rap ballad 'Zadnja ostala', which gained over half a million views in a month.

The article discusses the most thrilling hip-hop concerts in Munich, highlighting the intersection of music and personal narratives, including references to notable figures in the genre.

The New York rap group De La Soul has released a new album titled 'Cabin in the Sky,' honoring their late member Trugoy.

The article discusses the complexities of the German rapper Haftbefehl, portraying him as both a controversial figure and an idol among his peers in the rap scene.

A rap song that went viral on TikTok became an involuntary dramatic soundtrack during a New Year's Eve fire in Crans-Montana, which claimed the life of DJ Mateo Lesguer.

Serbian rapper Klinac (Đorđe Čarkić) has released his album 'Icarus' after more than three years, expressing gratitude to his collaborators on Instagram.

The French rap metal band Rise of the Northstar, formed in 2008, has gained significant recognition through extensive touring in Europe and the Americas.

Calbo, co-founder of the influential French rap group Ärsenik, passed away at 53, as announced by his family.