Donna-Claire Chesman

The 100 Best Rap Albums Of All-Time List – As Rock Albums

“They’d never have the balls to do this to rock music.” Son Raw dissects and inverts the new canon.

Nov 14, 2025 • Son Raw

Underground & Off-Air: New Book ‘Hip-Hop Rising’ Captures the Essence of ’90s Rap

LA transplants Martin Pearson and Deverill Weekes catalog one of the last tangible eras of hip-hop history in a new book dedicated to ’90s rap pioneers.

Aug 26, 2025 • Donna-Claire

Capturing the ‘Art of Dancehall’: Walshy Fire Breaks Down His Classic Art Book

Donna-Claire speaks to the DJ/producer about his new art book, the importance of capturing DIY spirit in an AI-dominated world and more.

May 21, 2025 • Donna-Claire

How Lil Wayne Shaped Emo Rap: An Excerpt from Donna-Claire's "CRYBABY"

Donna-Claire's new book is available for pre-order now and out on January 21st, 2025, via Permuted Press.

Dec 11, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: Unraveling Jessica Pratt’s ‘Here in the Pitch’

For the latest edition of Soundcheck, Donna-Claire highlights how singer-songwriter Jessica Pratt has come full circle, fully embedding herself in the…

Jun 17, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: FearDorian’s Electric And Noisy Debut

For the latest edition of Soundcheck, Donna-Claire highlights FearDorian's unwavering clarity across his debut album –– backed by experimental vocal…

Apr 3, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: Mk.gee Captures the Sound of Longing

For the latest Soundcheck column, Donna-Claire dives into Mk.gee setting out to reclaim guitar music on his debut album, exploring heartbreak and…

Feb 26, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: Boldy James & Nicholas Craven’s Story of Survival

In the latest Soundcheck column, Donna-Claire reflects on Boldy James rapping with the most conviction of his his career across Penalty of Leadership…

Feb 14, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: Isaiah Rashad’s "Cilvia Demo" Turns 10

In the latest edition of Soundcheck, Donna-Claire reflects on Isaiah Rashad's debut album Cilvia Demo turning 10 years old – highlighted by angst and…

Jan 31, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: Bruiser Wolf Drops 2024's First Great Rap Album

For the latest edition of Soundcheck, Donna-Claire dives into the charismatic reflections of Detroit's Bruiser Wolf that shine across his second album…

Jan 23, 2024 • Donna-Claire

Raise the Flag: An Interview With Wiki

Donna-Claire speaks to the New York emcee about his latest album 14K Figaro reflecting his journey & patterns of destructive behaviour, rapping as a…

Dec 11, 2023 • Donna-Claire

Soundcheck: Cash Bently’s Corridos Unlock a Well of Memories

In the newest edition of Soundcheck, Donna-Claire highlights the universal language of bleeding hearts expressed across Cash Bently's latest album…

Nov 16, 2023 • Donna-Claire

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