Publisher: The Rap Up - It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop

About Us The Rap Up first launched in 2002 as a message board dedicated to hip-hop music, back when there were only a handful of sites covering hip-hop and urban culture. We switched to the blog format in April of 2005. Since then, what was once a puppy has grown into a beast. It’s natural to think: “Well, there are tons of hip-hop blogs out there covering rap music and urban culture. What sets The Rap Up aside?” For starters, here at The Rap Up, we’re more interested in examining the world around us through the lens of hip-hop, hence our motto “It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop.” (90s babies will also recognize that as the title of a dead prez classic.) The Rap Up not only tells you the “whats” of hip-hop but the “whys” and the “hows.” Our goal is to be a friend to the rap fiend and a translator for the confused. While TRU was created and founded by Henry “Rizoh” Adaso, editing and writing duties are handled by a crew of seasoned writers. The diversity of our writing team (fondly known as TRU Nation) spans the globe and helps keep TRU fresh and exciting. TRU has been cited in various media outlets, including VIBE and XXL, as one of the best destinations for hip-hop coverage. In 2009, we were voted the Best Hip-Hop Blog by a panel of judges at the Black Weblog Awards. If you would like to send us an editorial pitch, tips, or food, please contact us at therapup@gmail.com. Staff Founder/Editor-in-Chief: Rizoh (@rizoh) Managing Editor: Jaap van der Doelen (@jmonkey) Writers: Aaron McKrell Andrew Schweizer (@andrewschweizer) Barbie Bardot (@barbiebardot27) Enigmatik (@enigmatikbgdb) Ivan Rott (@ivanrott) John Dukes (known to his mom an’ pops as Chris van Gorp) Khal Sharpton (@khal) Nahshon Landrum (@nahshon) Sketch the Journalist (@sketchthej) Zillz (@zillz)