Backseat Freestyle

From hip-hop journalist Jayson Rodriguez (Vevo, XXL, MTV News). Featuring an original essay + a roundup of links to music, news, videos, pods and more. Fresh every Friday!

Featured

Podcast

Apr 3, 2025

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13 min read

Playboi Carti Is For The Children

Where the conversation goes wrong when talking about Carti's 'MUSIC.'

Jayson Rodriguez

Women In Rap Are Writing Their Own Stories, Men Want A Handmaid’s Tale

Jul 30, 2023

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15 min read

Women In Rap Are Writing Their Own Stories, Men Want A Handmaid’s Tale

Can men in rap please let women rappers live in current times?

Jayson Rodriguez

May 10, 2023

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17 min read

I'm Not White, I'm Jack Harlow!

The story of 'Jackman' and the politics behind white rappers.

Jayson Rodriguez

Latest

Jul 13, 2026

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6 min read

Refocusing the Life and Times of S. Carter

Jay-Z told us he's a business, man, not a businessman. So he returned with product to put the emphasis back on what he does best rather than his occasional mess/miss.

Jayson Rodriguez