Freelance journalist. Words at Guardian, Billboard, BBC, Dazed, Pitchfork, Telegraph, Vice, New Statesman, GQ, Wired, Time Out, LWL, Okayplayer, FT, Huck etc. Email: thobbsword@gmail.com
Passionweiss: The POW Best Albums of 2022
I wrote about ALPHA PLACE by Knucks for Passionweiss definitive ranking of the best records to be released in 2022.
Dazed: Five songs that prove we’re all still living in Chief Keef’s world
Ahead of the release of the expanded edition of Finally Rich, we explore Sosa’s titanic presence across US hip hop culture.
Okayplayer: The 22 Best Albums of 2022
I wrote about records by Ravyn Lenae and Roc Marciano / The Alchemist (pictured) for Okayplayer's Best Albums of 2022' list.
Passionweiss: The POW Best Rap Songs of 2022
I wrote about 03 Greedo and BlueBucksClan's "Pourin", which has a Mike Free beat that's addictive as hell. Free Greedo.
Okayplayer: 'Behind the Beat' - EZ Elpee on How Capone-N-Noreaga’s “Bloody Money” Sent a Chill Through Hip-Hop
The criminally underrated EZ Elpee was the producer behind “Bloody Money”, the dark heart of Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report. For our latest Behind the Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with the Bronx beatmaker about why CNN still resonates all these years later.
Daily Telegraph: A review of Isomonstrosity
An experimental record that combines classical and hip hop for mixed, but ultimately fascinating, results.
Okayplayer: Atlanta Rapper Tony Shhnow Wants to Take You on a Trip
For the last First Look Friday of 2022, we talk to Tony Shhnow about relating to the outcasts, the concepts of heaven and hell, the pitfalls of pride, and aiming for a billion dollars.
Dazed: Living in slow motion - five songs that illustrate the genius of DJ Screw
As a biopic about the legendary Houston producer is announced, Thomas Hobbs provides a guide to his mind-altering discography.
Daily Telegraph: A review of Fousheé's 'softCORE'
A review of the latest from one of pop's brightest hopes.
Huck Magazine: Weyes Blood wants you to let go
As she gears up for the release of her new album, the singers talks spirituality, grieving, and existential dread with Thomas Hobbs.
Daily Telegraph: A review of 'King's Disease III' by Nas and Hit-Boy
I reviewed the latest Nas album.
BBC Culture: How 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' demonised older women
The Bette Davis/Joan Crawford film led to a sub-genre of "Hagsploitation" horror featuring seasoned female stars as villains – but did this benefit or demean them, asks Thomas Hobbs.
Mixmag: Sam Quealy's X-rated techno-pop will fuck with your head
Sam Quealy's unhinged tracks and live shows are sending dancefloors into delirium. She speaks to Thomas Hobbs about creativity between the lines.
Okayplayer: 'Behind The Beat' - How Mos Def & Diamond D made “Hip Hop”
Released just over 23 years ago, “Hip Hop” sits at the epicenter of Mos Def’s classic debut, Black On Both Sides. For the 13th Behind the Beat, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Diamond D, the mastermind behind the classic track.
Daily Telegraph: A review of Flohio's 'Out of Heart'
My review of the South London female emcee's debut album.