‘Your favourite rappers are only alive because of our sacrifices’: the secret life of rap bodyguards

From 2Pac in the 90s to XXXTentacion and more in recent years, murder is frequent in the US rap scene. The men trying to protect the artists explain the physical and psychological toll

Four arrested in shooting death of Florida rapper Julio Foolio

Authorities allege members of two different gangs were involved in the killing, with one suspect still at large

Womad festival review – wildly entertaining treasure trove for adventurous music fans

Radically inclusive global lineup includes Sampa the Great’s feminist pizzazz, Young Fathers’ twisted genre-splicing and Bixiga 70’s full-tent conga

Post your questions for LL Cool J

As he prepares to release The Force, his first album in over a decade, the rapper and actor will take on your questions

Childish Gambino: Bando Stone and the New World review – a frenetic farewell

Donald Glover’s final album as his maverick hip-hop alter ego suffers from overstuffing, with a blend of genres and guests that muffles its impact

Ice Spice: Y2K! review – a masterclass in outrageous party trap

It’s all killer, no filler on the Bronx MC’s long-awaited debut album

Mustard: Faith of a Mustard Seed review – lacking in spice

The fourth album from Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us producer features cloying love songs, odes to Mom and thanks to God

Ice Spice: Y2K! review – wilfully trashy wordplay from wily new rap star

The US star’s subject matter is lightweight and this debut album only lasts 23 minutes, but funny, snotty lines abound and the music is often viscerally exciting

Mercury prize 2024: Charli xcx, the Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons among nominees

The British music industry’s award for outstanding albums features eight debuts, from the likes of Nia Archives and Barry Can’t Swim, as the prize fails to find a sponsor

Megan Thee Stallion review – positivity bootcamp with a rapper on fire

Despite her well-documented troubles and more than a few empty seats, the American star rises above it all with a skilful, celebratory show and seemingly endless pyrotechnics…

One to watch: Bad With Phones

After a car crash and a two-year break, the south London bassist and producer releases his trippy, redemptive debut album

Drake’s Toronto mansion seriously flooded amid record-breaking storms

Rapper films muddy water pouring through 50,000 sq ft home, quipping ‘this better be espresso martini’

Wireless festival review – Ice Spice, Asake and Doja Cat triumph on gappy bill

With some regrettable absences and a premature close, the weekend is redeemed by explosive sets and starry surprise guests such as Central Cee

Song of the summer 2024: writers pick their tracks of the season

From Sabrina Carpenter to Kendrick Lamar, Guardian writers pick out the songs that will be soundtracking their barbecues for the summer

Critic’s pick: Agung Mango, the genre-smashing rapper leaping through time and space

The Melbourne artist belongs to new wave of psychedelic Australian hip-hop – and his new album excavates his cultural lineage in profound, explosive ways