Use these databases to access articles through keyword or journal searches.  IIMP and Music Index will provide more coverage of commercial journals while RILM will provide a more academic approach.

There are four major types of journals to be aware of when researching rap and hip-hop:

1. Commercial journals such as VIBE, Billboard, and The Source.

2.  General new sources such as the New York Times and The Village Voice.  

3. Scholarly journals such as Popular Music and Popular Music and Society.

4. African American Studies publications such as Journal of Black Studies and Ebony.