Task: To select a current article from a magazine and explain what it expresses.

I had purchased a Hip Hop magazine named 'The Source'.

A current rapper, J. Cole is explaining what it means to be told he lacks persona. He states that his persona will develop as it is still quite early in his music career, and also gives an example of the Hip Hop legend Tupac (explaining the development in Tupac's career.)

There is only a brief outline of how and where J. grew up in his childhood. He mentions his childhood quite a lot and this is shown in his lyrics and is highlighted through his Songs. I believe this is a major convention in the world of  Hip Hop, many music artists demonstrate this as they usually rap about their childhood and past life.

J. Cole names some of the influences he has had, ranging from the Hip Hop figure Nas (Nasty Nas) to his parents CD collection, J. explains that his influences have surely made an impact on his life and his preference of Hip Hop.
It could be said that almost every music artist has/have had influence on another artist/s so this  idea of influence would be another major convention of Hip Hop.