Why Rappers Love Joy Division
If rappers are the new rock stars perhaps it’s because so many of them seem to be cognizant of the old ones. On Tuesday, Danny Brown (left), one of rap’s most interesting voices, released his new album, “Atrocity Exhibition,” named after a Joy Division song (itself named after the book by JG Ballard). Brown has a longstanding relationship with the band. In a 2013 Guardian interview, he cited Ian Curtis (center) as an influence, and the band have informed his music since 2011’s album XXX. Rapper Vince Staples (right) has also delved into Joy.
