Lily Mercer is the editor and publisher of Viper Magazine.

Viper is a magazine born out of frustration. We’ve entered an era in which Hip Hop press is at its least intelligent. Major titles have begun to resemble pamphlets, in which the main features are irrelevant.

Boasting rap dinosaurs on a conveyor belt of magazine covers, their significance is dwindling. Noticing that indie music and fashion magazines have begun to cover Hip Hop in a more thoughtful and interesting way, Viper seeks to boost underground Hip Hop and the culture surrounding it. Named after a slang term once used by William Burroughs, Viper is dedicated to rap fans and supporters of cult scenes worldwide.

Combining her love of Hip Hop with her love of fashion and street culture, the magazine is the brainchild of Lily Mercer and an extension of her journalism and weekly Rinse FM show. Viper will include the musicians regularly featured on her radio show and blog, which is a Pandora’s box of unsigned and underground Hip Hop.

The magazine intends to explore the culture surrounding the music scene in both the UK and US, with elements of the lifestyle surrounding it. Focusing on musicians in the early stages of their careers, Viper will showcase the future stars, plus clothing lines and brands relevant to the music scene.

The print and online magazine is available in the UK and US, where we are stocked in over 50 stores in 17 states. The second issue features Kali Uchis, Denzel Curry, Ian Connor, Kilo Kish, Lucki Eck$, Remy Banks, Mike Schrieber, SLVSTR, Ashley Outrageous, Maxo Kream, 2080s, ItsNate, SaveMoney and more. Also featured inside the magazine are articles on Rap’s Animated Icons, The Godly Delusions of rappers, Rebore Couture and Tweets, Rhymes & Life, which breaks down the evolution of celebrity stalking. Here’s a link to the trailer for the issue: https://vimeo.com/87108296

The first issue featured London producer, Darq E Freaker on the cover, plus US rappers, Gita, Remy Banks and GrandeMarshall. Also featured are intelligent, in-depth articles about spirituality in Hip Hop, the significance of rap merchandise, Chicago’s current music scene and, naturally, an ode to Cam’ron’s Diplomats chain.

The Spring Issue of Viper Magazine featured Kali Uchis, Denzel Curry, Ian Connor, Kilo Kish, Lucki Eck$, Remy Banks, Mike Schrieber, SLVSTR, Ashley Outrageous, Maxo Kream, 2080s, ItsNate, SaveMoney and more. Also featured inside the magazine are articles on Rap’s Animated Icons, The Godly Delusions of rappers, Rebore Couture and Tweets, Rhymes & Life, which breaks down the evolution of celebrity stalking.

The Summer Issue of Viper Magazine featured ScHoolboy Q on a cover designed by Ill Jill. His T.D.E label-mate Sza also appears in the issue, in addition to Vic Mensa, Tinashe, Rejjie Snow, Chynna, JunglePussy, Phaze, Cozz, Denzel Himself, Black Mack, Smoko Ono and more. The issue was themed the Sex Issue, so expect articles exploring theories on sex and gender, not to mention light-hearted articles comparing two of the greatest tell-all books in rap history, and a cross-examination of the top rap couples and chocolate bars.

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