Explore Hip Hop History in Google Maps [APP]

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It's called "The Rap Map," and its database is by far strongest in New York City. That's partly because New York City is an important locale in hip hop history, but we have to admit we're a little disappointed with the volume of entries for Los Angeles and Chicago, two other cities with incredible histories documented in rap music.

That said, the map is less than a week old and users can suggest locations, so the entries will probably expand in the future.

The app was created by Rap Genius, a website dedicated to the history, meanings and stories embedded in hip hop song lyrics. It's a natural extension for the website's mission, of course, and just another neat example of how web apps like Google Maps and the developer tools that come with them can be used creatively.