The publication was originally a website devoted to hip hop, until Lazerine decided to pitch the possibility of a magazine to several publishers.

The magazine is focused on the hip hop and R&B aspect of the music industry, and predominantly features interviews with artists, actors and other entertainers.

The magazine's first two issues were one time deals, although Lazerine and his brother Cameron received attention for their age and white background.

[citation needed] Rap-Up was founded by Devin Lazerine when he was 15 years old as an after-school hobby;[1] the magazine was an online compendium of hip hop news, gossip and top-ten music lists.

The largest advertisers were ring tone providers, while others included the Navy, clothing labels, videogames, Sony,[4] Black Entertainment Television and Reebok.

[2] In 2008, the magazine released a handbook entitled, Rap-Up: The Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B, which was published by Grand Central Publishing/Hachette Book Group.

"[2] Lou Pitt, a manager and producer of film and television, found that Rap-Up stood out from magazines Vibe, The Source and XXL by showing the mainstream side of performers.