The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word RAPS
R
A
P
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Criticises/what hip-hop artist does" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case criticises/what hip-hop artist does = raps.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does RAPS mean?
RAPS noun- A sharp blow with something hard.
- Blame for something.
- A charge, whether or not it results in a conviction.
- A casual talk.
- Rap music.
- A song, verse, or instance of singing in the style of rap music.
- An appraisal.
- A positive appraisal; a recommendation.
- To strike something sharply with one's knuckles; knock.
- To strike with a quick blow; to knock on.
- To free (a pattern) in a mould by light blows on the pattern, so as to facilitate its removal.
- To speak (lyrics) in the style of rap music.
- To talk casually; to engage in conversation.
- A lay or skein containing 120 yards of yarn.
- Any of the tokens that passed current for a halfpenny in Ireland in the early part of the eighteenth century; any coin of trifling value.
- A whit; a jot.
- To seize and carry off.
- To transport out of oneself; to affect with rapture.