Rap
Culture
Jay Electronica’s ‘A Written Testimony’ is a lesson in defeating anxiety and pressure
‘When I see Jay Electronica needing that nudge to ultimate fulfillment, I see LeBron James’
Culture
Where did the love go? In today’s black pop music, love songs are harder to find
The rise of rap, the influence of streaming on the Billboard charts, and changing perceptions of love all play a part
Culture
Nipsey Hussle’s Grammy triumphs are bittersweet
The late rapper’s two Grammys brought a sense of pride, but the impact of his death changed everything
Culture
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has a woman and LL Cool J problem
From its lack of female artists and snub of the pioneering MC, the music institution has some explaining to do
Culture
Why hasn’t hip-hop had a real Las Vegas residency?
Pop is still top dawg in Sin City, but that could change soon
Culture
Drake reflects on a decade of friction in ‘Rap Radar’ interview
Drake was involved in the decade’s two biggest beefs. What he takes from them is vastly different.
Culture
Album of the decade: Kendrick Lamar’s ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city’
Like ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X,’ the 2012 opus overflows with black rage, fear of abandonment, and a sobering understanding of death and rebirth
Sports
Lil Wayne supports Damian Lillard — on the court and in the studio
‘I told you from the start, he talk about things that matter.’
Culture
Jay-Z turns 50: Music, money and the legacy of Marcy Houses
As the rapper and businessman celebrates a big birthday, an examination of his life’s work thus far