Rap

Lyricists’ take on the ongoing rap battle between Shaq and Dame

Who is the better raplete, Shaquille O’Neal or Damian Lillard?

Finally, Meek Mill confronts freedom as an artist and an activist

For the first time in his adult life, the rapper can look from the outside at the crippling criminal justice system

Wu-Tang is really forever

Through all the bickering, they will always be family

As the VMAs honor Missy Elliott, her triumphant return reminds us of who she is as an artist

From a pop-up museum to a new project to a Vanguard Award to the 18th anniversary of losing Aaliyah, this weekend is an emotional roller coaster

Happy birthday to Kurtis Blow, the original ‘King of Rap’

‘The Breaks,’ ‘Christmas Rappin,’’ ‘If I Ruled the World’ made him rap’s first major solo star

Lil Nas X and Blanco Brown show that cultural appropriation ain’t nothin’ but a G thang

In the debate over profiting from black creativity, these country singers prove that turnabout is fair play

A$AP Rocky case shows the discomfort of fighting for freedom

Wanting black folks free means freeing even those we disagree with

2Pac’s birthday, GOATs and how we get hip-hop wrong

Tupac’s place in hip-hop history was never about being the best rapper. It was always about his artistry.

The 20 greatest hip-hop tours of all time

Our ranking, inspired by all the great rap acts on the road this summer, is 100% correct