Who says the sequel is rarely better than the original? We did a deep dive into the history of various rap series and picked out 21 of the best hip-hop sequels of all time. In hip-hop, being original and able to bring something new to the table is a major crux to success and survival. … Read moreThe 21 Best Hip-Hop Sequels of All Time
Behind The Beat is a new series where we talk to rap producers about the making of their most iconic beat. For our second edition, we speak with Ski Beatz, who crafted Camp Lo’s iconic single “Luchini AKA This Is It.” Hip-hop had never seen anything quite like Camp Lo before. The Bronx rap duo, … Read moreBehind the Beat: Ski Beatz & Camp Lo Created a New Language…
The fourth season of Fargo chronicles the legacy of American Gangs, while also highlighting white supremacy and capitalism’s role in that legacy. A staple of the Fargo extended universe is its opening — the “This is a true story” title card. But the events are never true. Perhaps a grisly murder is ripped from a local newspaper’s metro … Read more‘Fargo’ Season 4 Shows How White Supremacy And Capitalism Birthed America’s Underworld
New tunes this Mixtape Monday from ROOFTOPS, Thijsenterprise, Ayotheartist, Ben Hixon x Stefan Ringer and more. Amsterdam collective ROOFTOPS is up top with the first volume of their self-titled series, Thijsenterprise is back with Lahringen and Ayotheartist drops off Jazzlexia. Ben Hixon and Stefan Ringer team on Back Seat Driver. Rasheed Chappell and Buckwild are … Read moreMixtape Monday: ROOFTOPS, Thijsenterprise, Ayotheartist, Ben Hixon + More
Consider supporting Black art on Black Friday by shopping these books. This past summer, as Black Lives Matter protests erupted across the globe, it became evident that racism and anti-Blackness aren’t regulated to policing but through all industries. Book publishing is no exception. While the conversations about Black people’s relationship with police pivoted to conversations … Read more15 Books By Black Authors to Support on Black Friday
Featuring psychedelic folk retrospectives, unearthed live and studio recordings from jazz giants, first-ever vinyl issues of early work from hip-hop icons, glimpses at guitar gods moments before their breakout, and almost too much more. Once a biannual event, Record Store Day 2020 has officially taken over the last quarter of the year. And on Black … Read moreThe Essentials: Record Store Day 2020 (Black Friday Edition)
The price points on entry-level samplers and sequencers have, arguably, never been more affordable. With the country’s COVID numbers soaring, there’s a solid (veering towards imminent) chance a lot of you are about to (once again,) have a good bit of time on your hands in the not too distant future. Grappling with the first … Read moreEight Samplers Under $300 for Producers on a Budget
Beyoncé leads with the most Grammy nominations in nine different categories, Megan Thee Stallion also receives her first set of nominations. This year has been a lot to cope with. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and the election, we’ll be glad when it finally comes to an end. As all music lovers know, the Grammy nominations … Read more2021 Grammy Nominations Full List: Megan Thee Stallion, Pop Smoke, Beyoncé &…
Ahead of the 20-year anniversary of Mama’s Gun, a retrospective look on why Erykah Badu’s sophomore album is better than her debut. “Never expect anything from an artist because we like to change and grow. Music is therapy and depending on what I need, that’s what I put out. I never underestimate the audience’s ability … Read moreErykah Badu’s ‘Mama’s Gun’ Is Better Than ‘Baduizm’
We caught up with Steve McQueen, director of the five-part anthology series Small Axe, who discussed the importance of Black storytelling throughout the Diaspora. While the global pandemic has severely changed the film industry, Steve McQueen has managed to curate a plethora of stories about the diversity of the Black Diaspora. The Academy Award-winning director … Read moreSteve McQueen: “It’s My Duty to Tell The Truth About the Black…