Dreamville/Interscope Most aspiring rappers view signing a deal with a major record label as confirmation that they’ve made it big—more like a finish line than a fresh beginning. Once the ink dries, these artists can lose the sense of hustle that landed them their spot in the first place. Luckily, J. Cole protégé Cozz doesn’t subscribe to that kind […]
One of the forefathers of the turntablism movement, Rob Swift, gave a keynote speech on “research and teaching as it pertains to the art of DJing” at Indiana University this week. Rob is a co-founder of one of the most influential DJ crews of all time, the X-Ecutioners. That famed New York City squad began […]
The inquisitive members of the Beyhive are on the case again. Some fans spotted a Ticketmaster page pop up in the U.S. and U.K. that seemed to feature Beyoncé and JAY-Z before it was removed. That was enough to get people excited, and start speculating if another joint tour for the couple is secretly in the works. A […]
Rapper Da Brat has announced that she will star in a stage adaptation of the 1996 hood classic, Set It Off. The veteran rapper-actress will play Queen Latifah’s memorable character Cleopatra “Cleo” Sims. Joining her in the play will be R&B singer Latoya Luckett and actresses Kyla Pratt and Demetria McKinney. Playwright Je’Caryous Johnson is […]
It’s been five years since we’ve gotten a new album from Janelle Monáe—but the wait is over. The singer has returned with two tracks from her upcoming album, Dirty Computer, “Make Me Feel” and “Django Jane.” After delving into film, with notable turns in movies including Hidden Figures and Moonlight, Monae is back flexing her creative music muscles with […]
Dr. Dre celebrates his 53rd birthday today (Feb. 18) and the legendary hip-hop producer has a lot to celebrate. Not only is he a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (as a member of N.W.A), Dr. Dre was also enshrined into the 2018 Grammy Hall of Fame back in January. But before he was […]
This past weekend, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) revealed that he and Talib Kweli are reuniting for a sophomore Black Star album. Meanwhile, another late ’90s Hip-Hop squad finally debuts new music with its founding lineup. Dr. Octagon returns with Kool Keith, Dan The Automator, and DJ QBert. Moosebumps: An Exploration Into Modern Day Horripilation […]
Before popular hip-hop influenced clothing brands like Rocawear, Enyce, P.Miller, and Sean John, there was FUBU. The company burst onto the hip-hop scene in 1992, and paved the way for the urban clothing lines that would come after. On March 24, 1989, Daymond John, who had just turned 20, hit the streets of Queens, New York and began selling […]
For 20 years, Diddy has been revolutionizing the fashion game with his Sean John clothing line. To celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary, the rap mogul has teamed up with the estate of legendary painter Jean-Michel Basquiat to launch a special apparel release. The Sean John x Basquiat collection boasts some of Basquiat’s famous paintings embroidered […]
Frank Ocean dropped off a surprise new song, a cover of “Moon River.” The track was originally performed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The song is Frank’s first release of 2018, although he’s previously hinted that more new music will be dropping this year. Back in January, the elusive singer went on […]
