Renewal 2022

The 17 Best J Dilla Beats Of All Time

J Dilla wasn't just your favorite producer's favorite producer, he was also your favorite rapper's favorite producer — and these… Read More

February 7, 2023

How J Dilla’s Relationship with the Strip Club Chocolate City Inspired His Creative Process

Those who knew J Dilla best understood how his love for strip clubs — especially Detroit's now-shuttered Chocolate City —… Read More

November 7, 2022

Meet Jordan L. Jones, The Actor Behind ‘Bel-Air’s’ MF DOOM-Loving Jazz

Jordan L. Jones has become a fan-favorite from the new Bel-Air series for his portrayal of Jazz, Will's confidant and a man… Read More

February 25, 2022

Black Horror Needs To Break Out Of The ‘Get Out’ Mold

Get Out changed what the idea of a horror film — especially a Black horror film — could be. Here's to… Read More

February 24, 2022

‘The Art of Dialogue’ is the Rising YouTube Channel Chronicling 2Pac’s History

We spoke to Mighty Bolton, founder of The Art of Dialogue YouTube Channel, about documenting the life and career of… Read More

February 23, 2022

10 Indie R&B Artists You Should Be Paying Attention To

R&B is far from dead. Artists like JAWAN.MP3, Emmavie, Latanya Alberto and Hunnah are proof that rather than withering away,… Read More

February 18, 2022

What Is Critical Race Theory & How Is The Fight To Ban It Impacting Black Authors?

Critical Race Theory has led to a ban on books that discuss race, gender and sexualtiy, although most critics don't… Read More

February 17, 2022

Damian Lillard’s Cousin Is Helping Him Become The NBA’s Best Rapper

Damian Lillard hopes to use his rap career to invest in the success of others — and his cousin Brookfield… Read More

February 16, 2022

Cousin Stizz Embraces His Status as Rap’s People’s Champ on New Album ‘Just For You’

We spoke with Boston rapper Cousin Stizz about his new album Just For You, going back the independent route, working… Read More

February 11, 2022

Why Erykah Badu’s ‘Baduizm’ Is The Best ’90s Neo-Soul Album

Erykah Badu's Baduizm not only stamped neo-soul's validity but foreshadowed its staying power decades after its invention. The year is 1997,… Read More

February 10, 2022

‘Bel-Air’ Wants To Be More Than ‘Fresh Prince’ Nostalgia — And, So Far, It’s Promising

Bel-Air, the dramatic reboot of the beloved Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series, debuts with its first three episodes on Super Bowl Sunday.… Read More

February 9, 2022

Not Even Keke Palmer Can Save Blundering Slave Revenge Film ‘Alice’ [Review]

Alice made its premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival When it comes to Black history, the pull to make a… Read More

February 7, 2022

The Look of Love: An Introduction to J Dilla, The Rapper

For Dilla Day 2022, we celebrate the deceptively deep catalog of daggering wordplay from J Dilla, an innovative producer who… Read More

February 7, 2022

Ma Dukes Is Determined To Keep J Dilla’s Legacy Alive

With the 15th anniversary of his untimely death approaching, we spoke with J Dilla's mother, Maureen Yancey, better known to… Read More

February 4, 2022

Behind the Beat: Drumma Boy on the Legacy of Jeezy and Kanye West’s Recession-Proof Anthem ‘Put On’

For the first Behind the Beat of 2022, Thomas Hobbs spoke with Drumma Boy about producing Jeezy and Kanye West's… Read More

February 2, 2022

The Most Interesting Takeaways From Lifetime & A&E’s Janet Jackson Documentary

Lifetime and A&E's massive Janet Jackson documentary shines a light on one of pop music's most iconic figures. Here were… Read More

January 31, 2022