Your Hairstyle Can Cost You Your Life In Brazil
Brazil’s Black hair revolution continues — despite increased danger of police violence
The Best of Level
Nothin' but the hits.
How Eminem Conquered Black Music (and White Privilege) With ‘The Marshall Mathers LP’
Looking back on the racial politics of a certified hip-hop classic, 20 years later
The YouTuber Turning Black Men’s Hair Care into Video Gold
William Humphrey isn’t just entertaining his hundreds of thousands of subscribers — he’s showing that hair care can be self-care
The Undisputed Ranking of Every Black ‘Saturday Night Live’ Cast Member
There may be only 20 of them in the show’s 45-year history, but all deserve their flowers
The Untold History of Oakland’s Soul Beat, a Pioneer Among Black-Owned TV Networks
Channel 37 wasn’t just one of the first Black-owned stations in the country — it was a launchpad for Bay Area stars
How the Durag Beat Both Respectability Politics and Gentrification
How a simple means for protecting…
Buju Banton Will Not Be Buried Alive
The dancehall legend on coronavirus, marijuana legalization, and legacy
The Real-Deal, No-Bullshit Truth About Hair Loss
From myths and misconceptions to science and surgery, we explore why some men go from Buju to Baldie — and what we can do about it
Outgrowing Drake Is the Generation Gap We Didn’t Predict
I was 22 when ‘So Far Gone’ changed music. Now I’m 34, and my life feels different — but Drake hasn’t changed at all
Teddy Riley Took Him Viral, But Breyon Prescott Was Already a Big Deal
The songwriter and storied music executive speaks on his extensive career
The Undisputed Ranking of Black Hair Styles
32 cuts, each showcasing the infinite depth of our follicles and artistry.
How ‘Dave’ Delivered the Best Television Episode of the Year
‘Hype Man,’ the show’s breakout…
The Mean Girl of Morehouse Returns
Ten years ago, I wrote a story that changed lives forever—including my own. I went back to examine the wreckage
Instagram After Dark Is Getting Sexy
The experience is virtual, but the spectacle — and moneymaking —…
City of Pain
In a powerful fable for our times, a traveler arrives in a strange city during a crisis
Nipsey Hussle’s Final Act Continues: Fighting Gentrification
The marathon continues for the Crenshaw icon’s fight for financial empowerment
Nipsey Hussle Changed His World and Inspired a Generation That Will Do the Same
The late Los Angeles rapper’s legacy is undying — and still unfolding
The Brooklyn Barbershop That Survived Three Pandemic Events
Crown Heights’ X-Clusive made it through…
The Story Behind the Greatest Quarantine Party of 2020
Over 100 thousand people attended Derrick…
Jadakiss and Jae’Won Talk Rap Families, College, and Coffee
The rap legend and his…
The Legend of the Biggie Belt
Twenty-three years ago, The Notorious B.I.G. left his 52-inch belt at ‘The Source’ magazine weeks before he died. Nine Keepers of the Belt kept it safe and secret. Why was this accessory so important?
The Accidental Success and Freaky Legacy of ‘Wait (The Whisper Song)’
15 years ago, the Ying Yang Twins created a raunchy rap classic with a surprising shelf life
How to Master Collecting Art, According to Swizz Beatz
The king collector breaks down his guidelines for acquiring work that will grow with you
How it Feels to Live With AIDS For 30 Years
Three decades ago, Christopher Cunningham was diagnosed with AIDS—yet he’s still here to share his story
Tyler Perry Is Ready to Defend Himself
The writer-director hears everything you say about him — and he’s got answers
The Official NBA Hair Power Rankings
Ball is life, but so is a fresh cut. Which team’s cut game…
Was This the Decade Hip-Hop Finally Moved Past Its Homophobia?
Looking back at all the artists who…
A Definitive Guide to the Modern Bro, From Ironic Rap to Mega-Woke
White dudes think they see themselves in me. They have no idea.
Jay-Z Is About to Redefine What a Man’s Fifties Look Like
Shawn Carter has rewritten the playbook and outgrown men twice his age. Does a billionaire have anything left to prove?
Frank Lucas Told Me Not to Forgive Anyone
So I never forgave him. Asked to say some kind words at his funeral, I respectfully declined. Here is the eulogy I should have delivered.