How KRS-One’s ‘Sound of Da Police’ Went From Anti-Cop Anthem to Theme Song and Back Again
The 1993 song reinvigorated the rap legend’s career — and against all odds became a Hollywood (and police) favorite
The Best of Level
Nothin' but the hits.
How Covid-19 Killed Live Shows and Rappers’ Incomes
With touring accounting for more than half an artist’s income, people have been forced to get creative.
A Definitive Guide to Black Trump Supporters
Forewarned is forearmed. Grab your binoculars.
Chuck D Wants a Black Woman in the White House
The revolution is being televised and it’s still scary for Black folks. PE’s fearless leader believes it’s time for men to step aside.
The Man Whose Surveillance Camera Sparked a National Uprising
The footage taken outside Dragon Wok…
The Battle to Defeat Robert E. Lee in a Kentucky Town
One war veteran and attorney — and, yes…
Is This the End of the Dap?
Even as we begin to re-enter the world together, a small — but crucial — element of male friendship will be missing. And we may never get it
Your Hairstyle Can Cost You Your Life In Brazil
Brazil’s Black hair revolution continues — despite increased danger of police violence
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
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
Tyler Perry Is Ready to Defend Himself
The writer-director hears everything you say about him — and he’s got answers