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
History
The Battle to Defeat Robert E. Lee in a Kentucky Town
One war veteran and attorney — and, yes…
Dave Chappelle’s ‘8:46’ Packs 400 Years Into 30 Minutes
The comic’s voice is as eloquent as ever in…
What We Should Have Learned From the L.A. Riots
As the director of a documentary on the Rodney King…
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 Night Little Richard Reminded America He Was the True King of Rock
In 1988, the legend took the stage at the Grammys not to accept an award, but to give one — and to demand what he deserved
Buju Banton Will Not Be Buried Alive
The dancehall legend on coronavirus, marijuana legalization, and legacy
Teddy Riley Took Him Viral, But Breyon Prescott Was Already a Big Deal
The songwriter and storied music executive speaks on his extensive career
7 Non-National Holidays Black Folks Love to Celebrate, Ranked
Issa party, issa party, issa party!
Protesting With Firearms Looks Very Different Depending On Your Race
The Black Panthers carried guns to save their community from police violence. Michigan demonstrators carried guns because they wanted…
The 8 Best Male R&B Groups From the ’90s, Ranked
From supergroups to B-more balladeers, the decade had grown-man emotion music on lock
Prince Was Always A Guitar Hero, No Matter When White Folks Realized It
Posthumous praise from the music establishment is too little, too late
Bill Withers Never Needed Music — But We Needed His
When the soul legend walked away from the industry, he left us with lessons as well as art
38 Years Later: Did You Really Think ‘Ebony and Ivory’ Was a Solution to Racism?
Paul McCartney and…
If You’re Going to Challenge the 1619 Project, Don’t Do It This Way
Conservatives’ “1776 Project” sounds a lot like Bill Cosby’s pound cake speech all over again
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
Thirty Years Ago, ‘Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ’Em’ Changed Everything
But what was it like for Gen-X hip-hop fans in 1990? We convened an old heads summit to discuss
Folks Cancelled Sammy Davis, Jr — but It’s Time to Reinstate Him
Thirty years after his death, the…
The MLK Day of Service Forgets What King Stood For
The federal holiday needs a rebrand
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.
On the Blackness of the Panther
‘In my wildest dreams, there is no king. I killed the king. The king…
The Jungle
On Guns N’ Roses and making nice.
I Met a Nazi on My Vacation
This past August, I vacationed for three weeks with my girlfriend and her…
The Night Is Yours Alone
R.E.M., soul food, and death.