William E. Ketchum III is a multimedia journalist who covers music, TV/film, pop culture, race, and social justice.
Show & Prove: BabyDrill
Not too many rising artists had their first tour overseas as an opening act for 21 Savage, received a congratulatory call from Future about their music moving around Atlanta, and fielded Instagram messages from singer Miley Cyrus, The Kid Laroi and Yeat asking to collaborate on new songs. Yet that’s the case for 22-year-old rapper BabyDrill.
Rapsody Had to Be Fearless
“The beautiful thing about this album is I got to learn how I can allow myself to be human, and still keep the really important things that I want to keep to myself.“
Drake and Kendrick's Rap Battle Is Defining Hip-Hop’s Future
The moment’s ability to infiltrate conversations outside of the usual entertainment circles has proved a boon for the genre.
Dee-1 is on a mission to clean up hip-hop. But is his message connecting?
The rapper infuses faith and meaning in his uplifting songs.
Usher’s Road to the Super Bowl
The singer will perform at halftime of the N.F.L.’s championship game in Las Vegas on the heels of his popular career-spanning residency and the release of a new album.
Jim Jones and Maino Join Forces as Lobby Boyz to Discuss New Album, Brotherhood and Rap Groups
Jim Jones and Maino were once former enemies, but they put the past behind them to create a bond that has translated into an album as rap duo Lobby Boyz. Now, the boys are back with a new project.
Benny the Butcher Is Still Sick of Rap Critics
Benny the Butcher on how Snoop helped him sign to Def Jam, his unreleased Drake collab, and why he’s done with overcritical rap fans.
When I Fell in Love With Hip-Hop
At a block party, in a basement, at a funeral. Twenty-five rappers on the moment their lives “changed forever.”
ScarLip Turns Pain Into Power as She Creates Her Debut Project Scars & Stripes
There’s repping for your hood, and then there’s what ScarLip did at Yankee Stadium this past August.
Can Rappers Grow Old In Peace? Why Ageism Is a Neverending Debate in Hip-Hop
BET’s essay series, Uncomfortable Conversations, dives into the ongoing, difficult topics that have dominated and plagued hip-hop for decades. Here, we tackle stereotypes around ageism as we advance the culture.
Diddy Hasn’t Given Up On Love and Doesn’t Want You To Either
In an interview with BET.com, the music mogul explains the source of his philosophy and why it took him 13 years to drop his latest project, “The Love Album: Off the Grid.”
Inside Method Man's Silent Battle With Depression
While women were fawning over the hip-hop icon, he was learning to love himself.
Killer Mike Finally Realizes Who He Is — And His Latest Album Is His Most Personal Yet
The Atlanta rapper took his fans on a spiritual journey on his album “Michael” and crafted his summer tour like a revival at a Southern church.
‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ Turns 25: How a Classic Debut Galvanized a Generation of Black Women and Changed Hip-Hop
Whether it’s the duality of singing and rapping or the seamless combination of womanhood and spirituality, Ms. Hill’s classic debut continues to offer a blueprint for the next generation.
Toosii Opens Up About the Fight for His Hit ‘Favorite Song’ to Be Released, Bowling With Young Thug and More
Slow and steady wins the race for Toosii, who's having the biggest moment of his career so far.