William E. Ketchum III is a journalist who covers music, TV/film, pop culture, race, and social justice.
Robert Glasper And Little Brother Blend Jazz And “Rap After 40” To Perfection At Blue Note
The Grammy-winning artist welcomed the beloved rap duo for his annual residency.
In Conversation With Mach-Hommy and Black Thought (Pigeons & Planes)
Fresh off the release of his album #RICHAXXHAITIAN, the elusive Mach-Hommy sits down with Black Thought of the legendary Roots crew.
In a rare interview, the two talk about how they connected, balancing art with business, building a long-term career in hip-hop, and being thoughtful about what they choose to share about their personal lives.
Exclusive: LL Cool J on New Album The FORCE: 'We Don't Have To Bow Out'
Ahead of the release of his new album, The FORCE, LL Cool J told Newsweek of his strong desire to keep contributing to the hip-hop culture.
Rap Beef Took a Wildly Different Turn This Year Thanks to Podcasters and Streamers
Things Done Changed
After decades of radio personalities and DJs being the go-to source for sharing inside information and leaking new records, recent beefs revealed a major shift. Podcasters and streamers now hold weight in how music and messages are disseminated.
Beams of Light Traveling at Speeds Unknown: In Conversation With Mach-Hommy and Black Thought
Two hip-hop legends meet face-to-face for a joint interview about privacy vs. access, industry plants, longevity in the rap game, and much, much more.
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.“
How Can Hip-Hop Hold Record Labels More Accountable?
Exploring the long-standing challenges Black artists face with record labels and how hip-hop can push for pivotal change in the industry.
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.
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.
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.