William E. Ketchum III is a multimedia journalist who covers music, TV/film, pop culture, race, and social justice.
For The Record: The "Thug Life" Awakening Of 2Pac's 'All Eyez On Me' At 25
There are plenty of idioms about the importance of perseverance through hard times. But as 2Pac sat in a prison cell in fall 1995, he just needed an ally.
How Netflix’s New Biggie Smalls Documentary Tells the Origin Story of Christopher Wallace
The creative team behind Biggie: I Got a Story To Tell explain how they unearthed stories about Biggie that even his closest friends and family didn’t know, address criticism of the doc, and talk about getting live-texts from Jay-Z.
On 'Plugs I Met 2,' Benny The Butcher Is Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud, Up Front
Once the underdog of Griselda, in recent years, Benny the Butcher's made moves, launching a sports agency and a label. But back in November, he was severely injured.
TIDAL Backstory: Royce 5’9”
The Detroit titan reflects on ambition, ability, gratitude, sobriety and a handful of his definitive recordings.
RUN-D.M.C. - Live at Montreux 2001
RUN-D.M.C. is one of the true pioneers of rap music. This concert from Montreux in 2001, the group’s only appearance at the festival, captures the trio at its very best.
Making Sense of Common
At 48, he’s considered rap’s ambassador outside its borders. That doesn’t mean he wants to be seen as “safe.”
A Spin Through One Be Lo’s Prolific Career
A guide to the work of One Be Lo, one of rap’s most creative, thoughtful lyricists.
Lyric Jones Chooses Herself On “Closer Than They Appear”
Boston rapper Lyric Jones nearly walked away from her career before recording her latest album.
Chika on her hometown, her competition, and being nominated for Best New Artist
"I'm the youngest of my family, I'm from Alabama, my parents are immigrants. If you don't say it with your chest, nobody is going to take you seriously," the Grammy-nominated rapper tells EW.
“It Should’ve Been Way Bigger:” Pop Smoke’s Label Boss Steven Victor Isn’t Satisfied with One Grammy Nomination
Pop Smoke’s Label Boss Steven Victor Isn’t Satisfied with One Grammy Nomination
Learning How to Be Self-Sufficient From the Most Important Producer of 2020
Sometimes the best lessons come from the bumps and bruises along the way
Buffalo Boom Bap: A Griselda Primer
An introduction to the crew and their essential recordings.
Two Albums Later, Jay Electronica's Mystique Remains
Any music industry professional, journalist, or even fan knows that an artist’s story is just as important as their music. And as long as we’ve known who Jay Electronica is, that has rung true.
The future belongs to Westside Gunn
How a 38-year-old Buffalo, N.Y. native became rap's most enticing star.