William E. Ketchum III
Writer + Editor
William E. Ketchum III is a journalist who covers music, pop culture, race, culture and social justice.
PROJECTS
Okayplayer
A Barbershop is a Black Man's Haven...Tell That to Paper Boi's Barber: 'Atlanta' Season Two Episode Five [Recap]
The only thing as loyal as a black woman to a black man is a black man to his barber. And in the last two episodes of Atlanta, both have been pushed to their limits.
YouTube
Revolt Discussions: Dissecting Misogyny & Rape Culture
The topic of misogyny & rape culture has been pushed to the forefront thanks to campaigns like the #MeToo movement and #TimesUp. REVOLT breaks down the layers of misogyny & rape culture and how cultural journalism can confront the problem; joined by Christina Coleman (Essence), Ivie Ani (OkayPlayer), Natelege Whaley, and Sevonna Brown (Black Women's Blueprint).
Okayplayer
Will Van Learn to Love Herself as Much as She Loves Earn? 'Atlanta' Season Two Episode Four [Recap]
Episode three of Atlanta: Robbin Season (“Helen”) continues a big through-line of the show: characters being thrust into environments and scenarios that are unfamiliar to them.
Okayplayer
Mo Money, Same Problems for Earn & Paper Boi: 'Atlanta' Season Two Episode Three [Recap]
Paper Boi and Earn spent the entire first season of Atlanta working to get the money and recognition they deserve. Success is finally coming in Season two, but with so many caveats it makes me wonder if it’s even worth it.
Detroit Free Press
On 'Fever,' Detroit's Black Milk swerves again to address jittery political times
“I don’t consider this a political album, and I don’t consider myself a political artist. But I feel like it’s impossible, if you consider yourself a true artist in this day and age, to not speak on something that’s going on in the world.”
National Public Radio
Black Milk Gets Stuck In Social Media Trance In 'Laugh Now, Cry Later'
Detroit-bred rapper and producer Black Milk's new video for "Laugh Now Cry Later" plays like an episode of Netflix's sci-fi horror hit Black Mirror, with its incisive commentary on the impact of technology.
Billboard
The Villain Everyone Loved: How 50 Cent's 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' Made Him a Rap God 15 Years Ago
America has always had a soft spot for bad guys, and 50 Cent used that knowledge to create one of the biggest moments in rap history.
Billboard
10 Rapsody Songs You Need to Know
Rapsody may be unfamiliar to some rap listeners, but she’s respected in high places. She’s the protégé and signee of Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, Kendrick Lamar made her the only feature with a guest verse on his benchmark album To Pimp a Butterfly, and she’s managed by JAY-Z’s powerhouse company Roc Nation.
revolt.tv
Big K.R.I.T. talks defeating depression, spirituality, and keeping the devil off
"The older you get, the harder it is to shake it. And then one day, it all just flushes out, and you have to deal with the fact that you’re unhappy."
Okayplayer
A Different #LawrenceHive: How 'Insecure' Made One Of TV’s Best Depictions of Black Mental Health
While the worst days of my depression are behind me, Insecure's arc of Lawrence put me right back in my parents’ basement several years ago – making it one of TV’s best portrayals of mental illness from the black perspective.
Mass Appeal
Why the ‘8 Mile’ Soundtrack Is One of Eminem’s Most Important Releases
Sure, it only has three solo Eminem songs (as well as verses on two posse cuts), but they’re three of the best, most distinctive songs of his career.
Billboard
Smino Interview: St. Louis Rapper on New Album 'blkswn' and Focusing on What Comes Next | Billboard
"I was able to flush out the man-made problems I was having and just really get in touch with my spirit. You just gotta quiet yourself down sometimes,"
Detroit Free Press
Music 'First Day Out' puts Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley on the map
"First Day Out" is Detroit-centric, mentioning streets and slang that only Detroiters would know.
complex
Producer Terrace Martin Explains How Kendrick Arrived at 'Damn,' and Where He's Going Next
Terrace Martin talks about him and Kendrick Lamar's future smash with Rihanna, the decision to make Damn a contemporary rap album, and what Kendrick has in common with Herbie Hancock.
National Public Radio
Watch Kemba's Video For The Song 'Greed' : NPR
In a new video for the song "Greed," the Bronx lyricist spits pensive rhymes about capitalism's winners and losers.