G Herbo Sessions

Published Jan 07, 2020

Chicago's murder rate has decreased for the third year in a row, yet the effects of gangs, violence and a failing socio-infrastructure are s...

Travis Scott / Various JACKBOYS

Published Jan 07, 2020

In a world that puts aside supergroups (or groups in general) for label collectives, Travis Scott's JACKBOYS serves as an introduction to hi...

The Legacy of Nipsey Hussle

Published Dec 12, 2019

Shocked, confused, angry and devastated were a handful of emotions that zip-lined through the hip-hop community on March 31, 2019. It's a st...

Fat Joe and Dre Family Ties

Published Dec 11, 2019

Nearing the end of the third quarter, Fat Joe, like many veteran rappers in 2019, pulled up with new energy and hunger that had seemingly be...

Lil Nas X and the Challenge to Country Culture

Published Dec 10, 2019

When Solange Knowles released her fourth studio album, When I Get Home, in March 2019, she did it to highlight Black cowboy culture.   "I...

Tory Lanez Honours His Own R&B Golden Years on 'Chixtape 5'

Published Dec 05, 2019

The shape of R&B music is in constant motion, often moving from big body vocals to soft airy whispers within moments. It has a telling histo...

The Regal Life of Queen Bee Lil' Kim

Published Oct 09, 2019

Standing at 4-foot-11, Kimberly "Lil' Kim" Jones has been one of the most revered and feared rappers of her time — not just as a woman who's...

Young M.A Finds Peace Through Vulnerability on Debut 'Herstory in the Making'

Published Oct 01, 2019

"I'm nervous and excited at the same time," Young M.A tells Exclaim! The Brooklyn rapper, who first broke onto the scene with her single "Oo...

​Common Learned How to 'Let Love' Lead Before Dropping His New Album

Published Aug 30, 2019

In his 25 years in the music industry, Chicago rapper Common has taught hard-knock lessons about the streets, community, economic literacy,...

Common Let Love

Published Aug 27, 2019

In a world that seems to be constantly in despair, the glue that bind trials and tribulations is found in one four-letter word: love. Vetera...

Rick Ross on Drake, Nipsey Hussle and the Emotional Extravagance of 'Port of Miami 2'

Published Aug 22, 2019

"I most definitely wanted the album to feel powerful, vintage," asserts Miami rapper Rick Ross. He's sitting for an interview at the Hazelto...

Puffy L'z Take No L'z

Published Aug 15, 2019

Following a two-year musical hiatus to rediscover himself, his faith and his path, Toronto rapper Puffy L'z has returned with his new projec...

Gucci Mane Festival d'été de Quebec, Quebec QC, July 12

Published Jul 15, 2019

Over a career spanning two decades, Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane created and maintained a distinct sound despite the trials and tribulations th...

Logic Festival d'été de Quebec, Quebec QC, July 12

Published Jul 15, 2019

Every crevice of Festival d'été de Québec's main festival grounds was taken up by music fans of all ages on Friday night (July 12), and it w...

Jazz Cartier Festival d'été de Quebec, Quebec QC, July 12

Published Jul 15, 2019

With the announcement that Lil Pump would no longer be joining Festival d'été de Québec early Friday afternoon (July 12), young fans showed...

Daniel Caesar Festival d'été de Québec, Quebec City, July 11

Published Jul 12, 2019

Though he recently released his sophomore album CASE STUDY 01, an album that was not only a surprise to fans but wasn't preceded by a lead s...

Mariah Carey Festival d'été de Québec, Quebec City, July 11

Published Jul 12, 2019

As the dark clouds loomed over Québec City on July 11, a shining light floated onto the main stage at Festival d'été de Québec — the light,...

JD Era Is 'Back from the Dead' and Claiming His Toronto Legacy on New Album

Published Jun 28, 2019

On his new album Back from the Dead, JD Era is filling in the blanks in his legacy — and, at the same time, the legacy of Toronto rap histor...

Five Noteworthy Facts You May Not Know About Lil' Kim

Published May 31, 2019

Lil' Kim was born to captivate. Despite her 4'11" frame, the rapper born Kimberly Jones has consistently held the attention of the music wor...

Myazwe Things I Never Said

Published May 23, 2019

Since the release of his first album, E: My Experiences on Empty, in 2017, Winnipeg rapper Myazwe has explored different sounds and delivery...