Features

When filmmaker Sadé Clacken Joseph was coming of age in the Bronx as a first-generation American in a Caribbean immigrant household, she never would have guessed that her no-nonsense mother would eventually become her biggest cheerleader. Especially while she makes her way in the world as a creative.

Black women have always stood at the center of all musical movements in this world. From as early as Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, to Betty Davis and Donna Summer, they’ve created and contributed to the direction of Rock, Soul, Disco, Hip-Hop and R&B even when their impact wasn’t acknowledged or respected.

Many notable figures have gone on to make lasting impacts in society after serving. Over the years, there have been plenty of politicians, actors, and sports figures that got a jump-start on militancy, and surprisingly enough, the same can be said for key figures in Hip-Hop.

The three main male stars of 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles'—P’Jae Compton, Jerrold Smith II, and Jordan Bentley—are all in different phases of their life and career and somehow the show still manages to be more about them as men.

It’s been about 18 months since Stunna Girl’s “Runway” hit peak levels on the short-form video app TikTok and she’s still one of the first in line to rep for her hometown of Sacramento.

The success of past hits like “Big” featuring Rubi Rose and her most recent single “Bailar” have provided the necessary momentum and the only way to go from here is up.

Big Sant and Redcoat Da Poet, of the Atlanta-based rap duo 2 Player, are well aware of the fact that there’s nothing new under the sun. One recent afternoon in a North Atlanta studio, Coat explained the concept behind 2 Player’s latest project, Retro South, released through the independent imprint Out Da Trunk Productions.

Crown Royal has linked up with the forthcoming Coming 2 America sequel and have included design royalty in the mix. Iconic costume designer Ruth E. Carter was tapped to create a limited-edition Crown Royal x Coming 2 America pack for the whisky brand.

Nate Wade & Kev Hannibal of the Hip-Hop duo GUMBO Music were raised in North Carolina & New York City, respectively, but didn’t end up meeting until they were both on the other side of the world. Now based in Australia, the two men have forged a friendship rooted in fatherhood, expatriate experiences and Hip-Hop.

At the top of 2020, NLE Choppa was in a different state of mind. Granted, none of us knew what to expect as the year wore on, but as we were all forced to slow down and be still, the Memphis rapper found himself embracing the quiet moments.

Jay-Z might’ve once again run afoul of the culture by criticizing Colin Kaepernick’s handling of his Saturday workout for NFL teams, but the living Hip-Hop legend continues to do good for those in need and this past weekend was no different.

Considering all the wayward individuals and struggle rappers that continue to crowd our culture, there has never been a bigger need for a Hip-Hop council—an official Board of Directors. Yes, let’s talk about it.